The City Times - April/May 2026

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Times April/May edition.

Well, spring is here with sunnier days and more outdoor events coming up: check out What’s On pages for details of events for the coming month - and remember, if you have any events between 15th May and 14th June then please email them to us for our next edition on either of the email addresses below.

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Paul & Nick

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Advertising

Nick Garner 07970 206682

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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.

Firstly, I am sad to hear that the Art Place in the Meadows is closing its current shop and art space area and are now moving to a smaller unit, still in the Meadows. They are also hoping to relocate everything else they have done and offered to other areas. Knowing Edith, who also runs the Ideas Hub, I am sure she will get it sorted - she is a remarkable person and I am proud to be able to call her a friend.

We currently have this war that no one wanted - except for Trump and Netanyahu it seems. All they have managed to do is get prices pushed right up and kill lots of innocent people.

As spring has finally sprung and blossom is coming out and the birds are now breeding along with the other animals and insects, we can hopefully look forward to a decent summer. There is so much already planned for the outside, so we hope for good weather. We still have lots going on inside as well as you can see if you check out our What’s On guide in here, or you can check online.

The NASA Artemis II mission is going around the moon as I am writing this article and it is good hear that a former pupil of Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Sian Cleaver, is involved. Sian is now a physics and astronomy graduate and was involved in building part of Artemis II and was at the launch of it. A part that she helped to build is the booster that propelled the astronauts to the moon.

This will be the furthest that humans have ever travelled into space and the first time we have gone to the moon in 50 years. Here in Essex we do seem to get involved in most space projects in some way or another which is great, and it shines a light on our scientists as well, I think.

Here are some things to do for summer: I would suggest joining the likes of the National Trust, English Heritage and the RHS. I am sure there many others you can sign up to as well, as well as places like zoos. Ingatestone Hall is now open on Sundays and Wednesdays by the way.

Music

Ronnie Golden (Tony De Meur) played at Hot Box the other week for Black Frog Presents Blues Box. He had us all creasing up with laughter as his stories are so funny. I have known him for almost sixty years now and he was funny then as well! Some had travelled a reasonable distance to see him and everyone enjoyed the show. We will have him back again of course.

We have had to make a few changes, as Mim Grey has had to postpone due to her taking care of her mother. The Baker Moore band have also had to cancel for 5th July due to the ill health of one of the band. I have replaced them though and we are very happy to announce The Ugly Guys will be playing now - they have a new album out as well.

We recently put on The Soho Dukes, who are a great band playing original music. Next we had The Paul McCartney Project wo were loved by all who were there and they were really good again. Then we had a return of the all-girl Deep Purple tribute band, Diva Purple, who were just so good once more.

At Hot Box we have had Kossoff The Band Plays On, who played on the 50th anniversary of us all losing Paul. The show was a sell-out and everyone loved it so much, as did the band - and they are returning

on Saturday 4th July on Independence Day to play in the afternoon.

Next we had Ronnie Golden, and then on the Sunday it was the turn of The Milk Men, which was another sell-out and a great show - and we’ve rebooked them again for 2027 along with Kossoff - but more on this in future editions.

Next up we had Nothing In Rambling with Andy Twyman and the powerhouse that is Sister Suzie. Wow, the power of her voice was outrageous and they were just amazing. The music was great and some great tales too. Again, a lot of fun and they will be back for sure.

I have been to a few shows myself as well which I have written about in the Moulsham Times, which you can also read online at www. issuu.com/itsyourmedia.

Three shows I have not yet mentioned are at Bush Hall in London - a benefit for Neil Hubbard who is the guitarist with Kokomo among many more. Sadly he has dementia and the gig was a benefit for The Lewy Body Dementia Research. It was a sell-out with The Hamish Stuart Band, Kokomo with Paul Carrack playing. There was also a kind of Roxy Music reunion but without Bryan Ferry who could not make it. Guy Fletcher and Chris Spedding joined them and they finished with Joe Cocker’s With a Little Help From My Friends. Neil has played with all of these people as well as Robert Palmer. Well done to Sue Martin, Neil’s partner, for organising it all.

Barleylands Blues Club also had Dave Ferras All Stars playing a great show, and the next week it was Martin McNeill’s Bottleneck Blues. Sadly, West Weston was unable to play but luckily Connor Selby joined them again this was a great show at a great club.

Remember that if you want to book tickets for any of our shows you can do so with a simple text to 07508 496 411 - text the show and date, your name and how many you want to book for and we will text back to confirm your booking.

Please do remember to support all live events - especially in your local area to help keep the events and the 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.

If you have anything that you think could be of interest to our readers for either publication, either this or the Moulsham Times, then please let us know by emailing to 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 the full details for this and the Moulsham Times

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 in cash when you buy from them as well. Tickets for all shows, including Hot Box, 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 as well for the show rather than the walk-up price.

Ride for Helen

Thank you runners! April has been busy for us, and we especially want to say a big thank you to all our wonderful 2026 TCS London Marathon runners who raised an incredible amount of money for the charity.

If you fancy a challenge, take a look at our website, www.helenrollason.org.uk/events. We currently have the Hackney Half, Colchester Zoo 10K, Brentwood Nuclear 6K and 12K plus many more.

Ride for Helen, Sunday 10th May

This year’s cycle event is on Sunday 10th May and you can book here: www. helenrollason.org.uk/ride-for-helen-2026.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist, just getting started or cycling with children, there’s a route for everyone, with our 6, 15, 30, 50, 65 and 100 mile routes. All routes start and finish at The Crix Estate in Hatfield Peverel, Essex.

This is a great opportunity to pedal through some lovely countryside with support along the way, while raising money to help people living with cancer. We hope this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever. Join us and help us reach 1,000 cyclists.

Here’s what to expect:

• A lively event hub with music and refreshments.

• Marshals cheering you on and guiding your route.

• Refreshments to keep you fuelled

• A medal to celebrate your achievement.

Timeless in the Summer

There’s lots happening at Helen Rollason now that summer is almost here. On Sunday 12th July you can step back in time at Hedingham Castle. There will be entertainment for adults and children, gift stalls, caterers and a large display of classic and modern cars and motorbikes. You’ll be able to visit the castle too.

On Sunday 30th August, we have a vintage day at Layer Marney Tower with music, dancing, stalls, vintage cars, food and drink. The lovely Tudor buildings will also be open for you to visit.

You can find details and book tickets for all our events on our website here: www.helenrollason. org.uk/helen-rollason-cancer-charity-events.

Dates for your diary:

Sunday 10th May: Ride For Helen cycle event starting at The Crix in Hatfield Peverel. Saturday 16th May: Donation day at the centre in Hatfield Peverel. 9am to midday. Parking will be available for you to drop off your pre-loved items. Sunday 12th July: Timeless at the Castle. A day out at Hedingham Castle.

Sunday 30th August: Marvellous Vintage. A day out at Layer Marney Tower.

www.helenrollason.org.uk

City Times Food!

Another month has passed and how nice is it that the days are getting longer and lighter? However, it’s definitely not quite warm enough yet to start thinking about BBQs and sitting outside without a coat on as I write!

This month, I’ve gone back to basics with my cooking, and I want to talk about store cupboard stock. In my house we can pretty much make most meals from our store cupboard, which in the Easter holidays is a bonus, as this can be a very expensive time with the children being at home.

If you have a well-stocked cupboard it makes cooking so much easier, I’m not saying go out and spend a fortune in one go, but by keeping it well stocked up with essentials it really does keep that weekly shopping bill down as you can buy in bulk.

If you are just starting out cooking from scratch these are my essentials that we always have stocked: tinned tomatoes, kidney beans, chickpeas, coconut milk, rice, pasta, honey, soy sauce, herbs and spices, stock cubes and flour.

My top spices that I use are oregano, paprika, basil, chilli, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, curry powder, salt and pepper. I find cooking for the family so much easier having all these things stocked.

My Favourite Chilli Con Carne

My recipe of the month is a good old fashioned chilli con carne, which

Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed your Easter break. I’m loving the lighter evenings now that the clocks have changed. It makes such a difference, doesn’t it?

This month I took part in my first ever parkrun in Chelmsford and I absolutely loved it. It’s a fantastic way to get fit whilst feeling part of a genuinely welcoming community and it’s completely free thanks to the amazing volunteers who make it happen.

is made mostly out of ingredients from my store cupboard.

Ingredients

• 1 onion finely chopped.

• 500g lean mince.

• 2 garlic cloves chopped.

• 1 tsp chilli.

• 2 tsp cumin.

• 1 tsp coriander.

• 1 tsp paprika.

• 1 green pepper chopped into cubes.

• 1 tin chopped tomatoes.

• Beef stock.

• 1 tin of kidney beans.

• Fromage frais.

• Fresh coriander.

Method

1. Chop onion and garlic and fry in Fry Light or vegetable oil with the mince for about 5 minutes until all the meat is browned and the onions are soft.

2. Add all your spices and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the green pepper, tin of tomatoes and stock cube along with 300ml of water and bring to the boil.

3. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Add kidney beans (I like the tins that come in chilli sauce to add a bit more spice). Cook for another 5 minutes.

5. Serve with the fromage frais and chopped fresh coriander on top.

I hope you enjoyed my article and I will catch up with you next month.

creamy tiramisu served with an espresso shot on the side, which finished the meal perfectly. They offer a three-course set menu for £25.95, a great budget-friendly option with plenty of delicious choices.

After lunch, we walked over to Battlesbridge Antiques Centre, just a couple of minutes away, and spent a few hours browsing. It’s such a fun place to explore and well worth a visit.

Now, on to where I’ve been eating and drinking! I recently visited The Hawk in Battlesbridge, which has just reopened after having a refurbishment. We went on a Friday lunchtime and it was packed, which is always a great sign. The pub is spacious yet cosy, with a fresh, modern feel. Theres a lovely bar area with a fireplace inside and a big garden outside which is perfect for drinks in the summer.

Food highlights for me were the fillet steak, so tender it practically melts with a beautiful pink centre, and the

Another Essex spot that has quickly become a favourite of mine is Duke Street Store, a quirky takeaway coffee shop just a stone’s throw from Chelmsford train station, recently opened by owners Richard and Rosie.

Experienced baristas Harry and Mark craft every cup. Whilst you’re there, take a look at the shelves filled with unique treats and local products. They also offer baked goods from local baker Iced Jems and fresh pastries from Levain Bakehouse. It’s a brilliant spot to grab a high-quality cup of coffee and it’s a wonderful addition to Chelmsford.

Thanks for reading. I hope you get the chance to try some of these spots for yourself. Follow along on Instagram by searching ‘@thehungrykp’. I’ll see you next month for more foodie adventures around Essex.

By early to mid April, the garden is fully awakening. Soil temperatures are steadily rising, daylight hours are longer and plants are putting on rapid, often exuberant growth. This is a transitional period where careful management becomes essential guiding that growth, preventing problems and making the most of improving conditions. At this stage, success is less about sowing and more about intervention and control. The following five tasks will help you maintain balance and support healthy development across the garden.

1. Thin Out Seedlings for Stronger Growth

Seedlings sown earlier in spring will now be developing quickly. If overcrowded, they compete for light, nutrients and water, resulting in weak and leggy plants.

Key crops to thin include:

• Daucus carota (carrot).

• Beta vulgaris (beetroot).

• Lactuca sativa (lettuce).

Thin seedlings gradually. Carrots should be spaced to 5-7cm apart, beetroot to around 10cm, and lettuces to 20-30cm depending on their mature size.

Carry out thinning in the evening where possible, particularly for carrots, to reduce the risk of attracting pests such as carrot root fly. Lightly water the area afterwards to settle the soil and minimise root disturbance.

2. Stake and Train Climbing and Rambling Plants

Climbing plants begin vigorous growth in April and benefit from early

training to prevent tangling and structural damage.

Plants requiring support include:

• Pisum sativum (pea).

• Lonicera periclymenum (honeysuckle).

• Rosa (climbing rose group).

Install supports such as netting, trellis, or horizontal wires spaced approximately 20-30cm apart. Tie in young shoots loosely using soft ties, allowing room for expansion.

Where possible, train stems horizontally rather than vertically. This encourages the production of more flowering shoots, particularly in climbing roses, and results in a fuller display.

3. Ventilate and Shade Greenhouses

Greenhouse temperatures can rise quickly in spring, often exceeding 25°C even on mild days. Without proper ventilation, plants can become stressed and more susceptible to disease.

Open vents and doors daily to maintain temperatures between 1520°C. Consider adding shading, such as mesh or shade paint, to reduce direct sunlight.

Plants particularly sensitive to heat stress include:

• Solanum lycopersicum (tomato).

• Cucumis sativus (cucumber).

• Ocimum basilicum (basil).

Good airflow reduces humidity, helping to prevent fungal diseases such as botrytis and powdery mildew.

4. Begin Regular Weeding Regimes

Weeds grow rapidly at this time of year and can quickly outcompete cultivated plants if not controlled early. Target weeds while they are still small using a hoe on dry days. This method severs seedlings at the soil surface and allows them to desiccate.

Common early-season weeds include:

• Stellaria media (common chickweed).

• Capsella bursa-pastoris (shepherd’s purse).

• Veronica persica (common field-speedwell).

Aim to weed every 7-10 days to prevent weeds from establishing and setting seed. Regular weeding also improves airflow and reduces competition for resources.

5. Plant Container Displays for Early Colour

Containers provide immediate visual impact and are ideal for adding seasonal interest to patios, entrances and smaller spaces.

Suitable plants include:

• Bellis perennis (common daisy).

• Myosotis sylvatica (wood forget-me-not).

• Tulipa (tulip group).

Use containers with a minimum depth of 20-30cm to support healthy root growth. Fill with peat-free compost and ensure good drainage.

Water thoroughly after planting, applying approximately 2-3 litres per container depending on size. Position containers according to plant requirements, whether for full sun or partial shade.

Regular watering and deadheading will help maintain a prolonged and attractive display.

Five Additional Tasks for Early to Mid April

• Check newly planted trees and shrubs for wind rock and firm soil around the base if needed.

• Apply grease bands to fruit trees to help control crawling insect pests.

• Begin mowing lawns regularly, maintaining a cutting height of approximately 4cm.

• Divide clumps of Primula vulgaris (primrose) after flowering to encourage vigour.

• Inspect irrigation systems and begin watering more frequently as conditions become drier.

Early to mid April is a time of careful management rather than major intervention. By thinning seedlings, training climbers, ventilating protected environments and keeping weeds under control, you guide the garden through a period of rapid growth. These consistent, timely actions help ensure plants remain strong, healthy and well-structured as the growing season continues.

Happy 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.

There is something undeniably special about a period home. Solid walls, defined rooms and timeworn structural features speak of craftsmanship and history. Yet, for all their charm, these same qualities can present real challenges for modern living - particularly in spaces like the kitchen, where openness, light and flow have become essential.

The renovation of Mr and Mrs M’s kitchen is a compelling example of how thoughtful design can bridge this gap between heritage and contemporary life. Their home, rich in character, was also constrained by its original layout. The kitchen felt enclosed, cut off from adjoining spaces, and limited in both natural light and functionality - hardly ideal for a space that now serves as the social and practical hub of family life.

What makes this project particularly notable is that the transformation was not simply cosmetic. At its core were significant structural interventions. A substantial beam and a vertical support post physically and visually divided the space. These were not decorative inconveniences - they were essential components of the building’s integrity. Removing them required more than ambition; it demanded precision, expertise and trust in engineering.

By introducing a concealed steel support system above ceiling level, the design team achieved what might once have seemed impossible: opening up the space entirely without compromising the structure. The result is not just a larger kitchen, but a fundamentally different experience of the home - one defined by flow, connection, and light.

Equally important was the decision to address the change in floor

levels. A simple step between rooms may seem minor, but it can disrupt both movement and visual continuity. By levelling the floor throughout, the design reinforces a sense of cohesion, making the space feel intuitively navigable and significantly more expansive.

With these structural barriers removed, the design could turn its attention to the details that elevate a space from functional to exceptional. A soft light blue painted timber door introduces a gentle moment of colour, refreshing the palette while remaining sensitive to the home’s traditional roots. Meanwhile, a full-height quartz splashback reflects light and adds a refined, contemporary edge without overwhelming the room’s character.

Perhaps most telling of modern priorities is the emphasis on concealed functionality. The bespoke bifold breakfast station and integrated appliances allow the kitchen to shift effortlessly between active use and calm minimalism. This flexibility speaks to the realities of daily life - where spaces must work hard but need not always look busy.

Storage, too, has been handled with quiet intelligence. Made-tomeasure cabinetry maximises every inch, proving that good design is often as much about what you don’t see as what you do.

What this project ultimately demonstrates is that respecting a home’s past does not mean being constrained by it. With the right balance of structural innovation and design sensitivity, it is entirely possible to preserve character while creating spaces that meet the demands of contemporary living.

For Mr and Mrs M, the result is more than a renovated kitchen. It is a redefined heart of the home - open, light-filled, and seamlessly aligned with the way they live today.

Smart-Motoring is a motoring news blog bringing you the latest features, stories and information from the motoring world. smart-motoring.com

MST Escort Mk1 Sports - A Restomod Blast from the Past

Quite often the most basic mass-produced cars will inadvertently capture a little piece of many a person’s heart, from the VW Beetle to the classic MINI. Often manufactures would cotton on to this and cash in with more luxurious limited-edition models. Aside from VW, who stubbornly allowed the likes of Empi to gain a reputation in excellent aftermarket power boosts. The early Ford Escort is a similarly loved model.

The Ford Escort Family Car

Designed and built as a small family car for the masses by Ford Europe in 1968, the Ford Escort Mark 1 was popular enough for Ford to create a quite bewildering array of sub-models and performance editions throughout the car’s history. The second generation Escort was an altogether different beast though, taking in the vagaries of 1970s angular design and losing the flowing lines of the Mark 1. While we do have a slight resurgence in appreciating ’70s automotive design, it’s still the Escort Mark 1 that tugs at most people’s heartstrings. The Mk1 ran from 1968 until 1974 selling around 2.15 million units, with just a few thousand currently remaining.

Welsh Restomods

Enter Welsh company MST, specialises in restomod Ford Escort models with some essential upgrades to how the original car handled and felt. Some significant upgrades that allow the MST Mk1 Sports to safely handle a decent increase in power.

Like the Beetle, the Escort Mk1 was not put on our roads to initially blow the rest away, despite featuring - like the MINI - on Saturday afternoon sports where rally racing would take up a fair proportion of its very long schedule on either World of Sport or Grandstand (a show that would last for about 5 hours each Saturday afternoon).

MST now plans to increase its 50 units per year quota, especially with demand seemingly increasing. In fact, the order books for the MST Mk1 Sports are now full for 2026 with the next year rapidly following along. Part of that reason is not simply for the good looks, but MST’s desire to deliver the performance of a modern vehicle.

Additional Power for the MST Mk1 Sports

The MST Mk1 Sports will feature a 2-litre twin cam naturally aspirated 180hp engine, powered by a 5-speed manual gearbox. The extra power requires some improvements of course, and the MST Mk1 gets uprated rear springs and utilises coilover shocks. Stopping comes from disc brakes all round, you will be pleased to hear. 4-spoke alloy wheels remain at that uncertain looking 13-inch size, keeping the exterior looking perfect.

For the interior, MST keep the car looking rather modest, with retrostyle reclining sports seats and a deep-dish suede covered steering wheel. An alarm from Thatcham with tracker is a welcome addition as is an Alpine stereo unit.

The MST Mk1 Sports will retail at around £95,000 with a wait-time of around 18 months. An initial £5,000 deposit will also be required to get in line for your very own MST Mk1.

By Sean Neylon

Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com

Images: www.instagram.com/mst_cars_uk

Helping Young People Enjoy Sport Without Pressure

Many parents today spend a great deal of time taking their children to football, tennis, rugby, swimming and many other sports. Sport can be one of the most valuable experiences in a young person’s life; it develops confidence, resilience, friendships and enjoyment of healthy activity. However, one of the challenges many parents face is how best to support their children without unintentionally placing too much pressure on them.

During my career, I spent many years working with young people as a Head of Physical Education and Housemaster, helping students develop confidence and enjoyment through sport. Earlier in life I also played junior football with a championship club and later studied sport science and education.

One of the most important lessons I learned is that young athletes perform best when they feel relaxed, supported and able to enjoy their sport.

Parents play a very important role in creating this environment. Encouragement, patience and understanding are often far more valuable than focusing only on winning or results.

Simple things such as praising effort, supporting improvement and remembering that sport should remain fun can make a significant difference to a young person’s confidence and long-term enjoyment.

In recent years I have also written and spoken about the psychological side of sport, including my book called Your Dynamic Golf Mind, which looks at confidence and mindset in performance.

I now offer very affordable guidance for parents who would like practical ideas on how to support young people involved in sport in a healthy and positive way.

If any parents would like further information they are welcome to make contact.

Dennis J Smith

sites.google.com/view/sportstudysuccessuk

Juan Carlos Braschi is the vibrant voice behind Latin Starship, Chelmsford Community Radio’s weekly celebration of Latin American music and culture.

With a rich heritage that blends Venezuelan, Peruvian and Italian roots, Juan Carlos brings authenticity, rhythm and heart to every broadcast.

Juan Carlos grew up in Venezuela and also lived in Peru, drawing from both cultures alongside his Italian family heritage. Having also lived and worked in different countries and learned from a variety of cultures, he embraces a truly international outlook and considers himself a citizen of the world.

From a young age, he showed a passion for performance; he used

City Sound were privileged to be asked back to play music for the customers of John Lewis last week at their Chelmsford department store in Bond Street.

Many of the station’s presenters took part on the day, and the event went so successfully we have been invited back again later in the year.

In fact, you will find us out and about across Chelmsford a number of times over the summer months, including our annual allday Summer Party at the UB in New Writtle Street on June 6th

Don’t forget also that our next New Music Wednesday event at Hot Box venue will be on the 22nd April, featuring Colchester acts Oi Mate!, Hibiscus Haze, and Aphasia.

A reminder also that we have a submissions mailbox for any budding musicians, comedians or poets to send some examples of what they do, plus a short bio piece, and we will take a listen with a view to offering guest slots on our shows. Send to submissions@citysound. radio.

All of our radio output can be listened to again via our catch-up service on mixcloud.com. Just search for ‘citysoundchelmsford’ and you’ll find a whole range of shows, including our regular daytime offerings and evening specialist music shows.

If you would like any topic raised on air, or use our facilities to make a point, or perform to our growing audience, or a feature on you or your

Introducing Presenter Juan Carlos Braschi

to imitate different accents and later went on to study drama in his teenage years. He worked as a director of a media group in Latin America, and even tried his hand at stand-up comedy!

In 2022, he became part of the academic team at Anglia Ruskin University and is incredibly proud to be living and working in the birthplace of radio. His interests include reading (especially about comedy and humour), travelling, learning languages, cycling and going to the gym.

His deep passion for Latin music - especially salsa - fuels a show that’s both entertaining and enlightening. Through carefully curated playlists and engaging commentary, Latin Starship invites listeners to explore the sounds, stories and soul of Latin America.

Airing every Thursday at midnight, the show kicks off the weekend with irresistible energy, inviting everyone to dance, smile and embrace life with joy. While salsa takes centre stage, future episodes will also explore the vibrant worlds of bachata, merengue, cumbia, and vallenato - each rhythm offering its own flavour, history and magic.

Whether you’re a seasoned salsero or a curious newcomer, Juan Carlos Braschi welcomes you aboard with open arms and open ears. Bienvenidos a bordo y a gozar!

For more information visit www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

business, or advertise regularly for a small fee, let us know at studio@ citysound.radio.

Catch us live 24/7 on citysound.radio, on our website, on our app downloadable from your app store, on your smart speaker (‘play City Sound Radio’), on numerous radio apps, and now on DAB across the city.

City Sound - The Voice Of Chelmsford

April

Wednesday 15th

Beaulieu Community Centre - Coffee Morning with RSPB (10amprotecting swifts in our community FREE EVENT - grab your tickets on Eventbrite by searching ‘CGC Trust Events’)

Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Chelmsford Theatre - West Side Story Hot Box - Dan Owen

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

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: Rag & Bone Club Sextet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

The Swan (High Street, Maldon) - Rant ‘n’ Rave: Bewicks Rock ’n’ Roll

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 16th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Social Club - Social Ballroom Dancing Evening

Chelmsford Theatre - An Evening of (Very) Old Radio

Chelmsford Theatre - Dementia Accessible Cinema: The Wizard of Oz Hot Box - Tw*T Union + Bridget

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk)

Friday 17th

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Hamish Stuart Band

Chelmsford Theatre - Avalon Early Doors Comedy Night

Hot Box - HotHaus Drag & Tassels 360 Presents: When Two Worlds Collide: A Drag Burlesque Fusion Show

Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noonbooking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Saturday 18th

Chelmsford Theatre - Musical’s Unleashed

Hot Box - Roots Chelmsford Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm)

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

Station Arms (Southminster) - Jamie Williams and Dave Milligan

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Wickham Bishops Jazz Club (Village Hall, CM8 3JZ) - Tony Scriven’s Sunshine Jazz Band (contact 07548 775 777)

Sunday 19th

Chelmsford Theatre - Shoot from the Hip (*SOLD OUT*)

Hot Box - Guitar Club

Hot Box - Blues Jam

Monday 20th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

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

The Wheatsheaf - Club

Tuesday 21st

Cathedral School (Victoria Road) - The Chelmsford Singers will be holding an open rehearsal (7.30pm)

Chelmsford Theatre - T’Pau: Be Wonderful Tour

Chelmsford Theatre - Matilda Jnr

Hot Box - Open Mic Night

Hoit Box - Retro Gaming from Melee

Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947

199 or visit

Tuesday 21st (continued...) bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

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

Woolpack - Quiz

Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am -booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Wednesday 22nd

Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Chelmsford Theatre - John Kearns: Tilting at Windmills

Chelmsford Theatre - Matilda Jnr

Hot Box - NMW: Oi Mate + Hibiscus Haze + Aphasia

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

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

Thursday 23rd

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story

Chelmsford Theatre - Matilda Jnr

Hot Box - Radio City Sessions: Samual Aston + BearFootSoul

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham

Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk)

Friday 24th

The Black Bull - Shakey’s Sessions: Flytrap + The Handles + IC7

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Stray + Rostock

Chelmsford Theatre - Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story

Chelmsford Theatre - Matilda Jnr

Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noonbooking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Hot Box - Carl Larusso

Saturday 25th

Chelmsford Theatre - Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story

Chelmsford Theatre - Matilda Jnr

Hot Box - Roots Chelmsford Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm)

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box presents: Kings & Bears (1pm)

Hot Box - Alt Electrik

Maldpon Town Hall - After-Eight Social Club: The Double Top (www. aftereightsocialclub.chessck.co.uk)

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

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - St. George’s Day Party (1pm-4pm)

South Hanningfield Village Hall (CM3 8HL) - St George’s Day: Tom Carradine musical act (doors will open from 7pm. Tickets are £15 each and bring your own drinks and nibbles. To book, please call Sandra on 07396 546 050 or email shvhall@gmail.com)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 26th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - RBO: The Magic Flute

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box presents: Bad Pennies

Monday 27th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Hot Box - Helicon + Kavus Torabi

The Wheatsheaf - Club

Tuesday 28th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Creative Collective Monthly Meet Up

Hot Box - Waxes Lyrical: Poetry and Spoken Word

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)

Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 29th

Bootmaker - Salsa dancing

Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking

Wednesday 29th (continued...) essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Bootmaker - Salsa dancing

Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gang Show 2026 Hot Box - Black Bordello

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

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: Derek Nash’s Picante Latin Sextet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

Thursday 30th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gang Show 2026

Chelmsford Theatre - NT Live: All My Sons

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box Presents: What a Waste (tribute to Ian Dury & the Blockheads)

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk)

May

Friday 1St

Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noonbooking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Slim Chance + Bob Collum & the Welfare Mothers

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gang Show 2026

Hot Box - Sleep Broken

Saturday 2nd

Chelmsford Theatre - Chelmsford Gang Show 2026

Chelmsford Theatre - The Britpop Show

Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair

The Compasses - Karaoke

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

Hot Box - Soul, Northern Soul, Disco & Motown

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

Station Arms (Southminster) - The Ampstels

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 3rd

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - There’s a Monster in Your Show

Chelmsford Theatre - Ruby Robinson’s Swingin’ Session

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box presents: Burning Rope

Monday 4th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Chelmsford Theatre - There’s a Monster in Your Show

Chelmsford Theatre - Steeleye Span

The Wheatsheaf - Club

Tuesday 5th

Hot Box - Retro Gaming from Melee Hot Box - Big Music Quiz

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)

Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 6th

Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) CRAG Retirement Group monthly meeting (9.30 for 10am. First visit free)

Hot Box - Radio City Sessions: The Jackson Line

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

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

Thursday 7th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - County Hits Live

Hot Box - Flying Moon in Space

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk)

Friday 8th

Anglia Ruskin University Chelmsford Careers and Recruitment Event (10am - 2pm - free to attend - www.yourofficeeventsteam.co.uk)

Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noonbooking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett

Hot Box - The Hempolics

Saturday 9th

Chelmsford Theatre - The Wonderful World of Windmill

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

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

Sunday 10th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Live with Nat: The Grief Show

Monday 11h

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Hot Box - Man of Moon + The DSM IV

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

Tuesday 12th

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

Chelmsford Theatre - Trinity Music & Drama: The Wizard of Oz

Hot Box - Glass Eye Comedy Club

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)

Worlds Pantry Coffee Shop (Moulsham Mill) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 13th

Cheerful Chai (Broomfield) - Walk & Talk Club (9.30am - booking essential at www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Chelmsford Theatre - Trinity Music & Drama: The Wizard of Oz Hot Box - Independance

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

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: Rag & Bone Club Sextet (7.45pm - to book phone Phil on 07850 607 075)

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 14th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Trinity Music & Drama: The Wizard of Oz Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box presents: Sparko’s Going Back Home

Mettle Works - Amuse Bouche + Ears (www.mettleworks.co)

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

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

St Cedd’s School Hall (New London Road, Chelmsford) - Waltham Singers open rehearsals (7.30pm - www.walthamsingers.org.uk)

Friday 15th

Bootmaker Bar (Moulsham Street) - Walk & Talk Club (12 noonbooking essential: www.engagefitnessservices.com)

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Paul Rose

Chelmsford Theatre - Trinity Music & Drama: The Wizard of Oz Hot Box - Lorelle Meets the Obsolete

Venues in Chelmsford, unless mentioned as being elsewhere.

‘Ambitious’ Plan to Count Every Species of Wildlife in Essex Woodland Needs Your Help!

This May Bank Holiday weekend, one of Essex’s most beautiful and unspoilt woodlands will open its gates for an ambitious attempt to record every single species living within its boundaries.

Mann Wood in Great Leighs, near Chelmsford, is owned and cared for by the Wilderness Foundation UK, a charity that provides environmental education and supports young people and adults with their mental health through individual and group nature-based therapy.

Nestled in the heart of the Essex countryside, the 92-acre private woodland is widely regarded as one of the county’s best-kept ecological secrets. Rich in biodiversity, the site provides a haven for a remarkable variety of wildlife, including rare plants, butterflies and birds that thrive within its ancient woodland habitat.

This spring, the charity has assembled an impressive team of species experts for its first-ever ‘BioBlitz’ - a wildlife discovery event designed to uncover the full range of the hidden world of flora and

Men’s Shed - Lead Volunteer

Do you enjoy woodwork? Can you spare 3 hours a week?

Chelmsford Men’s Shed provides a space to learn or practice a practical skill, such as woodworking and is a space for men to talk about men’s things and drink plenty of tea!

A warm welcome awaits men wanting to join the Shed, but we currently have a waiting list. We need more lead volunteers so that the Shed can open more weekly sessions.

Lead volunteers support the session, help to promote friendly conversation, and encourage users to use the Shed effectively and in safe use of equipment.

Full training and support will be given at all times, and you will be working with a team of 3-4 other lead volunteers.

Volunteer Befriender - Hamelin Trust

Can you share your time, talents and interests to help others find friendship, pursue hobbies and learn new skills?

Hamelin are delivering a befriending project for adults with autism and people with learning disabilities. This project has been successfully running for two and a half years (previously known as Bfriends).

Hamelin will give you all the training and tools you need, and you can give as much or as little time as you wish.

Event First Aiders

Our trained volunteers provide First Aid at public events free of charge for hospices, schools and charities.

Can you join us? All training and equipment is provided by the charity.

fauna across the woodland. Working in partnership with the Essex Field Club and other local organisations such as the Essex Bat Group and South Essex Bird Ringing Group, specialists covering everything from wildflowers and fungi to small mammals, birds, bats and butterflies will spend the weekend identifying and cataloguing as many species as possible.

The event will offer visitors a rare opportunity to explore this normally private woodland while witnessing real conservation work in action. Guests will be able to see wildlife up close like they have never seen it before, take part in guided activities and learn directly from many of Essex’s leading ecological experts all in one place as they reveal the extraordinary diversity of life hidden within Mann Wood. Due to anticipated high demand, places will be limited and booking is essential.

Mann Wood, Great Leighs, CM3 1PP www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/101938

Colour Run Fun Day - 20th June

Get ready to bring the energy, the colour, and the fun!

As a volunteer at our vibrant Colour Run fundraising event in Chelmsford for North Avenue Youth Centre, you’ll be right at the heart of the action, helping to create an unforgettable day for young people and the community.

City Times Poems

When Evening Blackens Over

When evening blackens over

When daylight seems so bright

The homeless man discovers That cold will be the night; And wraps himself in paper

The shoppers they do jostle Amongst the lighted shops They only see the goodies But the odd ones they do stop; And give the man a pound.

The lovers they sit together And dream their future plans

As their coffee gets slowly colder, Is this the never land, Of which they planned?

As sun sets in the windows And red light ends the day Staffers struggle silenced trains Where there is nothing else to say; Except ‘see you tomorrow’.

By Richard Simmonds

Bringing Chelmsford Together This Spring -

This April and May will see a wide range of initiatives taking place to support vulnerable people in the community. From celebrating VE Day to bringing generations together, here is a rundown of some of the most interesting community initiatives taking place this month.

VE Day 81st Anniversary

To commemorate the 81st anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe), several events are taking place in the city. Chelmsford For You is putting on a celebration in the city centre on May 8th. Celebrations will include a military display in Tindal Square, showcasing historical military vehicles as well as a performance by the D-Day Dollies and a Winston Churchill impersonator.

Fun

for

Children With Send

From April 11th, Families InFocus will run weekly activity clubs to provide a welcoming, social space for children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Saturday clubs, held between 3.30pm and 5.30pm, will take place at Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre and offer children and young people a range of activities, including trampolining, table tennis, and arts and crafts.

To book a space, you can email activityclub@fifessex.org.uk.

Bridging the Gap Between Generations

Activities across the ages is a community initiative by New Hall Volunteer Service, allowing senior citizens to spend time with school children. Held at the Keep Hall in the Beaulieu Community Centre, people from different generations come together to swap stories, play games and solve puzzles.

Starting from April 13th, sessions will be held on Mondays from 1215pm to 1pm during term-time only. To book your place, you can contact the Community Centre via enquiries@beaulieuhub.uk or call on 01245 468 911.

Chelmsford Library

Chelmsford Library Improvements!

Recently, we’ve been delighted to unveil the new Mindfulness and Study Zone in Chelmsford Library The back of the library is now a completely redesigned area - a calm and inviting space perfect for focusing, relaxing and recharging.

Visitors can now enjoy:

• New study pods for quieter, more private working.

• New white benching around the window area.

• Comfortable new sofas.

• Colourful plants to create a calming atmosphere.

• Modern furniture throughout.

• Repainted walls and refreshed colour palette.

• Brand new vinyl flooring for a clean fresh look.

Why not drop-in to check out the new area soon and enjoy the comfort and calm of our new beautiful breakout area!

LEGO® in Libraries - Coding and Building

In our LEGO® in libraries sessions, your child will get the chance to improve their maths and English skills, while having fun playing with relatable LEGO® characters.

Using LEGO® Education kits and Chromebooks, children will guide characters through compelling stories and use problem-solving,

Women’s Life-Coaching

Belong Health and Social Care Group is running a 10-week lifecoaching programme, providing women with the opportunity to come together and get to a place where they feel like themselves again.

The National Lottery has supported the course with funding, and the workshops will take place at The Angel in Broomfield.

Specialist workshops will foster a safe women-only space where they can take the time to reflect and reconnect with themselves.

With the fast pace of life nowadays, this course will be perfect for women who want to take a step back for a short time each week to reorganise their lives into a more manageable and enjoyable state.

Places on the 10-week programme can be purchased on Eventbrite for £70, and you can either choose the Monday course, which starts on April 13th or the Wednesday course, which starts on April 22nd

Stress Awareness Month

April is officially Stress Awareness Month. Initiatives aim to foster a real sense of community, allowing people to take a step back and look at their lives with the confidence that they are not alone.

Transpire Training are running a two-day course to become a Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider). The course will be held at the Waterhouse Business Centre in Chelmsford and will teach people to recognise the signs of poor mental health in people around them, as well as practicing active listening and empathy.

The MHFA course, which has seen over five million people learn more about mental health, also touches on suicide prevention and selfcare.

The course will run from April 22nd to 23rd, and you can book your place on Eventbrite online.

literacy and coding skills to complete each unit.

These sessions are suitable for children aged 6-11 years and are free but booking will be required, please keep an eye on our website and social media for specific session dates. libraries.essex.gov.uk/home.

Youth Creative

Writing Programme

Our Youth Creative Writing Programme is for young people aged 12 to 18 who are interested in creating, improving or just sharing their work.

This could be anything, from short stories to poetry. With a relaxed approach we aim to give ideas, share each other’s work if they want to, and be a supportive place for those who want to create.

Come along, have fun and let’s get writing! Join us every third Thursday of the month, from 5pm to 6pm.

This programme is part of the Essex Young Writers initiative.

Walking Through Essex - Man About Country

There are two ways to really get to know a place: with its stories, and with your feet. If you don’t know the stories of where you came from, or you don’t know the nature of your local land, then you might fall for the stories told about you on the telly, and in the papers.

We in Essex hear a lot of stories about us, mostly from people who don’t really know us. Stories about Essex girls, Essex man and The Only Way is Essex are told from California to Australia, like they’re the only Essex stories to tell. And if we’re not careful, we might start believing them. But for those of us that live here, we know deep down that our East Saxon kingdom is something special - and last year I set out to prove it.

I was born in Chelmsford and grew up in Kelvedon, but moved away from Essex 10 years ago. When my parents, also lifelong Essex residents, decided to retire with an adventurous move to Dorset, I wanted to give a bit of a goodbye/thank you to the county that made me by doing a big walk around Essex. But after 10 years of Essex jokes following me around wherever I lived, I wanted to prove that Essex is really one of the most fascinating counties in Britain.

After securing some funding from the Essex County Council Arts & Cultural Fund, I decided I would walk 400km over 21 days to find as many Essex stories as I could and then share them far and wide. I called it The Essex Ways.

So in April 2025 I set off from Epping with a bag on my back and a stick in my hand. My journey was split into two parts: 8 days from Epping to Harwich along The Essex Way, and then 13 days from Harwich down the coastline to finish at The World’s End at Tilbury Docks. It would have been much easier to drive of course: but I knew that if I walked the whole thing, I would find more stories. I looked for them in books, in buildings, in conversation with people I met along the way, and in the land itself. Turns out there was a lot to discover!

There was Constable Country (of which the paintings are still some of the best-loved scenery in the National Gallery). There were some of England’s best beaches on the Tendring Sunshine Coast. There were wild marshes, full of green slime and black sucking mud that seemed miles away from any civilisation. And on the Dengie Peninsula, the longest stretch of uninhabited coastline in southern Britain. At Greensted I saw the world’s oldest wooden church; at Cressing, the world’s oldest barn; at Bradwell-on-Sea, a 1,400 year old chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall.

There were stories of dragons, devil hounds and bloodthirsty smugglers. There were stories about strong Essex women, independent from a man, not afraid to speak their mind and fiercely protect their community.

There were stories of these women being persecuted: either as witches (more women were executed for witchcraft in Essex than any other county in England) or as Essex girls. Beyond the horror of the witch trials, there were stories of a magical tradition; herbalists, midwives, cunning men and women; stretching right into the 20th century, drawing power and wisdom from the land.

Some of my greatest discoveries came from surprising places. Like the brownfield rainforest on Canvey Island, growing out of an abandoned oil refinery, now Britain’s most biodiverse environment for thousands of different species of insects. Or the plotlanders who moved out from London 100 years ago to small empty plots, building their own homes and communities in the rural paradise of Essex. This original Essex dream still survives at Jaywick, which, despite being left behind by society and the state, has forged a community spirit stronger than any suburb I encountered. There is much talk of the county divide between ‘old’ and ‘new’ Essex, but some of the best stories I found are from where town and country came together to create something truly special.

I shared these stories as widely as I could. There was a video series on my Man About Country social media. A story walk tour in 14 places around Essex to take people out into the different landscapes of Essex and tell them the stories from those places. A featurelength film, The Essex Ways, made by fellow Essex boy Tom Winward. Interview recordings from some of the people I met on the walk, who generously shared their time and stories with me, kept in the Essex Sound & Video Archive to preserve the voices of Essex residents for future generations. And I’m now a book, which will not only be a collection of Essex stories, but a walking guide to encourage people to visit the locations where they took place. It’s a lot - but my pride, passion and gratitude for Essex demand it!

Although my 400km walk didn’t take me through Chelmsford, I was delighted to team up with the Essex Podcast Festival in February 2026 to explore the stories of Chelmsford city centre with an immersive story walk trail. On a short walk around the city centre, there were 14 stops, each with a video of me explaining a different side of Chelmsford’s history, heritage and culture. Like one of Britain’s first feminist campaigners; a 900 year old market, still winning awards today; an international hotspot for street art; and over 2,000 years of history. I also found that Charles Dickens once visited Chelmsford and called it ‘the dullest and stupidest spot on Earth’. Well now we’ve proved him wrong!

If you want to learn more about the amazing stories of Essex, then you can join one of my story walks around the county throughout the year, which I’m repeating by popular demand. You can watch The Essex Ways film on YouTube, or there’ll be more screenings around the county this summer. And the book of Essex stories will be out this summer - watch this space. But most of all: just go out and see it for yourself!

My mission for all of this is for people to remember just how lucky we are to live in Essex; in a land of cultural and natural treasures. Deep down, we already know it - sometimes we just need to remind ourselves. Let this be your sign to see this new county with fresh eyes and give it some love. It’ll love you right back!

www.manaboutcountry.co.uk

Yoga for me extends far beyond the mere physical activity, which explains why it’s considered such a holistic discipline. The Sanskrit word ‘yoga’ means ‘yoke’ or ‘union’, highlighting its aim to unite mind, body and spirit for greater harmony and well-being, underscoring its comprehensive approach.

Asanas, or postures performed during practice, represent only one facet of yoga and form a small component of the broader discipline.

‘The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali’ outlines the eight-limbed path, or Ashtanga. While these limbs are typically listed in order and usually presented in sequence, Patanjali notes that they may be practiced individually or combined within a comprehensive yoga routine.

Patanjali classifies the eight limbs into two categories: outer (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara) for physical and external practice and inner (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi) for introspection. He treats all limbs equally, distinguishing them only by their focus on either bodily discipline or self-awareness.

While beginners frequently focus on just one limb, like Asanas, the ultimate purpose of yoga is to bring together all eight limbs as a cohesive practice, even though they are usually learned separately at first.

The Yamas: The first limb comprises five principles that embody universal moral values. Rather than enforcing strict regulations, these serve as thoughtful guidelines to help individuals conduct themselves appropriately within society. They include not only our deeds, but also words and thoughts. The Yamas include Ahimsa (non-harming), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (moderation of the senses), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

Niyamas: The second limb comprises five observances or guidelines intended for daily practice, with an emphasis on self-discipline and personal conduct. These principles aim to foster self-confidence and happiness. They include Saucha (self-purification), Santosha (Contentment), Tapas literally means ‘Heat’ (Self-discipline), Svadhyaya (self-study), and Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender to a higher power).

Asanas: The physical practise of yoga, this limb is about understanding how the body moves and developing strength and flexibility of a healthy body. After all, a healthy body creates a healthy mind.

Pranayama: This refers to the regulation of Prana, or the vital energy commonly known as oxygen, which fuels both our muscles and brain. These seven breathing techniques provide structured methods for mastering breath control and synchronising movement with respiration.

Pratyahara: refers to the withdrawal of the five senses - taste, touch, sight, smell and hearing. This practice helps us separate our awareness from sensory distractions, allowing us to concentrate better and gain deeper self-understanding. In many ways, pratyahara can be considered a form of mindfulness.

Dharana: This marks the initial stage of inward focus, emphasising concentrated attention on a single point, object, or concept within the

mind. This single-pointed concentration enables the mind to become calm and attentive, preventing distractions and mental wandering, typically leading to meditation over time.

Dhyana: This refers to meditation or contemplation and is the seventh limb of Ashtanga. It involves a continuous stream of concentration on whatever was chosen as the focus during Dharana.

If that focus was a concept or idea, Dhyana means deeply considering all aspects, forms and implications of it. Essentially, Dhyana is an unbroken train of thought - a steady flow of awareness and cognition.

Samadhi: the final limb is commonly defined as a state of bliss and enlightenment achieved through diligent practice of all seven limbs of yoga.

It may also be attained by developing an understanding of both personal strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging human imperfection and accepting our limitations. This process ultimately allows one to reach a state where experiencing true bliss becomes possible.

www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk

Pickleball for All at Great Baddow Lawn Tennis Club

Residents across Chelmsford can now try one of the world’s fastestgrowing sports with the opening of two brand-new pickleball courts at Great Baddow Lawn Tennis Club. This is an exciting new way for readers to get active.

Players of all ages and abilities can now enjoy the fun, fast-paced game that has taken the UK and US by storm. Combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis; pickleball is easy to learn, highly sociable and suitable for beginners as well as experienced racquetsport players.

Pickleball uses solid paddles and a perforated ball on a smaller court than tennis, making rallies easier and the game more accessible to beginners. Its smaller court also means players can enjoy a great workout without covering large distances, making it particularly popular with mixed-age groups.

Accessible and Flexible for Everyone

In a move designed to appeal to everyone - not just club membersthe courts are available on a ‘pay-and-play’ basis. Anyone can simply book a court through the Activity Buddy app, making it quick and convenient to reserve a session. Why not try it now?

The flexible booking system means you can easily organise casual games, social matches or practice sessions - all without the need for any long-term commitment.

All Equipment Provided

New to the sport? There’s no need to worry about equipment. The club also provides bats and balls for players who don’t yet have their own, making it easy for newcomers to give pickleball a try.

Sessions for All Levels

To help you get the most out of the sport, the club is also organising a variety of activities you might like to join. Casual mix-in sessions allow players to turn up, meet others and enjoy friendly games, while structured, coach-led sessions will be available soon for those who want to develop their skills.

Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay fit, a way to meet new people, or just to try something different, the new pickleball courts at Great Baddow LTC in Ladywell Lane, Sandon, are the place for you.

With floodlights extending play into the evening and flexible booking options to suit busy lifestyles, there’s never been a better time to pick up a paddle and have a go.

Two dedicated courts are ready for action and available to bookjust download the Activity Buddy app and select Great Baddow LTC Pickleball!

Great Baddow Lawn Tennis Club

Chelmsford Croquet Club Moves to Margaretting - Come and Try the Game

Chelmsford Croquet Club is delighted to announce its move to a new home at Margaretting Village Hall, offering improved facilities and a welcoming space for both experienced players and complete beginners.

Croquet is a fun, sociable outdoor sport that combines skill, strategy, and a touch of friendly competition. Played on a grass lawn, the game involves striking balls through a series of hoops using a mallet. While it has a reputation for tradition, modern croquet is accessible, engaging and enjoyed by people of all ages.

Throughout our history, we’ve been proud to count members

and teams among the winners of local, regional and national competitions - and we fully expect that success to continue in the year ahead. However, at its heart, our club is just as much about enjoyment and community. Many of our members simply come along to have a good time, play a game or two during club sessions and take part in our friendly internal tournaments.

With the move to Margaretting, the club is inviting members of the local community and surrounding areas to come along and give it a try. No prior experience is needed and all equipment is provided.

Chairperson Judith Hand says: “Croquet is a game for everyone, no matter how old you are! It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy some time away from everyday life. But when you get to the really good stuff, it’s a fascinating test of your skills and strategies.

“We’re always happy to welcome new players to the game and the club, whether they’re just looking for a relaxing game or dreaming of becoming the world champion.”

Croquet will be played from late April to October on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10am and 2pm - all equipment is provided, just bring a pair of flat shoes or trainers.

For more information or to book a free session, please contact Judith on 01702 294 798, Andy on 07752 724 256 or email, info@ chelmsfordcroquet.uk. Our website is at www.chelmsfordcroquet.uk.

Chelmsford Croquet Club, Margaretting Village Hall, Wantz Road, Margaretting CM4 0EP

CT History: The Establishment of the Chelmsford Poor Law Union in 1835 -

By Stephen Norris

The Establishment of the Chelmsford Poor Law Union in 1835 Nationally, in Essex, and locally in the Chelmsford area, the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 appeared to cause a revolution in the provision of poor relief. Initially the changes were extremely significant. Hundreds of new union workhouses were built to deter as many people as possible from claiming relief. Able-bodied men and their families were supposed only to receive relief if they entered a workhouse.

The relief they then received was meant to be less eligible than the lowest able-bodied labourer in work. The immediate outcry against the new poor law was more muted locally than nationally and both in the press and amongst ratepayers what opposition there was, quickly dissipated.

There was relatively little opposition from the poor in the local mid Essex area. The Chronicle reported that the second annual report of the PLC showed a 32% cut in total spending on poor relief in the poor law unions of Essex. Initially the formation of unions appeared to reduce the independence of parishes, but in the guise of their overseers they were still required to collect the poor rate for the unions.

The Role of Alfred Power

Alfred Power was the Assistant Commissioner appointed by the new Poor Law Commission to encourage and compel parishes to form unions in the Eastern Counties after the passing of the Poor Law Amendment Act. In the Chelmsford area, 26 parishes were originally to be included around the central market and county town of Chelmsford itself. A letter was received from Power recommending the addition of Rettendon, Runwell, Woodham Ferris, Great and Little Leighs to the parishes of the Chelmsford Hundred. This amounted to a total of 31 parishes. After completing this main task, brooking no argument from a number of previously intransigent parishes in the Chelmsford area, Power was quickly moved north to deal with much more serious opposition to the NPL from radicals in the Bradford area. He was actually subjected to a physical assault while trying to impose the new law there.

Local Response to the 1834 Act

A number of the parishes included in the Chelmsford Poor Law Union thought they could still act independently, as their letters to the newly formed national Poor Law Commission showed. Writtle said their workhouse needed to be extended. A churchwarden named Baker wrote to the Commission saying they were going to borrow £1,000 to extend their parish workhouse.

The Commission initially approved of their plan to separate males and females. After a meeting with the AC, the Writtle vestry, also said that it wanted to reduce the large amount it felt it was spending on poor relief, by expanding its workhouse so that it could take more able-bodied labourers, after applying more stringent measures on poor relief.

When Great Baddow wrote saying there was a need for a larger workhouse to take the able-bodied, the commission responded saying they could not promise to include the parish in the union if they went ahead with this proposal.

It was not unusual for Essex parishes to try to retain their independence and take pride in it, immediately after the passing of the 1834 Act. Charles Mott, however, said the Chelmsford Select Vestry (CSV) supported the idea of the union. The wealthy local magistrate John Disney, had previously said in the Chelmsford Petty Sessions that Chelmsford would be a good centre for a union of parishes. He also said that the parishes of Ingatestone, Fryerning and Margaretting wanted to be included in the union.

The Response in Essex to the 1834 Act

With regard to the reaction of paupers in the new Chelmsford Union area, there was no violent opposition comparable to that in the new Rochford Union, where windows were broken in the Great Wakering parish workhouse. A special constable had to be employed by the new guardians to protect the workhouse there.

In the Dunmow Union there were attacks on relieving officers in Thaxted, Little Barsfield and Lindsell. There was also an attack on a guardian. Undoubtedly part of the ill feeling there was whipped up by a local magistrate and ex officio-guardian, the Reverend Thomas Gee. He refused to intervene in a case of insurrection at the Thaxted workhouse, which was being used by the Union.

Attitude of the Local Press to the PLC and the Establishment of the

Chelmsford

Union

After the passing of the 1834 act, the Chelmsford Chronicle had regularly made observations on its enactment. It could be relied on for the local establishment view. The paper supported the idea of less eligibility where the level of relief given would only be just equal to the living standards of the lowest independent labourer, even though it remained a nebulous and unquantifiable concept.

Early in 1834 the Chronicle found that the practice of offering a wellregulated workhouse and the abolition of all partial relief had been tried and found beneficial. In the same issue the editor said, ‘Outdoor relief is the master evil; it must be abolished if we do not wish to see pauperism with its train of mischief steadily advancing’. He made the distinction between the pauper and the independent labourer. The editor, however, was very dubious of the philosophy behind the establishment of the new central body, the PLC, based in Somerset House, London: ‘The central board will be best performed by distant and independent authorities’ and ‘the existing authorities are often illiterate and ignorant men’.

The Guardians of the Parishes of the Chelmsford Poor Law Union 1836

The editor was of the opinion that workhouses were a problem in parishes with small populations and larger workhouses were better managed. The editor further concluded that the erection of new workhouses although initially expensive, would be more economical in the long run. Regarding money payments to outdoor paupers, these had to be replaced by payments in kind. The editor, like the ACs, bemoaned the fact that labourers wouldn’t save while in employment and because of this when unemployed, they had to seek help from relatives or relief. He maintained that all relief should be treated as a loan. Power in his short time as AC for the Eastern Counties, tried unsuccessfully to establish ‘sick clubs’.

In August 1834 the editor finally came out resolutely against the recently passed act saying its principles were against the liberty of the constitution. He maintained parish officers and even magistrates would now be subservient to the powers of the new central body.

The First Meeting of the Guardians of the Chelmsford Board of Guardians

The first meeting of the Chelmsford Poor Law Union took place at the Black Boy Inn (now the Metro Bank) on the High Street, Chelmsford on the 15th August 1835 with Power present. Twenty unelected (EO) guardians were present including the Reverend CA Mildmay, J Turrell Bart, T Brooksby, TW Both Brooksby, and Branston had been on the Chelmsford Select Vestry. There were 29 elected guardians present.

At the second meeting there were only 2 ex officio-guardians and 18 elected guardians present. Power had sent a copy of the Orders and Regulations for the Uckfield Union for the guardians to follow, recognising that the vast majority of the guardians of the new union

had no experience of running such an organisation.

Composition of the Chelmsford Board of Guardians

Although there were 31 parishes in the new union, there were 37 elected guardians. Chelmsford parish, being the market town and by far the biggest parish in terms of population, elected 4 guardians. The 3 largest agricultural parishes Writtle, Great Waltham and Springfield elected 2 each. All the other parishes elected 1 each.

Great Baddow complained each year until finally gaining a second

guardian in the 1850s. To be an elected guardian one had to own property to the annual value of £20 per year or the equivalent rental value. This was increased during the century to £40 until it was cut to just £5 in 1895.

For the first two decades most of the elected guardians were tenant farmers who were simply nominated by their landlords. Most accepted this situation but a few had to be pressed into becoming guardians. Getting regular attendance at board meetings later became more of an issue, especially during harvest time.

Chelmsford Stories: Dan Luckin - By

I met Dan in a large farm shed, which he has converted into an art studio. He was wearing a flannel shirt and paint splattered jeans, accessorised with a beanie and a watch featuring The Simpsons. The Texas Tornadoes played in the background.

Dan Luckin used to be an art teacher encouraging students to believe in themselves and follow their passions. Eventually, he decided to take his own advice.

Today, Dan is a traditional signwriter and mural artist. You may have seen his work around the city, from the steam train mural on the Railway Tavern, to the bright colours at Jerk Station, or the pub signs at various Gray & Sons establishments.

Alongside the work that pays the bills, Dan always has a number of personal projects on the go. When I visited his studio, he showed me the ‘one-man band’ kit he is building. Another one of his projects is a ‘mobile wall’. It’s a large canvas hung up on a wall that acts as a sketchbook of sorts, allowing him to experiment with ideas.

When I visited the studio, Dan was working on a colourful spray painting of a dark haired woman. She had curlers in her hair and a cigarette hanging on her lips and her face bore an expression somewhere between confusion and disdain. When Dan is finished with the piece, he will repaint the canvas and try something else. I asked him if he finds it difficult to paint over his work. “Everything is transient,” he replied, “at the end of the day it’s only a picture. I can always make another one.”

Dan is skeptical about the state of much modern art. He thinks that society often blurs the lines between decoration and true art. For him, there is a big difference between using your skills and using your soul: “In front of a blank page, an artist can choose to do anything,” he says, yet he finds that modern art is often repetitive and unoriginal.

For Dan, art should be about encountering the world with childlike curiosity, “It’s a way of expressing your freedom”. But art is not just about personal freedom. Dan believes that it has great potential to

Amara Agwo

serve local communities. Having grown up in Chelmsford, he speaks fondly of the old record shops, live music venues and abandoned warehouses where young people were free to misbehave. He hopes that the city can recapture some of this creative spirit and learn to prioritise culture and community over commerce and bureaucracy.

www.paintedbydan.co.uk

Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle

Scrapbooking is often seen as a solitary, reflective hobby - quiet moments spent preserving memories with paper, photos and creativity. But for many, it has become something much more powerful: a gateway to connection, friendship and shared experiences.

That spirit of togetherness was on full display as Scrap-Circle recently celebrated the completion of their 5th craft cruise, where creativity and camaraderie flourished side by side.

This latest adventure took place in the vibrant and relaxing setting of the Caribbean, providing the perfect backdrop for inspiration. The group was made up of 11 crafters, including a couple of motherdaughter duos and a few friends who had already shared a love for crafting. For others, however, this journey began with uncertainty. Walking into a group without knowing anyone can feel intimidating, especially in a creative space where personal expression is so central. Yet, as the days unfolded, those initial nerves quickly melted away.

Scrapbooking has a unique way of bringing people together - it invites storytelling, vulnerability and the sharing of personal memories. Through this process, barriers naturally fall. By the end of the cruise,

The Art Place @Meadows Shopping Centre:

More Than a Shop - Community, Caring, Learning, Hope and Love

A Diamond in the City!

‘A diamond in the city’ is how The Sunday Times described the Art Place in an article which described Chelmsford as one of the best places to live in 2025.

So many are involved in making the Art Place work that it was lovely to see it being recognised. The Art Place is a pop-up space kindly supported by Meadows Shopping Centre, organised by the local charity Ideas Hub Chelmsford, and is a magical space that provides a platform for local artists and crafters to sell their work whilst providing training in retail as a route into employment.

As a pop-up, The Art Place moves within the city to where shops are empty until a new tenant is found. We have just left our old place to

every participant had formed meaningful connections, each person leaving with not just completed projects, but 10 new friends.

The group spent their days laughing together, creating together and exchanging ideas. They compared projects, admired each other’s styles, and discovered new techniques along the way. Whether it was experimenting with layouts, trying out new materials, or simply encouraging one another, the atmosphere was one of warmth and support.

What made the experience truly special was the balance between creativity and connection. Scrapbooking became more than just crafting - it became a shared language. Each page told a story and each story brought people closer together.

As Scrap-Circle reflects on their 5th successful craft cruise, one thing is clear: stepping into the unknown can lead to incredible rewards.

What began as a group of individuals - some strangers - ended as a close-knit circle of friends bonded by creativity, laughter and unforgettable memories.

So don’t hesitate to come along to one of our craft events, whether or next craft cruise, a weekend retreat or a craft day. Check all the dates on our website at www.scrap-circle.co.uk.

move in a new shop almost opposite!

After 5 long years in a giant space and moving to a smaller space, it goes without saying that there was a lot to move out. Thankfully, we have an amazing team of multinational volunteers. It took only 3 days to set up the new shop and only one day to dismount all the rooms and move all the furniture thanks to much hard work!

Of course, Chelmsford GoodGym came to give a hand as they do every time we move. If you don’t know Chelmsford GoodGym, they are a wonderful local charity that helps other charities with physical tasks such as painting, moving, doing allotments, distributing leaflets etc.

Our workshops and socials have found a new place too - but this is a story for next month’s article...

We are ever so proud to be able to make such a difference - thanks to all the help we receive - for the city and its residents. From providing a more interesting High Street and shopping experience to enabling people back to work, whilst also supporting the local economy and small businesses.

Don’t be shy, be part of our project and support our amazing team by buying your gifts at The Art Place!

This article was written by Edith Miller, CEO of Ideas Hub Chelmsford.

The Art Place is an Ideas Hub Chelmsford’s initiative.

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

The Art of Colour: Transforming Your Home With Confidence

Colour has the power to completely transform a space. It can calm, energise, soften, or define - often without changing anything else in the room.

Yet for many, choosing colour feels like one of the most daunting parts of interior design. The key is to approach it not as a risk, but as an opportunity to shape how your home feels.

At its most effective, colour should flow naturally throughout a home. This doesn’t mean every room needs to match, but there should be a sense of connection as you move from one space to another. A soft, neutral base - warm whites, gentle taupes, or muted greys - provides a timeless backdrop, allowing you to layer in colour through furniture, artwork and accessories.

Understanding undertones is essential. A grey can feel warm or cool depending on its base, and this will affect everything around it, from flooring to soft furnishings. Testing samples in different lights throughout the day is crucial, as natural light can dramatically change how a colour appears.

For a more confident approach, colour drenching has become increasingly popular in recent years. This involves using one colour across walls, woodwork and sometimes even ceilings to create a cohesive, immersive feel. Far from overwhelming, this technique can make a room feel sophisticated and intentional - particularly in smaller spaces such as snug lounges or bedrooms.

Contrast also plays an important role. Pairing lighter tones with deeper accents prevents a space from feeling flat. For example, a room built around soft creams and beiges can be elevated with darker elements like a charcoal lamp base or a rich wooden coffee table. It’s this balance that brings a scheme to life.

Nature is often the best source of inspiration when working with colour. Soft greens, earthy browns, warm terracottas and sky blues all have a timeless quality because they reflect the world around us. These tones are not only easy to live with but also promote a sense of calm and well-being within the home.

Ultimately, colour should feel personal. Trends can offer direction, but your home should reflect your own taste and lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts - if a colour makes you feel good, it’s likely the right choice for your space.

The art of colour lies in confidence, balance and a willingness to experiment. When used thoughtfully, it has the power to turn a house into a home that feels both beautiful and uniquely yours.

Top Tips for Using Colour at Home

1. Start With a Base Palette

Choose 2-3 core tones to anchor your space, then build around them with accents for a cohesive look.

2. Test Before You Commit

Always sample paint colours on your walls and observe them at different times of day - light changes everything.

3. Use Colour in Layers

Introduce colour through cushions, throws, artwork and accessories before committing to walls or larger pieces.

4. Don’t Forget Undertones

Warm and cool tones can clash if not considered carefully - make sure your colours sit comfortably together.

5. Try Colour Drenching

For a bold but sophisticated look, use one colour across walls, woodwork and ceilings in a smaller space.

6. Add Contrast for Depth

Balance lighter shades with deeper tones to avoid a flat or washedout scheme.

7. Take Inspiration from Nature

Greens, terracottas and soft blues are timeless and easy to live withthey always feel grounded and calming.

8. Be Brave With Accents

A single bold chair, lamp, or piece of art can completely lift a neutral room.

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 66 3339 info@saltmarshinteriors.co.uk www.saltmarshinteriors.co.uk

Tales From the Circle - By Sylvia Kent

This year is a special milestone for several organisations - including our own Brentwood Writers’ Circle. It was in May 1941, at the height of the Second World War, that an insightful local novelist, Elizabeth Baxter, opened her front door to a group of strangers who shared one ambition: to become published authors. At the time she was a member of London’s Society of Women Writers and Journalists (we still thrive after 132 years) and due to heavy bombing at their venue (Stationer’s Hall), she was unable to attend meetings. So, she paid sixpence to put an advertisement in the Brentwood Gazette inviting would-be writers to join her in her front parlour at Park Road and form Brentwood Writers’ Circle. Thanks to her initiative, we are delighted to celebrate our 85th anniversary this summer.

From those early, challenging days, when a tiny nucleus of writers and poets gathered together, the Circle eventually grew to 60 members with a waiting list. Many of those members went on to achieve success in their chosen fields, including radio, film, theatre and other branches of the written and spoken word.

Of course, writers’ circles are not unique to Brentwood. A handful of small groups in places such as Leeds, Sussex and Liverpool were already established. However, we believe we can proudly claim to be the longest-running continuous writers’ group of our kind. My research into similar organisations shows that while a few were

founded before us, 1941 remains a defining year for Brentwood, thanks to Elizabeth Baxter’s inspired idea to bring like-minded writers together.

As membership grew beyond the capacity of her parlour, Elizabeth found new premises in Brentwood, and these served the Circle well for years. But times change, and around a decade ago we moved to our current home at The Bardswell Social Club in Weald Road, a venue much appreciated for its comfort and generous parking.

As a social historian/researcher, I have enjoyed exploring the story of Bardswell itself, the notable provenance of the SWWJ (currently celebrating 132 years www.swwj.co.uk) before learning that the Bardswell’s management will soon be celebrating their own centenary. If any City Times readers have photographs/memories of this well-loved Brentwood recreational centre - which has hosted so many community groups over the decades - I will be delighted to hear from you: 07543 87 8064.

In the meantime, do visit our website at www.brentwoodwriterscircle. com to learn more about our members, history and upcoming activities. Better still, come along to one of our meetings! First visit is free. www.sylviakent.blogspot.com.

What is the longest river in the world?

Which footballer has scored the most goals in FIFA World Cup finals history?

Which country has the largest population?

What desert is the largest hot desert in the world?

Which US state is known as the ‘Sunshine State’?

What does HTTP stand for in a website address? In which year did Roger Federer win his first Wimbledon title?

Which cricket club plays at The Oval?

What does CPU stand for in computer terminology? What is the centre of a hurricane called?

What is the capital of Australia?

Which planet is known as the ‘Red Planet’?

What weather phenomenon causes a warming of the Pacific Ocean?

Who wrote The Odyssey?

What is the boiling point of water in celsius?

From which element is diamond made?

What is the capital of Egypt?

Who wrote Hamlet?

How many balls are there in total on the table at the start of a game of snooker?

What is the smallest planet in our solar system?

Here is this month’s quiz. The first 30 questions are general knowledge and the last 10 a specific subject. This month: ‘British Wildlife’. - By Tim

Brooks

What is the largest species of shark?

Who painted The Last Supper?

What is the smallest bone in the human body?

What is the capital of Germany?

Who is the author of Jane Eyre?

What is the largest species of penguin?

What causes thunder?

What is the primary gas found in the Earth’s atmosphere?

What is the capital of China?

Who is known as the ‘Mad Monk’ in Russian history?

What is the smallest mammal in the UK?

How many pairs of wings does a bee have?

How many times better is a dogs hearing than a humans?

What colour are the squirrels on the Isle of Wight? What colour are kingfishers legs?

Butterflies use what part of their body to taste with?

Which bird species is native to Britain has 96 species?

Which species of owl typically has a heart-shaped face?

When did wild wolves become extinct in the UK? Which dolphin species is most seen around the UK coasts?

On this day 24th April 1957

the late Sir Patrick Moore

CBE Hon FRS FRAS presented the very first edition of the BBC TV programme The Sky At Night which is still running today! Sadly though, this first programme is either lost or was never recorded. Though there are still many The Sky At Night programmes available to view on iPlayer.

24th April: Venus approaches within 0.8 degree of Uranus. This will be difficult to view, unless you have access to a telescope, as it will be during twilight.

25th April: The Plough will be very high up in the sky, due north. The advantage of watching objects like the Plough almost overhead, is that you’re observing the constellation through a much thinner atmosphere and so it’s clearer as a result.

Fun fact: The Plough (Ursa Major) constellation is one of the 5 constellations which are always in the night sky, all the year round. These are called circumpolar constellations. Listed below are the other 4 circumpolar constellations visible in the northern hemisphere.

1. Ursa Minor.

2. Cassiopeia.

3. Cepheus.

4. Draco.

As we get closer to summer, evenings get progressively brighter and sunsets get later and later. Many astronomy clubs and societies have public solar observing events. There’s quite a variety of solar phenomena you can see, showing how active the Sun really is.

Caution: Never look at the Sun through telescopes, viewfinders or binoculars directly. Permanent damage can result. There are means of adapting optical equipment for safe observation.

New Moon: On 16th April and 16th May 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.

Please email me with any questions.

Mark Willis presents The Retro Chart Show every Monday morning at 10am on Chelmsford Community Radio online and also across Chelmsford and beyond on 104.4 FM.

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

Quiz & Wordsearch Answers

The Nile River

Miroslav Klose

China

The Sahara Desert

Florida

HyperText Transfer Protocol

2003

Surrey County Cricket Club

Central Processing Unit

The Eye

The stapes in the ear

Berlin

Charlotte Brontë

Emperor penguin

Rapid heating and expansion of air by the lightning bolt

Nitrogen

Beijing

Grigori Rasputin

2 pairs of wings (so 4 wings) Hear sounds 4 times farther away

Red

Bright-red to orange-red Feet

Wren

Barn owl

Between 15th and 18th

centuries

Bottlenose dolphins