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The City Times

Chelmsford, Hatfield Peverel, Danbury, Great Baddow, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers, Stock, Ongar, The Walthams, Ingatestone & Dengie area

City Times Intro

Hello readers,

Welcome to The City Times May/June edition.

Well, it’s all change with the recent elections changing the leadership of Essex County Council for the first time in many years. We will have to wait a while to see how this goes!

In other news, the weather is warming up and there are many more outdoor events scheduled - check our What’s On pages to see what’s happening in your area.

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

Paul & Nick

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

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Nick Garner 07970 206682

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Editorial

Paul Mclean 07595 949701

editorial@itsyourmedia.co.uk

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. It’s Your Media Ltd

It seems that the weather is currently being kind to us, or are we in for another big change? Looking at the long-range forecast, we going to have variables - warm, hot, dry and wet.

We have just had the first May bank holiday and the second one is coming up fairly soon which will also be half-term for most in our area; are you planning on going away? I was going to the Red Rooster Festival which sadly got cancelled due to poor advance sales and costs. Red Rooster is a great festival in a great setting, so I do hope it will happen again. I still want to go away in my caravan for the weekend though but I have yet to decide where to go.

We have just had the 100th birthday of the man I regard as the greatest in the world, Sir David Attenborough. What an amazing human being he is and he has no signs of stopping yet thankfully. There were so many well-deserved tributes, including from Prince William and King Charles.

As I am writing this today, they are currently putting a new footpath outside my house which is good, they told me they were doing the kerb but I do not see any sign of that having been done so far. I hope they do the road next once the kerb is fixed.

The elections have come and gone across the UK and for us it was voting for the county as well as some local ones.

Music

As my last article came out we had Hamish Stuart and his amazing band play at the Social Club, this was just before Hamish goes back to the States to join Ringo on tour. We also had Rich Young putting on an amazing show for us along with Michael Clifford.

Next up, it was rock legends playing their 60th year anniversary show for us, Stray, who are also set to open at Knebworth for Iron Maiden this summer. Stray are just as good as ever and Del Bromham is a great front man. We also had a great opening act for the show with Rostock, who went down very well. Stray will be back at Hot Box on Saturday afternoon on 17th October.

I then had three shows at Hot Box; first was Kings and Bears who are a funky rock-prog band - they were superb. Next it was the Bad Pennies who are a blues-rock band mainly playing covers, and again doing it very well. We then had the return of (who I think are) the best tribute to Ian Dury and the Blockheads with What a Waste. They were just fantastic and great fun and we can’t wait to get them back next year.

Back at the Social Club we had Ronnie Lane’s old band Slim Chance, and this time they were a big band with seven members on stage and as ever they were superb. Various members will be back this year in different guises at Hot Box. Opening for them was Bob Collum & the Welfare Mothers who wowed the audience with their great set.

Back to Hot Box for Burning Rope, who have emerged out of Catfish who played for us at my blues festival in 2015. They were so good we just had to rebook them again for next year.

I went to Hot Box the other Wednesday for The Radio City Sessions with The Jackson Line and guests Jack Browning and Alex Francis. It was a great night that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The other Friday at the Social Club we had an evening with John

Otway and Wild Willy Barrett, which was their first time back in Chelmsford together since the late ’70s. What a great show it was with a good audience and we all enjoyed it - they were funny and very entertaining. We have managed to confirm them coming back in 2027 as part of their 50th anniversary tour, so keep your eyes open for that date. John will also be back at Hot Box with his band on 26th September this year.

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.

Wild Willy Barrett

City Times Food!

What lovely weather we have been treated to this last week or so, but knowing our English weather I’m not putting my boots away for my flip flops just yet!

We visited the Maldon Mud Race last weekend and I just wanted to say what a lovely event this is, and what was lovely to see was such a variety of food and drink stalls at the event.

Lots of local restaurants, such as Sark from Maldon High Street, were there and local independent cake shops. I can see this event getting better and better every year we attend.

This month, my husband and I had a weekend in Whitby. I have two favourite restaurants that we visit every time we visit so I wanted to give them a mention. Trenchers fish and chip shop is an acclaimed fish and chip establishment in an Italian-style venue with booths and colourful Tiffany lampshades. I also want to mention Humble Pie, a pie shop which is located in a 17th century building, which is like stepping back to the 1930s for homemade pies and mash.

We stayed in Sanders Yard which has lots of restaurants and fresh coffee. Our accommodation was a 400 year old building which was an old dispensary. If you are ever in Whitby please go and check them out, you won’t regret it.

I often use the Michelin Guide app, this doesn’t just show restaurants with Michelin stars, it shows restaurants that are up-and-coming serving good fresh food.

Whenever I go away I try to research the local area and make sure we visit some unique restaurants and locations. I always do this in advance so we can make a reservation if needed so we don’t get disappointed.

Salmon en Croûte

This month I want to share my salmon en croûte recipe. I’ve perfected this recipe over time and I can safely say it will be the best salmon en croûte recipe you will make.

Ingredients

• 2x 500g for salmon fillets.

• 100g water cress, roughly chopped.

• 200g cream cheese.

• Handful of dill, chopped.

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced.

• 500g puff pastry.

• Flour for dusting.

• 2 eggs, whisked.

Method

• Preheat your oven to 200oC.

• Unwrap the salmon fillets, then set aside. Put the watercress, cream cheese, dill, lemon zest and juice and pepper into a bowl and mix well, then set aside.

• Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface so it’s larger than the salmon fillet, then drape it over a lined baking tray. Place one of the fillets on the pastry and spread with the cream cheese mix, then lay the second fillet on top, skinned-side up. Brush the pastry with the egg mix.

• Roll out the rest of the pastry to fit, then drape it over the salmon and tuck it in at the sides. Trim the edges and crimp or press with a fork to seal.

• Bake for 20 minutes at 200oC, then lower the heat to 180oC and bake for 20 minutes more.

I serve mine with fresh veggies and some buttery mash.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do, and have a fantastic rest of the month.

Three Smart Fitness Tips to Help You Spring Into Fitness This Summer!

Staying active doesn’t require extreme routines or hours in the gym. Sustainable fitness comes from simple habits you can stick to long-term. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your routine, these three fitness tips will help you feel motivated and focused.

Tip #1: Focus On Consistency, Not Intensity

One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to do too much too quickly. An intense workout is useless if it leaves you exhausted or injured. Instead, aim for consistency. Choosing activities you genuinely enjoy makes it much easier to stick with them. At our leisure centres across Chelmsford and South Woodham we’ve got everything from ice skating and dance fitness, to sound bath meditation and adult trampolining! There’s something for everyone.

Tip #2: Strength Training Is for Everyone

Strength training isn’t just for bodybuilders. Using weights, resistance bands, or even your own bodyweight, helps build muscle, protect joints and improve posture. It also boosts your metabolism, making it

easier to maintain a healthy weight. All of our Chelmsford city sports memberships include regular programme reviews at no extra cost, so we can adapt your plan every step of the way!

Tip #3: Support Your Training With Recovery and Nutrition

Fitness doesn’t stop when your workout ends. Recovery helps prevent overuse injuries and keeps your motivation high. At our leisure centres our friendly staff are always happy to help to create your perfect fitness experience.

In the end, the best fitness plan is one that fits your lifestyle. Every movement counts towards a healthier you. If you’re ready to start your journey today, book your free trial at one of our state-of-the-art leisure centres across Chelmsford and South Woodham at www. chelmsford.gov.uk/freegymtrial.

By mid to late May, gardens are entering one of the most energetic periods of the year. Growth is rapid, borders are filling out and warmer temperatures encourage both flowering and foliage production. With longer daylight hours and improving soil warmth, many plants begin to move into peak performance.

This is also a time when gardeners must shift from preparation to active management. Attention to watering, spacing and plant care becomes increasingly important as competition for light and nutrients intensifies. The following five tasks focus on practical seasonal work that supports healthy growth and prepares the garden for early summer.

1. Thin Fruit on Tree Crops

Fruit trees often set more fruit than they can successfully mature. Thinning helps improve fruit size, reduces branch strain and prevents biennial bearing, where trees crop heavily one year and poorly the next. Trees that commonly benefit from thinning include:

• Malus domestica (apple).

• Pyrus communis (pear).

• Prunus domestica (plum).

Once natural fruit drop has begun, reduce crowded clusters by hand. Aim to leave one fruit every 10-15cm along branches for apples and pears and remove damaged or misshapen fruits first.

Use clean fingers or scissors to avoid tearing stems. Proper thinning improves airflow around developing fruit and can reduce fungal diseases such as brown rot.

2. Harden off and Plant Out Dahlias

By late May, Dahlia pinnata (garden dahlia) plants started indoors can usually be planted outside in most areas once frost danger has passed.

Before planting, harden off plants over 7-10 days by gradually increasing outdoor exposure. Choose a sunny, sheltered site with fertile, free-draining soil and plant tubers or young plants so the crown sits just below soil level. Space taller varieties approximately 60-75cm apart and compact forms around 30-45cm apart. Insert sturdy stakes at planting time to avoid damaging tubers later and water thoroughly after planting with approximately 5 litres per plant and mulch lightly to retain moisture.

3. Deadhead Spring Bedding and Early Perennials

Regular deadheading keeps displays tidy and encourages prolonged flowering by preventing plants from diverting energy into seed production. Plants benefiting from deadheading include:

• Viola × wittrockiana (garden pansy)

• Bellis perennis (common daisy)

• Aquilegia vulgaris (common columbine).

Remove faded flowers using fingers or secateurs, cutting back to the next healthy leaf or bud and carry out deadheading every few days during warm weather for best results.

In informal gardens, consider leaving some flowers later in the season for seedheads and wildlife value, particularly for self-seeding species such as aquilegias.

4. Lift and Divide Overcrowded Spring Bulbs

Spring-flowering bulbs that have become congested may flower poorly due to overcrowding. Once foliage begins to yellow naturally, bulbs can be lifted and divided. Suitable bulbs include:

• Narcissus pseudonarcissus (wild daffodil).

• Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop).

• Crocus tommasinianus (early crocus).

Carefully lift clumps using a fork, taking care not to damage bulbs. Separate offsets by hand and replant immediately or store in a cool, dry place until autumn. Replant bulbs at a depth approximately two to three times the bulb’s height. Improving spacing allows stronger flowering displays in future years.

5. Succession Sow Fast-Growing Crops

To maintain continuous harvests through summer, continue sowing short-season crops little and often rather than all at once. Good crops for succession sowing include:

• Raphanus sativus (radish.

• Coriandrum sativum (coriander).

• Lactuca sativa (lettuce).

Sow small batches every 10-14 days. Radishes can be sown 1cm deep with spacing of around 2-3cm, while lettuces should eventually be thinned to approximately 20cm apart. Regular sowing avoids gluts and ensures young, productive plants are always coming through.

Five Additional Tasks for Mid to Late May

• Tie in vigorous shoots of Wisteria sinensis (Chinese wisteria) to supports before stems harden.

• Remove blanket weed from ponds using a rake or cane to improve water quality.

• Check container plants daily, as warm weather can dry compost rapidly.

• Ventilate cold frames regularly to reduce overheating on sunny days.

• Apply supports to tall herbaceous plants before flower spikes become heavy.

Mid to late May is a time of increasing abundance and rapid development in the garden. By thinning fruit, deadheading regularly, dividing bulbs and continuing sowing programmes, gardeners

maintain both productivity and visual appeal. Careful observation and timely intervention now help ensure plants remain healthy and balanced as the garden moves confidently toward summer.

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.

We are incredibly proud to announce that our business has been shortlisted for the BIFIS Champion Customer Service Award 2026. This recognition marks a significant milestone for our team and reflects the passion, care and consistency we bring to every project and every client relationship.

Even more special, this recognition comes as we celebrate our 18th anniversary in business - a journey that has been built on trust, craftsmanship and a relentless commitment to delivering outstanding customer experiences. Reaching this milestone while being acknowledged at such a high level makes the moment even more meaningful for our entire team.

In addition, we are delighted to have been shortlisted in the BKU Awards by Bathroom & Kitchen Update for Best Kitchen Retailer for Customer Service and Kitchen Installation Company of the Year. To be recognised across multiple respected industry platforms is both humbling and motivating, reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellence at every stage of the customer journey.

Customer service has always been at the core of our business philosophy. From the initial design consultation through to installation and aftercare, we aim to provide a seamless, transparent and enjoyable experience. We understand that investing in a new kitchen or living space is a significant decision, and we take great pride in guiding our clients with honesty, expertise and attention to detail.

Being shortlisted for these awards is not just about recognition - it is about validation of the standards we set for ourselves daily. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that each project is handled with professionalism, precision and genuine care. Every detail matters, and every client interaction is an opportunity to exceed expectations.

Our partnership with BIFIS is a key part of this journey. As a proud BIFIS partner, we align with an organisation that champions quality, accountability and best practices across the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry. BIFIS (the British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation Specialists) is widely respected for promoting high standards of installation and professionalism, ensuring that accredited members consistently deliver outstanding workmanship.

Being part of the BIFIS network means we are continually striving to improve and uphold the highest levels of service. It ensures our clients can trust not only the quality of our designs and installations but also the reliability and integrity of the entire process. This partnership supports our mission to deliver spaces that are not only beautiful but also built to last.

These award nominations are, above all, a reflection of our clients. Their trust, feedback and continued support inspire us to keep pushing forward and refining what we do. We are incredibly grateful for the relationships we build and the opportunity to turn our clients’ visions into reality.

As we look ahead, our focus remains unchanged: to deliver exceptional design, expert craftsmanship and a customer experience that stands out in the industry. While awards are a wonderful acknowledgment of our efforts, our true measure of success will always be the satisfaction of our clients.

We would like to thank both BIFIS and BKU for this recognition and extend our sincere appreciation to our team and clients who make achievements like this possible.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

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

Morgan Introduces Most Powerful Morgan Yet With the Supersport 400

The ride in a Morgan is geared towards the thrill; that close-to-theground feel of being in a lightweight sports car, where the car is responding to driver ability rather than relying purely on technology. The smaller the car, the more hands-on feel that you get. Morgan hasn’t strayed too far from its ideals, and the thrill of the ride is not necessarily about the power of the engine but is provided in part by the Morgan’s impressive power to weight ratio. Morgan cars are lightweight, but what happens when you introduce a more powerful engine into a Morgan?

The Morgan Supersport 400 has upped the game, providing a decent 500Nm of torque along with 402bhp and a 0-62mph of 3.6 seconds - in a Morgan that will feel fast. In fact, Morgan has given the Supersport 400 more power than any previous Morgan car before.

Power comes from a turbocharged BMW 3-litre straight-six, which is the same engine that powers the standard Supersport but uprated for the benefit of the Supersport 400. A newly developed high-flow Active Performance Exhaust System compliments the 400, and with an array of changes to the regular Morgan Supersport the price reflects this.

One addition that will please many Morgan aficionados will be the improved gear shifter. Now, you can choose an optional aluminium shifter, following complaints that the old BMW shifter just wasn’t quite good enough to be used in a Morgan sports car. Just the fact that the 400 now gets a better gear shifter might, to some, be worth the extra cost alone.

The Dynamic Handling Pack that is also included, which was only an option for the regular Supersport. The Handling Pack gives you uprated suspension, adjustable coilovers all round, plus modelspecific spring rates/valving designed specifically for the Supersport 400. The Handling Pack should provide enhanced stability and be more ‘communicative’ for the driver according to Morgan.

New attractive 19-inch lightweight forged Sportlite alloy wheels and new front wing vents to improve airflow and cooling along with exclusive Supersport 400 finishes just might persuade you that the Supersport 400 is worth the expense. While the Morgan Supersport comes in at around £102,000, the new Morgan Supersport 400 will start from £112,965. It might be worth noting that Morgan includes Limited Slip Differential (LSD) as an option only - add this in and you increase the cost by £2,425.

With summer arriving early, the new Morgan Supersport 400 might just tick many of your sunny windswept country lane boxes, and orders are now open for what looks to be a very pleasing addition to the Malvern-based Morgan line-up. Delivery dates are yet to be revealed for this handbuilt beauty.

By Sean Neylon

Courtesy of Smart Motoring magazine smart-motoring.com

Images: morgan-motor.com

Looking for a weekend that lifts your mood, inspires your wellbeing and leaves you glowing from the inside out long after you’ve left? Celebrate the Chelmsford Mind Body Spirit Festival’s 10th anniversary from 6-7th June at Chelmsford City Racecourse, with more than 100 stands and 60 activities across two days.

Enjoy meditation, sound baths, breathwork, inspiring talks, holistic treatments, natural beauty, psychic readings, crystals, jewellery, ethical clothing, and live music.

Delicious streetfood caterers will tempt you throughout the weekend with plenty of vegan and gluten free options too. Explore dedicated spaces for yoga and movement, workshops, talks, meditation, chillout and more.

Get discounted Eventbrite tickets by scanning this code

This will be a joyful, uplifting event supporting the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity - and a perfect day out with friends.

Feel inspired. Feel uplifted. Feel amazing.

Tickets: lifearts.co.uk

Hania is one of the brightest young voices at Chelmsford Community Radio and a shining example of the incredible opportunities community broadcasting can create for young people.

Joining the station at just 10 years old, Hania quickly became a valued member of the Saturday Breakfast team, bringing energy, enthusiasm, creativity and confidence far beyond her years to every show she takes part in.

Her passion for radio is infectious and listeners have loved hearing her grow into a talented young presenter with a natural flair for entertaining and engaging audiences.

Hania says, “I love coming in every week and taking part with everyone. I’ve learned so much about presenting and how to put shows together. My friends enjoy listening in and sometimes they ask for song requests. It’s good to help the Chelmsford community and give people a buzz for the start of their weekend.”

Since joining the station, Hania has embraced every opportunity to learn more about broadcasting, production, teamwork and communication. Her confidence behind the microphone continues to flourish, and she has become a fantastic role model for other young people interested in media and radio.

Whether she is helping shape the flow of a show, chatting on air, or sharing music with listeners, Hania brings warmth, positivity and genuine excitement to the studio every Saturday morning.

We welcome Sonny Nicholas to City Sound, who presents an hour of bangers from the 2010s every Saturday afternoon from 4-5pm.

Sonny says, “Growing up I’ve travelled to many places and a lot of the time I was listening to the radio and loved it, and as I’m learning to DJ and produce music an opportunity came about to try radio presenting, which I went for and here I am now!

“I’ve always had a special connection with music and entertainment and thought this would be a great place to start my journey as it’s 100% something I would like to pursue as a career.” We wish Sonny all the best with his new show and future in radio.

Sonny’s new show is part of a revamped Saturday afternoon on City Sound, which features Sam Jenkins from 2-4pm and nothing but the big ones on Saturday Bangerz between 5-7pm.

Don’t forget we have a Summer Vibes party in the garden at the

Introducing Presenter Hania Mesbah

Away from the microphone, Hania’s imagination and creativity continue to shine. She is a passionate reader with an impressive love of literature, especially the hugely popular Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, while also being a huge fan of the beloved Dog Man comics. In fact, her knowledge of the Dog Man universe is so extraordinary that friends and family jokingly describe her as a walking encyclopedia, having memorised every single edition and storyline.

Her enthusiasm for books and storytelling has led her to become involved with the National Saturday Club Writing and Talking group in partnership with the Essex Book Festival. This inspiring project, supported by both Anglia Ruskin University and Chelmsford Community Radio, gives young people the chance to develop their creativity, confidence and communication skills in exciting new ways. Hania is especially excited about becoming involved in the brand new podcast project launching this summer, where she is eager to continue exploring the world of broadcasting and storytelling.

But Hania’s talents certainly do not stop there. She is also an enthusiastic gamer with a particular love for Minecraft, where her creativity and imagination come to life through building and design. Her artistic side extends into pixel art and drawing, hobbies that perfectly reflect her eye for detail and inventive personality.

Despite her busy schedule of school, radio, reading and creative projects, Hania still finds time to enjoy cycling adventures with her family and making the most of every opportunity to explore, learn and have fun.

With her incredible enthusiasm, creativity and determination, Hania represents the future of community broadcasting and youth creativity in Chelmsford. She is already achieving amazing things at such a young age and everyone at Chelmsford Community Radio is excited to see where her journey takes her next.

For more information visit www.chelmsfordcommunityradio.com

UB Chelmsford on 6th June featuring many of the City Sound presenters doing back-to-back sets from 4pm throughout the evening, and our next New Music Wednesday event is at Hot Box venue on 27th May, with a night of electronica featuring local favourites DGDA, plus from Colchester, KinoZolte and Sneakyfish. Tickets are available from the DICE website in advance.

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 business, or advertise regularly for a small fee, let us know by emailing 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.

Known as gold staters, the ancient coins have been acquired by the Museum of Chelmsford, joining the original 933 coins from the hoard which will go on public display this July.

Excavation aimed to uncover further context of the hoard

The Great Baddow Hoard is the largest Iron Age gold coin hoard ever found in Britain. Discovered in a field in Great Baddow, Chelmsford in 2020, it was acquired by the Museum of Chelmsford in 2025 thanks to funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund and other supporters.

Following the announcement in May 2025 that the museum had acquired the Great Baddow Hoard, a series of National Lottery Heritage Fund supported projects have taken place throughout 2025 and 2026 to explore the hoard and try to unravel its mysteries. One of these projects was a fresh investigation of the findspot, which aimed to further understand the context of its burial.

The Museum of Chelmsford commissioned Archaeology South-East (ASE), part of the UCL Institute of Archaeology, to undertake this excavation in autumn 2025.

Two further ‘Whaddon Chase’ gold staters recovered during excavation

The excavation saw a team of two archaeologists from ASE dig a twometre-square trench, excavating down to the ground’s undisturbed natural deposit to search for clues about the burial of the hoard. Halfway through the excavation, Senior Archaeologist, Rob Cullum, recovered two Iron Age gold coins from the trench. Both coins were identified as the same ‘Whaddon Chase’ type of Eastern British staters as 930 of the previously discovered coins. They feature a horse depicted on the obverse and an abstract style wreath design on the reverse.

As the coins are gold, the ASE team quickly declared them as treasure under the UK Treasure Act and reported them to the Local Finds Liaison Officer. The finds were then processed and analysed by ASE and the British Museum via the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS). The Museum of Chelmsford officially acquired both coins in April 2026, adding them to the previously acquired 933 coins.

Councillor Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Deputy for Cultural Services at Chelmsford City Council is pleased that the two newly uncovered coins have been reunited with the wider hoard: “It is enormously thrilling to see the Museum of Chelmsford’s efforts to understand more about this incredible moment in Chelmsford’s Iron Age history uncover two additional Iron Age coins. “These tiny treasures belong with the rest of the Great Baddow Hoard, and so I’m delighted that they’re joining the 933 other coins to go on display at the Museum of Chelmsford. Their story will undoubtedly inspire and fascinate visitors for generations to come.”

Councillor Jennie Lardge, Cabinet Deputy for Cultural Services, Chelmsford City Council

No further clues revealed from archaeological investigations

Despite discovering two further coins, the archaeological excavations sadly revealed no further context surrounding the burial of the Great

Prior to the excavation, a geophysical survey of the field had also been conducted by the Community Archaeology Geophysics Group, led by Dr Kris Lockyear, Senior Lecturer at the UCL Institute of Archaeology. This involved scanning the entire field using a magnetometer to reveal any anomalies in the landscape. The results of this also revealed no significant features that might be obviously related to the findspot.

Claire Willetts, Curatorial and Exhibitions Officer, says the hoard’s purpose will remain a mystery for now: “Though these additional coins are an incredibly exciting find, it seems that the Great Baddow Hoard findspot is yet to reveal all of its secrets. We had high hopes that further archaeological investigations would tell us more about how and why the hoard ended up buried in a field just outside of Chelmsford for over 2,000 years.

“Did the owner intend to return for the hoard but never managed to? Was it part of a ritual burial? Perhaps an offering to the gods? Or could the coins have been struck as a tribute payment linked to Julius Caesar’s invasion of Britain in 54BC?

“With no further evidence revealed through this recent excavation, the question of why this huge sum of late Iron Age coins was buried and never retrieved will remain a great mystery for now.” Claire Willetts, Curator and Exhibitions Officer, Museum of Chelmsford

New exhibition to explore theories behind hoard

The theories behind the burial of the Great Baddow Hoard are set to be explored as part of a new exhibition, Timeless Treasures: Unlocking the Great Baddow Coin Hoard, opening this summer at the Museum of Chelmsford.

Timeless Treasures will see all 935 coins from the Great Baddow Hoard go on public display for the very first time. As well as delving into the mystery of the hoard and Chelmsford’s Iron Age history, the exhibition will explore the concept of ‘treasure’ and how our thoughts around it have changed over the millennia, to ask: ‘what are our treasures of today?’

Timeless Treasures: Unlocking the Great Baddow Coin Hoard runs at the Museum of Chelmsford from 18 July 2026 until 11 April 2027. Following the exhibition, the Great Baddow Hoard will go on permanent display in the museum’s Prehistory Gallery.

Baddow Hoard.

May

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

Saturday 16th

Chelmsford Theatre - Wifi Wars

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

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box Presents: Will Wilde Band (SOLD OUT)

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

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - End of Blitz Quiz (1.15pm)

The Station Arms (Southminster) - Andy Broad

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 17th

Chelmsford Theatre - Children in the Fire

Chelmsford Theatre - Dr Louise Newson: Breaking the Cycle: The Power of Hormones

Hot Box - Guitar Club

Hot Box - Blues Jam

Monday 18th

Chelmsford Theatre - Wonders of our Universe

Chelmsford Theatre - Dementia Accessible Cinema: Mamma Mia

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Hot Box - Chris Acker + Rachel Baiman + Northcote

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

The Wheatsheaf - Club

Tuesday 19st

Chelmsford Theatre - Paul Young: Songs and Stories

Hot Box - Open Mic Night

Hot Box - Retro Gaming from Melee

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

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

Woolpack - Quiz

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

Wednesday 20th

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

Chelmsford Theatre - EOS: Frida Khalo

Chelmsford Theatre - Live and Symphonic: The New Carpenters Story

Chelmsford Theatre - Dial 1 for UK

Hot Box - Control Voltage: Electronic Music Open Mic

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

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

Thursday 21st

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - Mat Forde: Defying Calamity

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box Presents: Geraint Watkins and the Mosquitoes

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

Thursday 21st (continued...)

The Rising Sun - Quiz night

The Station Arms (Southminster) -The Excellent Giffords

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

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

Friday 22nd

Chelmsford Theatre - Mum’s Night Out Comedy

Chelmsford Theatre - The Dazzling Diamonds

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

Hot Box - The High Pints + Fine Lime

Saturday 23rd

Chelmsford Theatre - Holmes & Watson: The Curious Case of the Masked Magician

Chelmsford Theatre - The Magic of Mowtown

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

Hot Box - The Brian and Friends Jazz Ensemble (2pm)

Hot Box - Miki Berenyi Trio + Appi

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

The Station Arms (Southminster) - Black Rabbit (2.30pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 24th

The Ale House - Quiz

Hot Box - HotHaus Drag Presents: Afternoon Hot Haus

The Station Arms (Southminster) - Softenergy (4pm)

Monday 25th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Hot Box - 100 Years of Miles Davis

The Station Arms (Southminster) - Fictus (4pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Club

Tuesday 26th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Creative Collective 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 27th

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

Hot Box - DGDA + KinoZolte + Sneakyfish

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

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

Thursday 28th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - NT Live: The Playboy of the Western World

Hot Box - Edenflaw

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 29th

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

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Hot Box - Big Indie Disco Presents: Silent That Disco

Saturday 30th

Chelmsford Theatre - The Gingerbread Man

The Compasses - Karaoke

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

Hot Box - Ivan Moult (1pm)

Hot Box - The Old Guard V RAFA Club (Hall Street) - coffee morning (10am - 1pm)

The Wheatsheaf - Karaoke

Sunday 31st

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - The Gingerbread Man

Chelmsford Theatre - T-Rextasy Hot Box - Ragga Food and Vybz

Monday 1st

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Hot Box - Son of Dave

Chelmsford Theatre - The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain

The Wheatsheaf - Club

Tuesday 2nd

Chelmsford Theatre - The Storm Whale

Chelmsford Theatre - Mew Hall: Magical Hot Box - Open Mic Night

Hot Box - Retro Gaming from Melee Old Park Meadow - Yoga (to book text 07711 947 199 or visit bookwhen.com/beckysallows)

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

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

Woolpack - Quiz

Wednesday 3rd

Chelmsford Theatre - What’s Love Got to Do With It?

Friends Meeting House (Rainsford Road) CRAG Retirement Group monthly meeting (9.30 for 10am. First visit free) Hot Box - We Are Fossils

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning Old Park Meadow - Meditation (to book call 07906 653 666)

Thursday 4th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - The Ultimate Classic Rock Show

Chelmsford Theatre - Bring your own Baby Comedy Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box Presents: Vix and the Bleeding Hearts 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 5th

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

Chelmsford Social Club - Black Frog Presents: Bad Co Legacy

Chelmsford Theatre - 80s Mania

Chelmsford Theatre - Luke Wright: Later Life Letter Hot Box -HotHaus Drag Presents: LipSync Wars 2

Saturday 6th

Chelmsford City Racecourse - Life Arts Presents: Your FeelGood Weekend Awaits - Chelmsford Mind Body Spirit & Wellbeing Festival

Chelmsford Social Club - Record Fair

Chelmsford Theatre - Shake it up Shakespeare Hot Box - Com-unity Roots Double Six Dominos Jamaican Style (2pm) Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box Presents: Back Porch (1pm) Hot Box - Boogie in the Box

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

RAFA Club (Hall Street) - D-Day Celebrations (1pm)

The Station Arms (Southminster) - Mike Allen-Pugh

Sunday 7th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford City Racecourse - Life Arts Presents: Your FeelGood Weekend Awaits - Chelmsford Mind Body Spirit & Wellbeing Festival

Chelmsford Theatre - The Very Busy Bumble Bee

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box Presents: Kyla Brox & Danny Blomeley

Mighty Oak Tap Room (Maldon) - Heartland Ramblers Trio (offshoot of Rant ‘n’ Rave)

Monday 8th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box Presents: Sonny Flint’s Beano Bluesbreakers

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

Tuesday 9th

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

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 10th

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

Chelmsford Theatre - Pauline Eyre: Anyone for Tennis?

Chelmsford Theatre - The Witches of Eastwick

Hot Box - Big Music Quiz

Madison Heights (Maldon) - Open Mic

Old Park Meadow - Gardening Club and coffee morning

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

The Wheatsheaf - Music, Movie & TV Quiz

Thursday 11th

Black Rabbit (Maldon) - Quiz night

Chelmsford Theatre - The Witches of Eastwick

Hot Box - Black Frog Blues Box Presents: Tom Walters Band (featuring Geoff Achison)

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 12th

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

Chelmsford Theatre - The Witches of Eastwick

Saturday 13th

Chelmsford Cathedral - Chelmsford and District Welsh Society annual concert with the London Welsh Male Voice Choir (tickets £25 each, from concertorganiser.cdws@gmail.com or 07356 053 540)

Chelmsford Theatre - The Witches of Eastwick

Chelmsford Theatre - Legally Blonde by LS Elite

Danbury Village Hall - After Eight Social Club Disco Dance Night

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

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

Sunday 14th

The Ale House - Quiz

Chelmsford Theatre - Fun for Little Ones: A Tribute to Ms Rachel

Chelmsford Theatre - Michelle Wolf: Best Job in the World

Monday 15th

Hot Box - Chelmsford Chess Club

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

Venues in Chelmsford, unless mentioned as being elsewhere.

VolFEST Returns to Chelmsford High Street This June Chelmsford is set to come alive with community spirit on Thursday 4th June, as VolFEST returns to the High Street for a full day of celebration as part of National Volunteers Week.

Organised by Chelmsford Council for Voluntary Services (CVS), VolFEST has become a much-loved date in the city’s calendar. Now in its eighth year, the event brings together more than 60 local charities and community groups, all in one place, to showcase the incredible work happening across Chelmsford and the many ways people can get involved.

Running from 9.30am to 4pm, VolFEST offers something for everyone. Visitors will be able to explore a wide range of stalls, meet friendly local organisations and find out how to access support for themselves or their loved ones. It is also a great opportunity to discover volunteering roles to suit all interests, skills and availability.

The event will feature a lively festival atmosphere, with music, food and family-friendly activities taking place throughout the day. From hands-on demonstrations to charity items for sale, there will be plenty to see and do while learning more about the vital role the voluntary sector plays in supporting communities across the district.

Since it first launched in 2019, VolFEST has grown into a vibrant celebration of people coming together to make a difference. Each year, it highlights the strength and diversity of Chelmsford’s voluntary sector and helps connect residents with organisations that are changing lives every day.

Whether you are looking for support, interested in giving your time, or simply want to enjoy a positive and welcoming community event, VolFEST is the perfect place to start.

Event details: Thursday 4th June 9.30am to 4pm. Chelmsford High Street. Everyone is welcome.

City Times Poems

Our Dreams

Our dreams lay in secret

Stored in caverns of the mind

Difficult to find, Where they idly lie

Awaiting us, their discovery

They wrapped in times silver thread

In places where We do sometimes fear to tread

Are they a mix of memories, Long ago events?

They kaliedascoped bent Into some serialist fantasy

A shortened B movie

That only we may see; All so fast they are, Gone, gone, gone Lost, in a moment fleeting, beyond

Our waking memory

As a ship lost and tossed In life’s roaring, reckless sea,

By Richard Simmonds

Romance

All these days we knew it

All these days it’s clear

The wonder of you and your wit

The wonder of you so near

The time has come to grow it

The time has come for sure

I wish we could believe it

I wish we weren’t so pure

Would you Adam and Eve it?

Would you seize the chance?

Our future really depends on it

Let’s have a little romance

Martin Kilby

Save the Boreham Hanger

The T2 Hangar and the Romney hut are the last vestiges of the Boreham Airfield from WW2 and they deserve to be saved and enjoyed by future generations.

But What to Do With Them?

We think we have the solution - a heritage site that encompasses both existing buildings and incorporates some additional assets - we would like to turn the T2 Hangar into a heritage area and museum. This would allow displays of vehicles as well as other associated equipment, a storage and conservation area, a display telling the history of Ford at the site and importantly, an area for education.

Suggestions have been made regarding also relocating the 1949 memorial and the Bailey Bridge (which was in Chelmsford) to the site in a suitable landscaped setting. This would bring heritage into one area for preservation and conservation.

We are a group looking to try and save the WW2 Historic Boreham Hanger from potential destruction by developers and to repurpose it as a heritage centre and community asset.

We have the backing of Chelmsford City Council and local MPs, including Kemi Badenoch, and various preservation groups in the US and UK.

What we are looking for is support to halt the proposed destruction of these last two remaining buildings to preserve the memory of those who used them and also to celebrate their significant history and provide something special as an amenity to Chelmsford.

Find out more here: www.essexhmva.co.uk.

www.facebook.com/SaveTheBorehamHangar www.savetheborehamhangar.org

Chelmsford Library

Professor Gloop’s Slime Workshops

We ar pleased to annouce that Professor Gloop’s Slime Workshops are coming to Chelmsford area libraries.

Don’t miss these handson fun science sessions, where children can have fun creating their own slime and learn some (very slimy!) facts at the same time. Professor Gloop’s Slime Workshops will be taking place during May half-term week and they are suitable for children aged 5-10 years. Tickets cost £4 for each child attending - adults don’t need a ticket. Find all the details and book your place on our website today: libraries.essex.gov.uk/events.

Bestselling Author Sarah Vaughan Is Coming to Chelmsford Library

We’re excited to be welcoming Sarah Vaughan to the library. Sarah is the bestselling author of Anatomy of a Scandal which ia now a hit Netflix drama. Sarah will be talking about her latest

book and her writing journey. Join us on Tuesday 23rd June for an evening of conversation about her latest gripping thriller and the chance to hear directly from the author herself. Book your tickets on the Essex Book Festival website: essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/ based-on-a-true-story.

Memory Café and Community Teatime

Join us at this special Memory Café and Community Teatime session on Wednesday 20th May from 10.30am to 11.30am.

Along with our regular cuppa and a biscuit, customers will also be able to look at some fantastic memory boxes kindly loaned to us by the fabulous Museum of Chelmsford.

We’ll also be joined by various partner organisations in support of Dementia Action Week.

This is a free drop-in event, no booking required.

Dancer’s Pose - By Steve Johansen, Hummingbird Pilates & Yoga

Often when I begin drafting my articles, the main challenge is selecting a suitable topic - the Assana or pose. However, on this occasion I faced a different dilemma. Initially I was drawn to writing about standing balances due to their unique benefits, having written about several fundamental standing balancing poses in the past. I naturally felt I would focus on my favourite - until I realised I don’t actually have one! Partly because I enjoy many different ones equally.

Ultimately, I decided to write about Dancer’s Pose, a pose that is particularly engaging as it is a standing balancing backbend, with a forward tilt that shifts the centre of gravity forward. I find this combination especially challenging, which is part of why I am drawn to Dancer’s Pose. I am also attracted to the constant feeling of being slightly off balance. The feeling of being on the edge of falling out of the pose is part of the process and each wobble helps build strength, resilience, self-trust, a steadiness and inner calm.

Dancer’s Pose, in Sanskrit it’s Natarajasana (not-ah-raj-AHS-anna), which translates to ‘lord of the dance pose’. The name is derived from Shiva Nataraja, the Hindu deity regarded as the King of the Dance, who symbolises experiencing bliss amidst chaos. The pose is frequently referred to simply as Dancer Pose. Similar to other yoga standing balances, this pose demands patience, concentration and perseverance. Dancer’s Pose stands out by having you balance on one leg while arching your back and leaning forward changing your centre of gravity. This blend of movements helps yogis develop both stability and a sense of inner peace.

Where to Start

• Start in Tadasana (tah-DAHS-anna) or Mountain Pose, standing tall, strong and immoveable like a mountain.

• Strech your hands down to the floor, palms forward by the side of the hips.

• Lift the crown of the head to the ceiling to stand as tall and strong as you can.

• Roll your shoulder blades back and towards each other and engage your abdominal muscles.

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

• Establish long slow, steady even breaths.

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

To Get Into Dancer’s Pose

On your next inhalation:

• Keep Tadasana and your Dristi at eye level ahead to maintain focus.

• Keep the knees soft as you slowly transfer your weight into your left foot.

• Keep your balance and core strength, elevate your right knee toward your chest.

• Use your left hand on your knee and right hand on your chin to lift your knee higher if needed.

• Maintain the left-hand position to support the knee, then carefully move the right hand down from the chin towards the ankle or the top of the right foot.

• Stretch your left hand down to the floor, palm forward by the side of the hip.

• Keep your balance and your right knee bent, then move it forward and down as you use your right hand to bring your foot closer to your buttocks.

• Hold the foot still and work your right hand around the toes to the inner arch of your foot.

• The heel of your thumb in the arch of your foot and the tip of your thumb by your big toe.

On your next exhalation:

• Take a moment to re-establish your balance and steady yourself.

• Tuck the tailbone down engaging the core as you lift the sternum and your head upward, re-establish your Dristi at eye height - this will help to maintain your balance.

On your next inhalation:

• Carefully move one thing at a time to maintain your balance.

• Sweep your left arm straight forward or upwards, stretching though the fingers.

• While maintaining your grip on the inside of your right foot, gently press the foot backward and simultaneously guide the hip forward. Steady hips are key to keeping your balance throughout the movement.

On your next exhalation:

• Try to tuck the tailbone down, engaging the core and lift the belly button and torso, opening your chest. This should intensify the stretch through your right arm and shoulder.

• Resist leaning forward or lowering your Dristi, this will help to maintain your balance.

• This is the most basic Dancer’s Pose. Hold for a breath or two.

• To achieve a deeper backbend, extend your foot backward and upward while maintaining stable hip alignment.

• This will have the effect of creating a counterbalance, while tilting your torso forward.

Ultimately, you’re trying to raise your foot backwards and up so it is above the height of your head, keeping the arm stretched ahead of you.

Coming out of the pose, on your next inhalation:

• To come out of the pose, it’s often easier to keep the hold on your foot and lift the torso up.

• Once upright realise the grip on the foot and find Mountain Pose again.

• Repeat on the other side.

I like to hold Dancer’s Pose, for 3 to 5 long, slow breaths. Be patient - it takes time to develop the strength and flexibility to achieve enjoyable backbends, especially if you have tension in your shoulders. Remember to repeat on the other side.

Teacher Tip

• If you feel unstable, place your left hand on a wall for stability and steady your breath to re-establish your balance.

• Keep you core engage will support the lower back and help with your balance.

• If you cannot reach your foot, loop a yoga strap around it.

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

www.hummingbirdpilates.co.uk

Chelmsford

The Chelmsford Union Guardians

The overwhelming majority of Guardians in the Chelmsford Union were farmers and this remained the case until the end of the 19th century. The initial exceptions included Henry Copland, a nonconformist of Broomfield Place, whose unearned income meant that he didn’t need to work. Charles Butler, of Buttsbury, was also a gentleman, who lived off unearned income. Chelmsford parish was represented in the first annual election by John Hasler a tailor, William Collings Wells, a nonconformist brewer, Augustus Stokes, the postmaster of the High Street and Malach Myhill, of Moulsham Hall, who was a substantial farmer. Thomas Thorn of Lyon Place, Springfield was a builder. William Murrell, also representing Springfield, was an inn keeper.

Early Use of Existing Parish Workhouses by the Chelmsford Union

The two urgent tasks for the new board were to list all the paupers on relief in the various parish workhouses and establish a committee to visit all the existing parish workhouses in the new Union. It had to be established which existing workhouses could house paupers, whilst following the strict new rules on the segregation of different categories of pauper.

The committee recommended that the 7 workhouses required were Chelmsford, Ingatestone, Springfield, Writtle, Great Baddow, Great Waltham and Buttsbury. Able-bodied men and boys above 12 were to be placed in the Chelmsford parish workhouse. Females and girls above 13 were to be placed in the Great Waltham workhouse. The aged and infirm were initially allocated to Ingatestone, Great Baddow, Writtle and Springfield. Boys under 12 and girls under 13 were to be placed in the workhouse in Buttsbury. The workhouses could together house 350 paupers.

In a letter to the Commission, however, the Board of Guardians expressed a concern that there might be a sudden influx of paupers. Rentals for the workhouses were agreed with the parishes concerned and Chelmsford was to receive £60 per annum, Springfield £18, Great Baddow £15, Ingatestone £25, Buttsbury £20, Writtle £25 and Great Waltham £43. At the end of the year a committee of Guardians was appointed as visitors to the 7 workhouses.

The initial concerns about a possible influx of paupers into the workhouses proved unfounded. Not unsurprisingly, families often went to great lengths to avoid being separated in the various workhouses, often getting help from relatives. The result was, purely from the point of view of local ratepayers, an entirely satisfactory one. Although there was one poor rate across the Union, parishes paid an amount according to their number of paupers. All the parishes in the Union experienced a significant reduction in their ratepayers’ burden of poor relief.

Changes in Spending in the Parishes of the Chelmsford Union 1836

Great Waltham saved over £1,000 on a previous amount of £2,272. Writtle, which had considered itself overburdened with paupers, saved almost £1,000 from a previous bill of £2,612. Chelmsford parish itself, saw a reduction of £530 on a previous bill of over £2,500.

Even a small parish like Runwell saved £103 on a previous bill of £212. In terms of the Union as a whole there was a total saving of £6,792 on a previous bill of £19,248 (ie, over a third). The publication of the second PLC Report at the end of 1836 showed the Unions in Essex in total had achieved a saving of 32%, close to a third.

Problems in Using the Local Parish Workhouses

Despite these initial savings, the Chelmsford Union Guardians struggled to wrestle with the logistical problems of running so many workhouses dispersed in the Union. The Chelmsford Union covered a large geographical area. Springfield, Great Baddow and Writtle

bordered Chelmsford but Ingatestone, Buttsbury and Great Waltham were between 4 and 6 miles away. Besides the problem of moving paupers to their allotted workhouses, there was the difficulty of getting supplies to each workhouse. Ingatestone and Great Baddow soon gave up taking paupers to be followed by Writtle and Springfield. By the end of 1836 only Chelmsford, Great Waltham and Buttsbury were accepting paupers.

At the Great Waltham workhouse, the women were divided into those of good character and those with ‘bastard’ children, who were therefore thought to be of immoral character. The two classes were not supposed to have contact with one another. Those of immoral character were placed on diet of bread and water, which was normally reserved for refractory cases.

The

Buttsbury

Asylum for Children

The Buttsbury workhouse was known as an Asylum for Children, a term which Power disliked. No visits by parents were allowed. It had previously been a poor house and had 2 acres of land. Initially there were 32 boys and 30 girls. When the children were later moved to the new Union workhouse it was discovered they had the ‘itch’ or headlice. The Guardians considered that the medical officer had been guilty of considerable neglect. Mr and Mrs Hines, master and matron, were probably too lax and Mr Hines often blamed the reprehensible behaviour of the boys for the poor conditions.

By January 1837, Buttsbury was full. Extra boys had to be sent to the Chelmsford parish workhouse and extra girls were sent to Great Waltham. The children at Buttsbury officially received 4 hours education which was the responsibility of Mr and Mrs Hines, although they were not trained teachers.

There were 3 different diets for children of different ages. A similar asylum for children in Bangor, provided better diets, especially in terms of meat.

The difficulties of administration with regard to the parish workhouses led the first Clerk to the Union, Robert Bartlett, to initially resign because of his workload. Although the Guardians thought he was exaggerating, they finally relented and appointed a separate accountant.

The Guardians were, however frequently critical of Bartlett, saying he didn’t keep his minute book properly and that he rarely stayed for the whole meeting. They refused to increase his salary in 1841. The Chelmsford Union didn’t, however, experience the problems of the West Ham Union where the clerk was found to have made intentional errors in the indoor and outdoor relief books.

The next article will look at the building of the Chelmsford Union workhouse.

Chelmsford Stories: Local Heritage -

By Amara Agwo

St Mary’s Church Stebbing was bustling at their open day on Easter weekend. Children ran around looking for crocheted bats, which had been donated by the local Knit and Natter group. The church’s Cornerstone Café served drinks and sweet treats.

I admired the medieval graffiti and learnt about the church’s rare stone rood screen - one of only three in the world.

I visited St Mary’s that day with some friends, and the drive up to Stebbing offered a wonderful opportunity to experience the countryside surrounding Chelmsford. We had winded through the country roads, passed vibrant yellow rapeseed fields and spotted muntjac deer darting through the bushes.

When we arrived in the village, we were impressed by the grandeur of the church. It is a Grade 1 listed building, which in 2019 was identified as ‘heritage at risk’. In 2023, St Mary’s received a £1.57million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a renovation and heritage activity project called The Way Forward. Renovation works began the following year and the church reopened to the public this March. Easter weekend marked the first community event in the renovated building.

The church interior feels open and bright, thanks to its restored white walls. Renovations also included new flooring, lighting and heating systems. But beyond the physical improvements, The Way Forward project is also about creating a community hub and engaging locals with the heritage of the church.

As part of their activity programme, St Mary’s ran a historical games night in April. I attended the event, and enjoyed playing Snakes & Ladders and Nine Men’s Morris, whilst chatting with the lovely project team and volunteers.

Other upcoming events include another games night on 22nd May and a children’s kaleidoscope making workshop, exploring the light and shapes of stained glass, on 26th May.

The Way Forward team also welcomes volunteers to support their events and community engagement. If you are interested in finding out more about the project, please see the website at www. wayforwardstebbing.org.

Crafts - By Magali Ellis and Scrap-Circle

Inspiration

Crafting is so much more than making something beautiful with our hands - it is about connection, creativity and the inspiration we gather along the way. Every crafter has a story behind their work, and often that inspiration comes from the people we meet, the places we visit and the experiences we share.

For many of us, inspiration begins with other people. A conversation with a fellow crafter, seeing someone’s handmade project, or learning a new technique from a friend, can spark fresh ideas and excitement. Craft groups are wonderful for this because they bring together people from different backgrounds, all with their own creative styles and stories to tell. Sharing ideas in a supportive environment helps creativity flourish and reminds us that crafting is about community as much as it is about creativity.

Social media has also become a huge source of inspiration for crafters everywhere. Platforms filled with colourful projects, tutorials, and crafting tips allow us to discover new trends and techniques from all around the world. Whether it is scrapbook layouts, card making ideas, sewing patterns, or mixed media art, there is always something new to inspire the next project. The beauty of online crafting communities is that they allow us to connect instantly with

Around the World in a Few Words!

From Fête de la Musique to Make Music Day: How a French Idea Became a Global Movement

Every year on 21st June, streets, parks, squares and public spaces in cities around the world are transformed into open-air stages. Musicians perform for free, audiences gather without tickets and music spills into everyday life. This worldwide celebration is known in France as the Fête de la Musique and internationally as Make Music Day - a cultural movement built on a simple idea: music belongs to everyone.

The story begins in France in 1982. French Minister of Culture Jack Lang and composer/music administrator Maurice Fleuret created a national day to encourage people to make music in public spaces. Their inspiration came from research showing that millions of French citizens played musical instruments but rarely performed publicly. The concept was revolutionary: instead of attending formal concerts, people would create music themselves. The guiding philosophy became: Music Everywhere, Concerts Nowhere

This slogan above captured the democratic spirit of the eventbreaking down barriers between performers and audiences and turning the whole city into a stage. The first Fête de la Musique took place in Paris on 21st June 1982, chosen deliberately because it coincides with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

The event is unique - a classical violinist may perform beside a jazz quartet, a drum circle, or an electronic DJ set. The celebration removes hierarchy from music-making and gives equal value to all forms of musical expression. If you stroll around French cities on this day you will hear music genres overlapping and merging as you walk from one performance to another in a street not far away.

The Global Expansion: Make Music Day

What began as a French national event quickly crossed borders. By the late 1980s and 1990s, many countries had adopted the format. In English-speaking countries, the event became widely known as Make Music Day, preserving the double meaning of the French phrase (‘festival of music’ and ‘make music’).

Today, Make Music Day is celebrated in over 2,000 cities across

like-minded people who share the same passion.

In-person events, however, offer something truly special. Workshops, retreats, and craft cruises create unforgettable experiences where creativity comes alive. I have recently returned from a craft cruise that I organised and it was filled with fantastic memories, laughter, learning, and friendship. Visiting the beautiful Caribbean islands gave us endless inspiration through vibrant colours, tropical scenery, local culture and breathtaking views. Every destination sparked new ideas for future projects.

What made the trip even more memorable was the wonderful group of ladies who joined me. We shared stories, encouraged one another, laughed together and exchanged different craft techniques throughout the journey. These shared experiences often become the inspiration behind our most meaningful creations because they are connected to happy memories and genuine friendships.

Holidays and travel can be incredibly inspiring too. A sunset, a market full of handmade treasures, historic buildings, or even the colours of the sea can influence our creative work in ways we never expect. Inspiration is everywhere if we take the time to notice it.

Whether you are searching for fresh inspiration or would love to share your own creativity with others, why not join one of my craft events? You can find out more at www.scrap-circle.co.uk.

192 countries. including across the United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and Australia.

In an era where much music is consumed privately through headphones and streaming, Fête de la Musique reminds us that music is fundamentally social. It reconnects music with public life and human connection.

Its endurance over more than 40 years shows the power of simple cultural ideas. No expensive infrastructure, no exclusive tickets, no commercial barriers - just people making music together. It’s also an example of where one good idea can spark a global movement.

On June 21st Chelmsford will host a free concert of French songs across genres with Deborah Aloba and Louis Miller organised by Chelmsford Arts and Culture Project and Chelmsford Twinning Partnership. To RSVP, please email: Chelmsfordacp@gmail.com.

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

Interior Design Tips for Your Home - By Tania Dadd

Designing for Well-Being

Home is more than a place we live - it’s where we begin and end each day, where we seek comfort, connection and calm. Increasingly, interior design is moving beyond how a space looks, focusing instead on how it makes us feel. Designing for well-being is about creating a home that supports both body and mind.

One of the most powerful elements in well-being-led interiors is natural light. Sunlight instantly lifts a room, making it feel brighter, more spacious and more energising. Maximising daylight by keeping window dressings light, positioning mirrors to reflect light and avoiding clutter around windows can dramatically improve the feel of a space. In darker rooms, layered lighting - combining soft table lamps, wall lights and warm-toned bulbs - creates a softer, more comforting atmosphere.

Colour also plays a vital role in mood. Soft earthy tones, warm neutrals, gentle greens and muted blues all have a calming effect. Rather than harsh contrasts, well-being spaces tend to embrace tonal layering - colours that blend softly together.

Nature should also have a place indoors. Houseplants, fresh flowers, natural woods, linen fabrics, woven textures and stone finishes all bring a connection to the outdoors.

This concept, known as biophilic design, is proven to support relaxation and reduce stress, even in small doses. A vase of greenery, a timber side table or a beautifully woven basket can be enough to soften a room.

Decluttering is another important aspect of well-being. A crowded room can feel mentally heavy, while clear surfaces and thoughtful

storage create a sense of order and ease.

Comfort should always be considered. Deep sofas, layered bedding, tactile fabrics and quiet corners for reading, relaxing or simply sitting with a cup of tea all help turn a house into a sanctuary. Well-being design isn’t about perfection - it’s about creating spaces that invite you to slow down.

Scent, sound and atmosphere also matter. Candles, essential oils, soft music, fresh air and subtle fragrance, they should soothe and comfort on every level.

Ultimately, designing for well-being is about intention. It’s about asking one simple question: How do I want this room to make me feel? Calm? Energised? Comforted? Inspired?

Top tips for a well-being-led home:

• Maximise natural light wherever possible.

• Choose calming colours inspired by nature.

• Add greenery, flowers or natural materials.

• Declutter surfaces for visual calm.

• Layer soft textures for comfort.

• Create a quiet corner for rest or reflection.

• Use scent and soft lighting to shape mood.

• Design for feeling, not just appearance.

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

Three score years and ten may be the Biblical span allotted to mankind, but Brentwood Writers’ Circle has happily exceeded that measure by a further fifteen years - and shows no sign of slowing. Monthly, our lively community of writers continues to gather at the Bardswell Social Club, Weald Road, Brentwood, sharing ideas, encouragement and the sheer pleasure of the written word. The conversations are as varied as the members themselves: crime writers exchanging plot twists, memoirists comparing notes on family history, and newcomers tentatively offering their first paragraphs for critique.

The Circle owes its beginnings to Elizabeth Baxter, our first chairperson, who had the foresight and generosity to open her small front parlour in May 1941. Wartime Britain was hardly the easiest moment to launch a literary group, yet her instinct proved right.

that comes from sharing stories. From that modest front room grew a society that has endured through eight decades of social change, new technologies, shifting literary fashions and the rise of digital publishing. Many writers’ groups have sprung up across the UK since then, but it is believed that ours is among the longest continuously established in the country.

Over the years, numerous writers have passed through our doors - some published, some aspiring, some simply curious. New writers often arrive feeling isolated, unsure how to begin a first draft or whether their work is ‘good enough’ for publication. A first visit to BWC can be transformative. The welcome is warm, the advice practical and the sense of belonging immediate. Members share their experience of competitions, agents, editing, and the sometimes mystifying world of publishing. Others simply offer the encouragement that every writer needs from time to time.

When the now famous Essex Book Festival was launched in 1999, our members were often among the speakers supporting events in libraries, theatres, schools and colleges across the county. The festival, now organised by the fabulous festival team of Ros Green and Claire Buskin, has now released this year’s brochure to be found in Essex libraries (www.essexbookfestival.org.uk).

As we look ahead to our 85th anniversary, Brentwood Writers’ Circle remains what it has always been: a welcoming haven for anyone who loves words. Whether you are polishing a novel, drafting a poem, researching local history or simply wondering where to begin, you will find friendly faces, lively discussion and a place where your writing can grow. New members are warmly welcomed (first visit free) and who knows, your story may become part of the Circle’s next chapter.

www.brentwoodwriterscircle.com

What is the study of mushrooms called?

What is the capital of Malaysia?

What is the name of the peninsula located in the northern part of Norway, Finland, and Russia?

In which year did the First World War end?

Who composed the music for The Messiah?

What is the largest bird in the world?

Who succeeded Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister in 1940?

What is the currency of Hungary?

Which animal can be seen on the Porsche logo?

Who composed the music for Aida?

Where did backgammon originate?

Who played Queen Elizabeth II in the first two seasons of The Crown?

Who was known as the ‘Iron Lady’?

In The Simpsons, what’s Homer’s catchphrase?

What is the name of the sea located between Italy and Tunisia?

What famous man became president of his country after being in jail for 18 years?

When did Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere?

What is the chemical symbol for cobalt?

In which 1963 classic film did Charles Bronson appear?

Who was the British monarch at the time of the

Here is this month’s quiz. The first 30 questions are general knowledge and the last 10 a specific subject. This month: Pre-Euro Currencies. - By Tim Brooks

Abdication Crisis?

Who is Bibendum better known as?

In which year did the Battle of Leipzig occur?

What is the main ingredient in a quiche lorraine?

The velocipede was a nineteenth-century prototype of what?

Who is the author of Don Quixote?

Who invented the flying shuttle in 1733?

What is the most native spoken language in the world?

What is the official currency of India?

How many hearts does an octopus have?

Who played the character of Jack Dawson in the movie Titanic?

What was the pre-euro currency in the following countries?

Portugal. Greece. Ireland. Austria. Belgium. Finland. Netherlands. Estonia. Cyprus. Slovenia.

The Moon is wonderful if you have either 7x50 or 10x50 binoculars.

Use a tripod, because after a very short while, your arms tire quickly, it’s difficult to hold them still and you may well see a very unsteady image!

When to Observe the Moon

This is best during the crescent, half or gibbous phases.

Craters, Walls and Rilles

Between 22-24th May, 5-9th June and 22-24th June craters, walls and rilles show up very well.

Craters: Eratosthenes is a relatively deep lunar impact crater that lies on the boundary between the Mare Imbrium and Sinus Aestuum mare regions.

Eratosthenes’ diameter is 59km (distance of Chelmsford to Ipswich). It was the first crater I saw and was able to identify.

Walls: Rupes Recta, the ‘Straight Wall’ is a very good wall to seek out. Roughly on a vertical centreline of the Moon’s face, about onethird of the way up from the southern pole).

Rilles: long, narrow depressions in the surface of the Moon that resemble channels. Hadley Rille is a sinuous rille and was visited by Apollo 15 (July 26thAugust 7th 1971) which was the ninth crewed mission in the Apollo programme and the fourth Moon landing.

New Moon: On 15th June and 14th July 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.

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