Moulsham Times October 2014

MoulshamTimesDelivered to 6750 homes and businesses monthly Issue Number 22 - October 2014

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MT WelcomeHello readers

Welcome to the October edition. Remember to take a look at the centre pages this month where we have a special feature on the upcoming Ideas Fest. There are many events over the city and something for almost everyone.

Not a great deal to report from here at Media Towers apart from our next music event in Braintree on Friday 10th October with the fantastic Dona Oxford, nick-named The Godess of Soul all the way from America. (See the advert on page 6)

Remember we would love your letters as we do not get many! Please send them to us at [email protected].

Regards

Paul & Nick

AdvertisingNick Garner


EditorialPaul Mclean07595 949701

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Disclaimer: It’s Your Media publish the Moulsham Times. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Its Your Media Ltd. No part may be reproduced without the prior written permission of Its Your Media Ltd. Reg Co No. 09154871. Printed by Imagery UK.

Do you have a story for us? Send [email protected]

On 22 September 2014, ecdp welcomed Bill Mosakowski, CEO from the American consultancy firm Public Consulting Group Inc. (PCG), to our Chelmsford based offices.

The event celebrated the signing of a unique strategic partnership between ecdp and PCG, which aims to foster greater relationships between the private sector and a Disabled People’s User Led Organisation (DPULO) for the benefit of disabled people.

PCG is focused on supporting public sector organisations to effectively manage their financial and business ventures. Working with ecdp, PCG will introduce their methods and technologies to the UK social and health care sectors, to enhance our work day to day.

‘This is an exciting time in the UK at the moment. Providing good public services is key and there is a real focus on quality outcomes and services, as well as cost effectiveness,’ says Bill Mosakowski, founder, president, and chief executive officer of PCG.

Rich Maguire, director of PCG International Services, added ‘we have twenty years experience of working internationally. We know we need to find good,trusted partners in a country before we can be effective. With ecdp, we can bring together our values, capabilities and expertise.’

A donation of £20,000 has been made to ecdp, and with this donation PCG is making possible an ecdp works programme entirely for those who experience a learning disability. Only 1 in 5 people with a learning disability work and yet 65% of people with a learning disability want to work.

ecdp is excited about the opportunity to support many more individuals in Essex to reach their potential and take part in this bespoke ecdp works programme. Rich Maguire says ‘you have to approach work with humanity, or you fail. Disabled people will tell us if we’re successful.’ By taking a user led peer approach, the ecdp works programme encapsulates this sentiment. Part of the donation will be used to develop know how and resources to support other organisations looking to develop similar partnerships for the benefit of disabled people.

Terry Collin, chair of ecdp board of trustees, says ‘ecdp is ambitious, and we want to increase our level of activities to an increasing number of disabled people. With PCG we can do this and both learn a lot from this experience. This learning is important in itself, and we want to share this with other like-minded organisations.’

This strategic partnership is the first of its kind, bringing together a DPULO and a private sector firm, and both companies are committed to making a real difference to the lives of disabled people.

Together, we aim to be partners in personalisation. Mike Adams, ecdp CEO, concluded ‘together, we will be changing, for the better, the lived experience of disabled people in the UK.’

For more informationLaura MayCommunications Executive Manager, [email protected] 392312

PCG Present Essex Disability Organisation ecdp With £20,000 Donation toCelebrate New Strategic Partnership

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JARDINS

The Goddess of Soul &Queen of the Keyboard

East Street, Braintree, CM7 3JJ01376 348645

Doors open 7.45pm show starts 8.30pm

Dona Oxford (USA)Dona has played with Keith Richards, Albert Lee, Buddy Guy, Levon Helm,

Johnnie Johnson (Chuck Berry), Julia Fordham, Chris Farlowe, Andy Fairweather Low & Gary U.S. Bonds

+ The Standard Lamps

presents live

Live at

Friday 10th October 2014

Tickets £10 in advance or £12 on the doorTickets available from the Ale House Chelmsford

Tickets available at www.wegottickets.com/event/282413or from the venue or by emailing [email protected]

From the House by Simon Burns MP - City Status TapestryOver the summer I had the pleasure to witness the inaugural stitches sewn on the City of Chelmsford Tapestry,

commissioned to celebrate the city status achieved as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012.

The project was the brainchild of Trevor Plank, the manager of Hobbycraft Chelmsford. The winning design was chosen through an open competition run in 2013, won by Chris Rhodes. The six different panels of the commissioned tapestry feature both landmarks and events in the city, as well as representing the changing nature and development of the area. These include Chelmsford Cathedral, Hylands House, and The V Festival.

Commenting on his design, Chris Rhodes said, “I have tried to express

some of the historical landmarks such as the cathedral, Marconi Factory, and Hylands House. However the city is more than just a series of historic buildings, so I have included some people – young and old, current activities – the market and commuter trains, plus all elements of the logo for Chelmsford City Council, the river, radio waves and arches, and in particular the leaf blowing from left to right to suggest continuity.”

The production of the tapestry uses 30 coloured yarns provided by Coats (UK) Ltd, who transferred the winning design onto canvas, and the project was open for Chelmsford residents to make their contribution. Hobbycraft Chelmsford are

holding drop-in sessions for members of the public to try their hand at stitching, along with providing tutorials to those who had not stitched previously. Anyone interested in participating should email:[email protected].

Once the tapestry is ready to be exhibited, it will be displayed at the Civic Centre, along with a commemorative book containing the names of all those who contributed to the project.

I do hope that my stitching skills came up to scratch, and I hope that other constituents will visit Hobbycraft to take part in the sewing of this magnificent tapestry.

It’s Your Music

The music part of our business put on its first music event last month.Eddie and The Hot Rods with support from Jeff Chapman’s Roosters at Jardins in Braintree. Both bands were fantastic and we are looking forward to the next event on October 10th. (See poster to the left).

All the way from America, the fantastic Dona Oxford is headlining this event. If you search YouTube for her you will see what an amazing entertainer she is. Supported on the night by The Standard Lamps it looks to be a great line-up.

You can book tickets online or pick up from The Ale House. Or email us me at [email protected] to reserve tickets.

Dear Dan,

I am writing to tell you that I very much enjoy your column and look forward to reading about the next stages of your brave adventure.

I recently read a book about two celebrities riding motor cycles from John O’Groats to the tip of South Africa. I found it interesting and all for a good cause. However, your description of the problems you were having with visas and waiting for escorts made me think about the enormity of the task that you are undertaking. With the celebrities, if they had any problems they had a full scale backup team travelling with them and if they could not help, experts were just a phone call away.

In your case you are doing it on your own, with any problems being solved on the hoof (or should I say saddle!) and this is where you must have a much more difficult task.

So well done, keep sending back your reports, and most of all, stay safe.

Best regards

JohnChelmsford

You can follow me at danskeates.com

Arriving in India felt like such a mile stone, having looked at maps most of my life I knew India was a long way from home.

The only border crossing between Pakistan and India is Wagha Border where they have a flag ceremony every evening after closing the border gate for the day. On both sides of the border they perform a crazy over the top ceremony for the cheering crowd: welcome to India.

I spent the first three days at The Golden Temple in Amritsar. This Sikh temple is beautiful and one of the most welcoming and peaceful places I’ve been to, but having travelled in India before I wanted a new experience, so after this I headed north to Kashmir and the Himalayas. Coming from the heat of Lahore I couldn’t wait for the drop in temperature.

Looking at the map and starting in Amritsar there is only one route north to see the Himalayas and drop back down again, it’s a loop of about 1,000 miles with some of the most amazing riding in the world. Heading north I pass through Jammu, a crazy vibrant city with wonderful Hindu temples, continuing on the road it starts to rise and climb into the mountains before you arrive at Srinagar which has the mountains surrounding two sides and Dal Lake which is about 35km long. My accommodation for the next five days was on a houseboat on the lake staying with Bashir and his family. The temperature had dropped and I felt cool for the first time in ages.

As I was heading to the Himalayas I needed to acclimatise to the altitude so stopping for a few days at 1,800 metres was a good idea, it was also a very relaxed place so good for my mental state as well as body.

I had completed most of the ride north to the start of the mountains now, then headed east to Kargil and further onto Leh and start to

climb. Over the next two days I crossed mountain passes at 3,500 and 4,100 metres and whilst I was ok with the altitude my bike lost power and let me know it wasn’t happy even though it didn’t break down! The road is closed for 6 months of the year due to snow and when open, it’s often closed due to landslides blocking the road, I had to wait 3 hours high up on one pass while one landslide was cleared. It was at about 3,300 metres with a glacier coming down the mountain. At one point where the view is over the valley below to the other, I met some Indian guys who were riding the same route and we discussed bikes and travel, I would meet one of these guys again two weeks later in Delhi.

Some of the road was narrow with just enough room for one vehicle to pass high up in the mountain, no tarmac here just gravel, dust and small rocks with a sheer drop off to one side of many hundreds of metres to the valley below. My bike was prepared for these conditions and I felt confidant, I was loving it.

At 5,380 metres having ridden on the highest navigable road in the world, I arrived at Khardung-La the highest pass. It was here, on what felt like ‘the top of the world’ a German friend and tattooist tattooed me with his machine powered from his motorbike.

The return journey south over the Himalayas riding the famous ‘Leh to Manali

Highway’ was the most demanding, dangerous and satisfying riding ever, with most of the two days between 3,500 to 5,000 metres riding on treacherous roads but in the most amazing landscape.

I will never forget the Ladakh region and Kashmir, not only the Himalayas but also the wonderful relaxed people where the influences of Tibet and Buddhism are everywhere.

Arriving in India by Dan Skeates

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Beth Chatto’s Woodland Garden

Shade loving plants for year-round interest

The Beth Chatto Gardens began in 1960 when the site was an overgrown wasteland between two farms. Faced with all kinds of difficult conditions Beth and Andrew Chatto set out to find homes for many of the plants they wished to grow. With dry and damp soils, in both sun and shade, they were able to put into practice the underlying principles of what is now referred to as “ecological gardening”. The woodland area was developed over a number of years following the hurricane in 1987, but it was a wintery afternoon in 1989 that sparks and flames were to be seen flaring up from bonfires as work began to prepare the site for the Woodland Garden. Beth clearly stressed that in spring of 1990 the site was ‘cleared of debris and with a network of paths delineating planting areas, the woodland looked as bare as an empty church. The wind whistled between the tree trunks, blowing leaves into the next village. We loosened up the earth, removed surface roots and spread barrow loads of compost and well rotted manure over the sandy soil in preparation for planting’. I am keen to emphasis here that preparation is key to the success of every new garden. And yes, it is hard work, but isn’t that half the fun? A little bit of blood, sweat and tears in the early days could reap a fabulous harvest in years to come. What a transformation! I have to agree, if only I had been around as an observer at the start – I am in awe!

As I was led by Beth around the Woodland Garden, she wanted to point out that ‘it was not difficult to establish ground-covering plants during the first few years, while waiting for the understory shrubs to grow up and provide background and shelter’. Just take note of my earlier point on preparation and your plants will thrive and prosper. Even in 1999, just nine years after the initial clearance had begun, hardy geraniums, ferns and masses of blue forget-me-nots carpet the floor of Beth’s once empty church. Beneath trees, mainly oak, is found an ever changing herbaceous tapestry of ground cover plants, slowly awakening during January and February with sheets of winter aconites and snowdrops in many forms. Hellebores feature too. Narcissus and Dog Tooth Violets soon follow. All the while as spring rushes into April, the freshness of emerging foliage goes on. As the canopy of foliage shades the undergrowth, flowers abate, only to come alive again as the weather cools down in September and October, with the pinks and whites of Colchicum, Cyclamen and Japanese Anemones. As in many other parts of the garden, autumn goes out in a blaze of glory with many of the trees and shrubs showing berry and leaf colour to take us into the winter months. This particular area, just like any other in the garden, is basically a shop window for all visitors. You can walk around and see fabulous plant associations in a perfect setting. However, take note, Beth was keen to point out that what works for her will not necessarily work for you. Check your soil type, pH and aspect. These are key to all plant successes. Also remember that this is not a wholly planned garden it is an evolved one. ‘I don’t have a format in place – all areas are considered’, states Beth. At the end of the day it is survival of the fittest. This is a garden that is ‘like having a family’ stresses Beth.

After 58 years of gardening projects she finds this garden to be more than hers and really to be shared. Shared between all her staff and the gardener who comes for inspiration. This is a garden that seems to lay a golden egg in the minds of the visitors who then pass their hard earned cash over the till in return for a slice of Beth’s garden in their own, wherever that may be.

Next issue I’ll continue the tour… leading to the impressive dry garden! In the meantime check out this site: http://www.bethchatto.co.uk/

Good luck and happy gardening!

For any gardening tips why not contact Tom Cole, Head of Faculty for Land & Environment, Writtle College, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR by post (including a SAE) or by email at [email protected]

MT Gardening

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Goldies, as we are fondly known, wasstarted by music man Grenville Jones sixyears ago in theWest Country with justFOUR Sessions.That has increased toover ONE HUNDRED across EnglandandWales and, in partnership withGreenfields Community Housing inBraintree, we are soon going to start newsessions in and around Braintree.

We are looking to recruit aproject leader to take our workforward in the years ahead inyour area. This is a part-timePAID position and the leader willalso take the (paid) daytimesinging and activity sessions.

This is a really unique opportunity forthe right person to make their mark onthe lives of lonely and isolated people.If you have ticked the three boxes aboveplease get in touch and tell our founderall about yourself.Email: [email protected]

by Cllr Dick MaddenFROM COUNTY HALL


Have you noticed that the cars that used to be up for sale at the Miami roundabout have gone? It has only taken a couple of years to achieve but from September 15th Chelmsford City Council designated all streets to be consent streets, in order to control street trading. As part of the street trading legislation the sales of vehicles on grass verges and streets will not be allowed. I would like to thank those of you who over the past few years have contacted me regarding what has been described to me as the ‘unsightly arrival into Chelmsford City at the Miami roundabout of an illegal car showroom.’ That comment and others started the journey for me lobbying for such legislation, in the end a worthwhile lengthy experience. Some good news and sort of some not so good news at the moment but will become good news. What is it you ask? It’s the initial 20mph zone matter for our areas. As I have indicated in the past to support views of many of you I have been engaged in dialogue through the Chelmsford Local Highways panel with ECC Highways and Essex Police. Well at last we have movement. Many of you will recall some four years ago, some residents in parts of Old Moulsham were consulted regarding introducing a 20mph zone which started the debate. I can state the same residents again will be contacted and the consultation will start all over again. Well what of those other local areas that were not included last time, you are not forgotten. Over the coming months your roads will have speed censors check out average speeds on your roads and what is being called phase two will be developed. How long this will take? My three and a bit years to date in local politics seems to indicate major changes take a few years and more. Be patient and I hope we can achieve.

Talking of achievement, did you see pictures of me, the police commissioner, members of the Moulsham Lodge Community Group, Mark Springett and Linda Mascot receiving the keys to Moulsham Lodge Police Station. Another matter that has taken two years but lets be happy and give some publicity for the active Community group. Plans are in progress to have an open day at the old police station during the day of Saturday 11th October, this will be confirmed in local press and hand delivered leaflets. If you can, come along and see the potential of the building for use by you and other members of the community. Finally, be alert to cold callers phoning you falsely claiming to be from Chelmsford Borough Council on behalf of DHSS. Vigilant residents picked up the fact that the authority has not been a Borough Council since Chelmsford became a City in March 2012 and so contacted the city council to report the scam. Well done and thank you to those residents. BE SAFE Dick Madden

View all of our magazines onlineat www.issuu.com/itsyourmedia

FROM COUNTY HALL

Blues in the City has been a resounding success this year with 16 acts having played in and around Chelmsford while supporting the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

We would like to all involved and all who supported the festival.

bluesinthecity.co.uk

Drinks earl grey, green tea peppermint & many others Mocha Italia coffee Marimba hot chocolate

FOOD Homemade soups Jacket potatoes with a range of fillings homemade veg quiche homemadeveg lasagne toasted sandwiches ciabattas homemade cakes gluten free cakes

The Lemon Tree Cafe Come in to the warmfor lunch or a drink!

Open 8am-5pm Mon - Sat34F Moulsham Street

Even if you or your kids have never baked, I strongly recommend that you try. ‘Pft, yeah right the kitchen will be in a mess and the kids will be bored’ – I will prove you wrong. Are you new to baking? Do you think you can’t bake? Well, believe me when I say Yes you CAN! give it a go, what have you got to lose?

Here are my top ten pieces of equipment you need to get going with baking. If you have all of these, you will be able to bake, make and create a love for baking. Get yourself into Braintree town and pick up these goodies.

1. Mixing BowlYes, I know it’s a bit obvious that you’re going to need something to put all those ingredients in! Make sure you buy a bowl with high sides, around 4” tall will do, to make sure your mixtures don’t fly over the edges when your stirring or whisking your ingredients. Don’t buy an expensive porcelain one or a metal one, run to Tesco and grab a glass one for £2.20.

2. Wooden Spoon or SpatulaAnother obvious one, but it’s an essential. You can pick up wooden spoons and spatulas anywhere in Braintree town centre. There’s a wooden spoon in Sainsbury’s for 45p, and a set of two spatulas for £1.75.

3. Measuring ScalesYou need a good set of reliable, accurate scales! If you think your scales are getting a bit iffy, weigh a block of butter (250g) to check it is coming up with the right weight. I got some new, old fashioned

‘add and weigh scales’ this week from Tesco for £6.50 and they even came with a bowl.

4. Measuring JugFor measuring liquids and cracking your eggs into! If you want plastic, you can get two for £1 in Poundland, or if, like me, you prefer to be able to whack them in the dishwasher, spend a bit more on a Pyrex one in Tesco for £3.75.

5. SieveGot to make sure you get the lumps out of that flour, icing sugar and cocoa! Pick one up in Sainsbury’s for £1.

6. TupperwareYou need somewhere to store all of those lovely things you’re going to bake! A Tupperware container will make sure that your cakes and bakes will stay fresh. Pop into Poundland and pick up some clip and lock Tupperware in a multipack for just £1. 7. Muffin TrayNever let anyone tell you that you can make cupcakes without a muffin tray. If you don’t use one you will end up with your cakes being really wide and thin. Trust me on this one! I picked up a 6 hole muffin tray in Poundland for £1 – bargain.

8. Hand Held Electric WhiskWell, this isn’t a real essential. If you don’t want your arm to fall off, then grab one of these. If you have kids who want to stir the bowl, stick to a wooden spoon, it’s much more fun for them that way. Grab one from Argos for just £5.99.

9. Two Sandwich TinsYou don’t have to spend loads on baking tins. Lots of shops will try to say they’re non-stick, but your cake will stick to the sides. I’ve been there. Pick up some cheapies in Tesco for £2.00.

10. Cooling RackAnother essential to help your cakes and bakes cool faster. There’s one in Tesco for £2.00.

So, put all your new equipment to the test and let’s bake! Here’s something really easy and simple to make with the kids. It’s really cheap to make, fun and yummy too.

Chocolate Chip Shortbread115g/4oz plain flour55g/2oz cornflour55g/2oz caster sugar115g/4oz butter plus extra for greasing40g/1 ½ oz plain or milk chocolate chips

1. Preheat your oven to 160C/Gas Mark 3. Grease an 8 inch sandwich tin.2. Sift the flour and cornflour into a large bowl. Stir in the sugar.3. Dice up the butter, then add to the mixing bowl. Rub the butter into the flours with your fingertips, as you would if you were making pastry, until the mix starts to bind together. You may need to add a little water until it is a loose, crumbly dough.4. Put the mix into the cake tin and press down evenly. Using a fork, prick the top of the shortbread. Sprinkle over the chocolate and bake for about 30 - 40 minutes until cooked. It shouldn’t be brown, still pale. 5. Leave to cool on a cooling wire, then cut up into portions.

Little Lucy’s Bakery - [email protected]

We are looking for a new cooking or baking writer! Many thanks to Andy who has provided us with some great recipes for over a year. This month we have Lucy who writes for our Braintree Life magazine. If you would like to write for us about food, please email [email protected] or call Paul on 01245 262082.

MT Cooking

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The Chelmsford Ideas Festival showcases a wide array of creative and cultural events for all ages at 16 venues around Chelmsford. This year’s theme is “create”, inviting active participation whether creating knowledge and understanding, objects and/or new connections. You can pick up your copy of the Ideas Festival programme booklets at your local library or the Ideas Hub.

With five events celebrating radio including an evening with James Whale from BBC Essex, another highlight of the Ideas

Festival is Professor Francesco Marconi who will be talking about the impact of the Marconi legacy on current space research at Anglia Ruskin University on the 29th October.

The Ideas Festival is a Changing Chelmsford initiative sponsored by Anglia Ruskin University, High Chelmer and Chelmsford City Council as well as a number of locally based companies. Please Note that booking is required for many of the events via www.changingchelmsford.org. Please see the blue box for more details.

A Series of cctivities, seminars, talks and other events to celebrate Chelmsford’s creativity and to help promote a thriving futurefood and nature River Celebration Day (actvities for all ages): Sat 25 Oct, 10am-4pm. Chelmsford City CentreChelmsford City Centre and Central Park Lake10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm Sea Cadets Boat Rides from Wilkinson’s Jetty12pm YMCA DUCK RACE on River Can (duck sales at YMCA charity shop)11am-4pm Southend Model Power Boat Display @ Central Park Lake Lodge. 10.30am Moulsham Lodge Community Choir at High ChelmerFire engine (subject to availability) in Central ParkAt the Meadows Shopping Mall –Essex Outdoors Climbing Wall @ Backnang Square 10am-4pmEnvironment Agency and Essex and Suffolk Water Info StandsExhibitions by The Chelmer Canal Trust on ‘Ideas for Enhancing the Rivers’ and The ‘Susan’ Trust Restoration Project Purely Essex - Local Food Producers Market: Sun 26 Oct, 10am-4pm. Chelmsford City Centre

Wellbeing (from yoga to nutrition advice): Sat 25 – Sun 26 Oct, 12pm-4pm. Marconi Social Club The European Buddhist-Hanmi Association Marconi Social Club, Tydeman’s off Beehive Lane, CM2 9FH.MIND: Meditation: Healing Space:BODY: Pilates: Yoga: Nutrition: Karate: Alexander Technique:SPIRIT: The Maitreya Loving Kindness tour brings a precious collection of sacred relics of the Buddha as an inter-faith celebration focused on our shared human qualities – love, compassion and ‘good heart’. Plus lots more! For more detailed information and timings of events go to www.wisdom-healing.com or call 01245 352354.

WHY SHOULD YOU MEDITATE? Because there are some questions you cannot Google!Paul King - Abbot, Dari Rulai Fa Yin TempleOct 23rd, 7pm-9pm at Ideas Hub - Donations £5

Making Things One Day Bookbinding Workshop: Tues 21 Oct, 10am-4pm. Essex Record Office Wild Food Cooking Demonstration and Tasting: Fri 24 Oct, 10.30am-3pm. Anglia Ruskin University Freehand Cutting Dressmaking with Chinelo Bally: Sat 25 Oct, 10am-4.30pm. Make Do & Mend Improv Factory (from music making to mime): Sat 25 Oct 10am-4pm. Ideas Hub Introduction to the Sewing Machine: Mon 27 Oct, 6pm-8pm. Make Do & Mend Paper Cutting (create artworks ready for framing): Tues 28 Oct, 6pm-9pm. Make Do & Mend Marconi’s Magic Hut (and make a model radio): Weds 29 Oct, 10am-4pm. Sandford Mill Museum Animate! Create! (learn stop motion & time lapse): Sat 1 Nov, 10am-3pm. Ideas Hub

Creative KidsIMPOSSIBLE! (Michelle Magorian’s new novel): Weds 22 Oct, 10am-12pm. Anglia Ruskin University Big Draw (meet artists and create your own artwork): Mon 27 Oct, 11am-4pm. Hylands Estate Radio Show Time (produce your own radio show): Tues 28 Oct, 11am-1pm/ 2pm-4pm. Ideas Hub Creepy Claymation (learn animation using models): Weds 29 Oct, 10am-1pm. Ideas Hub 3D Tudor Chelmsford (make a Tudor house): Weds 29 Oct, 10am-12pm/1.30pm-3.30pm. Essex Record Office

Calendar of Events

Creative Kids continued...Learn to Make a Shambala Style Bracelet: Weds 29 Oct, 10am-2pm. Ideas Hub 50 Things To Do Before You’re 11 3/4 : Thurs 30 Oct, 11am-3.30pm. Bell Meadow Park Bringing the Outside In (create art using found objects): Fri 31 Oct, 11am-2pm. Ideas Hub

Technology NowSound and Electronics with Scratch, Python and Sonic Pi! Sun 26 Oct, 10am-4pm. Ideas Hub The World of Amateur Radio (and how to get started): Fri 31 Oct and Sat 1 Nov, 10am-4pm. Ideas Hub 3D Printer (see one in action and bring your questions): Sat 1 Nov, 1pm-4pm. Chelmsford Library Build a Working Alarm System with a Raspberry Pi Computer: Sun 2 Nov, 10am-4pm. Ideas Hub

Creating ChangeIDEAS THAT CAN CHANGE THE WAY WE LIVE: All day Thurs 30 Oct; Creating a Happy City (architecture and mental health): 9.30am-1pm. Anne Knight Building Community Building (creative industries and mental health): 2pm-5pm. Anne Knight Building Happiness as a Way of Life (the role of policy & planning): 7pm-8.30pm. Anne Knight Building The Value of Service User Research: Weds 22 Oct, 12pm-1.30pm. Chelmsford Library The Hidden Reality of Racism, an Interactive Presentation: Weds 22 Oct, 7pm-9pm. Ideas Hub and Weds 29th Oct 12pm-1.30pm. Anglia Ruskin University Ebarts - the Social Currency (trading without money): Thurs 23 Oct,12pm-2pm. Ideas Hub Broadcasting Now, in the Birthplace of Radio (with James Whale): Mon 27 Oct, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Ideas Hub Create a Fairtrade Cake and Build a Fairer World discussion: Tues 28 Oct, 1pm-3pm. Anglia Ruskin University Community Land Trusts - Getting the “Right Kind” of Development: Tues 28 Oct, 7pm-9pm. Ideas Hub Making Waves: How Marconi’s Wireless Legacy takes us ever further into Space: ss 29 Oct,7.30pm-9pm. Anglia Ruskin University

Chelmsford Remembers Festival Launch (introduction and refreshments): Mon 20 Oct, 6.30pm-7.30pm. Anglia Ruskin UniversityMental Health and War, Past, Present and Future: Mon 20 Oct, 7.30pm-9pm. Anglia Ruskin University Stories and Artefacts from the First World War (bring yours!): 20 – 24 Oct, 27 – 31 Oct: 2pm-4pm. Ideas Hub The Cultural Aspects of the Commemorations of the First World War: Weds 22 Oct,6.30pm-8pm. Anglia Ruskin University

The Origins of the First World War: Sat 25 Oct, 2.30pm-4.30pm. Trinity Methodist Church The Consequences of Conflict (and the work or war artists): Tues 28 Oct, 7.30pm-9pm. Anglia Ruskin University

History AliveAn Historical Walk of Moulsham Street: Mon 20 Oct / Mon 27 Oct, 2pm-3.30pm. Meet at Ideas Hub Chelmsford Cathedral Centenary (and Tony Tuckwell’s book): Weds 22 Oct,7.30pm-9pm. Chelmsford Cathedral Fascinating Hidden History for Black History Month: Thurs 23 Oct 7pm-9pm Ideas Hub / Thurs 30 Oct, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Anglia Ruskin University The Changing Face of Chelmsford (as seen through various media): Sat 25 Oct, 10.30am-3pm. Essex Record Office Treasures of the Essex Sound and Video Archive: Mon 27 Oct, 12.30pm-1.15pm. Ideas Hub Creating History. A Civilian’s Experience of the 2nd World War in Essex: Thurs 30 Oct, 7.30pm-9pm. Anglia Ruskin University The World of Fred Spalding: Photographs of Chelmsford Past: Sat 1 Nov, 11am-12pm. Essex Record Office The 30th Anniversary Year of the UN Convention on Torture: Sat 1 Nov, 2.30pm-4.30pm. Quaker Meeting House

Cultural treatsChelmsford Ideas Festival Mystery Hunt: Every day and online. Chelmsford A View from Space (satellite & other images & the role of e2v): Tues 21 Oct,7.30pm-9pm. Anglia Ruskin University Lunchtime Music Event – Swapsies (Jane Stitch & Jeffery Wilson): Weds 22 Oct, 1pm-2pm. Cramphorn Theatre Passing the Turning test: How to Create a Character (fiction writing): Weds 22 Oct, 7.30pm-9pm. Anglia Ruskin University Re-imagining our Community and the Rules We Live By: Thurs 23 Oct, 7pm-9pm. Anglia Ruskin University Whole Pleasure Ice Cream (are dairy ice cream alternatives healthier?): Fri 24 Oct / Fri 31 Oct,10am-4pm. Anglia Ruskin UniversityCommunity Festival of Music (a musical extravaganza for all ages): Fri 24 Oct, 7.30pm-9pm. Salvation Army Citadel Creatives Supper Club (supper club for those with an interest in art): Sat 25 Oct, 6pm-8pm. Ideas Hub Magistrates in the Community (find out what they do): Tues 28 Oct / Fri 31 Oct, 10am-12pm. Shire Hall Staying Safe Online (learn from an Essex Police expert): Tues 28 Oct, 7.30pm-9pm. Anglia Ruskin University Lunchtime Music Event - Stave House Music Education: Weds 29 Oct, 1pm-2pm. Cramphorn Theatre Creating a Fitting Funeral Ceremony: Busting Myths and Explaining Choices: Weds 29 Oct, 2.15pm-5pm. Ideas Hub

You can pick up your copy of the Ideas Festival programme at your local library and at the Ideas Hub which is in the High Chelmer

shopping centre in Chelmsford, on the corner of the Chelmsford multi-storey car park market and Bell Meadow Park. The Ideas Hub is open Thursday through to Saturday from 10am to 4pm and the phone number is 07549 693438. Many of the events are free or reasonably priced, however booking is required for many. You can book most events online via www.changingchelmsford.org/if2014. If you don’t have access to the internet, the folks at the Ideas Hub

will be happy to help so feel free to drop by.

Sponsor MT History

The Knights Templars connections to Essex has cropped up in a couple of these articles about the histories of Essex - in relation to St. John’s Church in Danbury and the Sinclair (St.Clere) family’s role in local affairs. Also mention was made of the lands inherited by the Order of Knights Hospitallers after they were confiscated from the Templars by order of the Pope when Phillip IV of France outlawed them in 1307. The Templars had invented banking and become very rich, for monks in armour, who had begun as a group guarding pilgrims and soldiers en route to the Crusades in the Middle East. This was much to the envy of Phillip, whose finances were not so sound. I also mentioned that the Hospitallers inherited banking functions from the Templars in England and that Robert Hale, treasurer to King Richard II, was attacked at Cressing and ultimately killed at the Tower of London in the Peasant’s Revolt.

Cressing Barns are to be found between Witham and Braintree, and along with a well, and restored gardens from the Tudor period, are all that remains of the Templar Centre, known as a Preceptory. The order had lands granted to them by monarchs all across Europe. Before the Norman invasion of 1066 Cressing and surrounding estates belonged to King Harold. But in 1137 Queen Matilda, of Boulogne wife of King Stephen, gave part of the Witham estate to the Templars and these were later added to. At that time Cressing Temple and Oxford’s Cowley Temple were the most important of the early English Preceptories. A Preceptory typically consisted of three knights, a chaplain, a bailiff, Sergeants at Arms, household servants and farm workers who could be called upon to fight in times of need under the feudal system. Any surplus money (typically 10 per cent) raised by the estate was supposed to go to Crusade war effort funds. An inventory in 1313 listed a chapel (usually built in round format rather than cross or rectangular design), two chambers, a hall, pantry, buttery, larder, bakehouse, brewhouse, dairy, smithy and granary. The was also a windmill and cider press revealed by excavation. The barley barn is the oldest in Europe, with timbers dated to 1205-35. The wheat barn’s timbers date to 1257-80. Both seem to have survived the attacks at the time of the Peasant’s Revolt. The inventory was taken three years after the estate was handed to the Hospitallers. The French Templars should all have been trounced upon at all their French premises simultaneously on Friday 13th October 1307, although their fleet and several forewarned members escaped. The persecutions continued throughout Europe with little enthusiasm or success by other monarchs until 1314 when the Pope formally dissolved the order. The Hospitallers order had been formed to care for casualties to and from the crusades and it is no accident that Notley Hospital grew on grounds that once belonged to the monks. Ambulances, for a long time bore the sign of the Maltese Cross which has it’s origins with the Maltese Knights of St.John, a letter development of the Hospitallers. In Witham the Templars showed their building and masonic skills, as well as those for farming and built a manor house at the confluence of the rivers Brain and Blackwater known as Temple Farm. They founded a market there for sale of their produce and built the beginnings of a town that grew around it.

After the Reformation brought about by Henry VIII the Templar/Hospitaller house was transformed into a secular grand house in place of the religious buildings during Tudor times and lasted until the 18th century before it was replaced by a more modest farmhouse which still stands as part of the building complex. It continued to function as a farm until it passed into the hands of Essex County Council, who undertook archaeological digs in the 1990s and repaired the Tudor brick garden. It is now open to

the pubic - except the farmhouse - as a centre for historical re-enactments and other social functions throughout the summer and for more limited viewing during the winter months. So it’s well worth a web search for events, or even worth considering it as a venue for a secular wedding ceremony.

Other Templar estates in Essex were at Goldingham near the Suffolk border, Naylinghurst and Nayinghurst which have disappeared from the map over the years, Borley, Finchingfield, Rivenhall and nearby Bradwell, as opposed to the coastal village of the same name; Witham and Terling, Great Leighs, Maldon, Hanningfield, Writtle, Chingford, Prittlewell, and West Thurrock. Borley, Finchingfield, Chingford, West Thurrock, Writtle and Hanningfield were all manors, but only Cressing was a Preceptory and acted as an administrative centre for outlying estates like Writtle (which must have included lands which were once part of the once more extensive estate farms that became Hylands.) An area of West Hanningfield still bears the name Temple Farm. The Manor consisted of a hall, kitchen and brewhouse and the land was used mainly for raising livestock, especially sheep and pigs. A shepherd and stockman are recorded in the manor’s accountants of 1308 (paid 3 shillings a year in 1308!)

The Templars Barns of Cressing.by John Power


CityDiversionsCityDiversions has taken place in both South Woodham Ferrers and Chelmsford on Saturday 20th and 27th September and a great time was had by all. To view more photos please visit the Cultural Events Team’s FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/Culturaleventsteam.

CityDiversions

Five Clubs – Five Different Charity SchedulesThis month I thought I would give you some information about what each of the Rotary Clubs in Chelmsford has been doing lately. There are actually five clubs based in Chelmsford itself and many more within close proximity. The local Rotary District has sixty clubs so no-one is very far from being able to join in.

Chelmsford Phoenix is the newest one in town and in fact celebrated its fifth birthday a few weeks ago. As part of the celebrations they held a dinner at which I, as district governor, was invited along to propose the toast. The real entertainment was provided by speaker Gary Edgerton, who recounted tales of his experiences as a protection officer for many high profile VIPs. Quite an amusing account it was too. Whilst the social side is very important to Rotary it is also about putting something back into the community and Phoenix have been busy with the Foodbank collection in conjunction with Tescos.

Chelmsford Rivermead, who themselves were only formed ten years ago came along in numbers to wish Phoenix a happy birthday. The club have been looking for new premises at which to hold their early breakfast meetings and are just moving to the Secret Garden in Writtle Road. The Chelmsford Rivermead Club have been putting on events in connection with the campaign to end polio.

One of the two lunchtime clubs, Chelmsford Mildmay made donations to various local charities following another successful Great Baddow 10k and fun run of which they are the organisers. Over £12,000 was raised this year and the four sponsored charities were Chelmsford YMCA Young Carers, Children’s Society Young People’s Drug and Alcohol School, Chelmsford Mind and the League of Friends of Hargrave House. Fantastic work for local causes. One of the friends of the club also ran 101 kilometres to raise money for Macmillan Nurses because of the palliative care given to her late father, a club member.

The other lunchtime club, Chelmsford, the oldest in town having been chartered in 1927 was very busy supporting the me, at the conference in Stratford upon Avon where there were inspiring speakers and superb entertainment. A report on this would merit an article in itself.

The final club based in the city, Chelmer Bridge, has also been very active. They had a horse ride day in support of both Essex Bridleways and Help for Heroes. Chelmer Bridge also sponsor a Rotakids club, Rotary for primary school children and they set one up at Baddow Hall School and the children get very excited knowing they are helping other children in far off lands who are much less fortunate than we are here. That’s not all Chelmer Bridge have been up to. They still managed to help fund the purchase of medical laser tattoo kit for the Burns Unit at Broomfield Hospital. This club, too, has a significant birthday coming up – 30 years. Can it be a coincidence?

Chelmer Bridge Rotarians visit the Burns Unit at Broomfield Hospital

You can see from the above the scope of variations in activities that clubs participate in. This is just a snapshot over the last

few weeks. Next month we will be working on something completely different but never forgetting the social side, mixing with like-minded and caring people. If you would like to know more about how to join Rotary visit www.chelmsfordrotary1240.org or call me on 01245 260349 (office hours). I look forward to hearing from you. Stan Keller - District Governor

Wine Corner


Hello again, here we are heading towards Autumn. Although September and October can bring some lovely weather, we all know that it’s the colder - but perhaps this year not wetter - weather that is on it’s way. So I try and look forward to sitting indoors trying some good juicy reds to keep me warm.

Amongst these heavy reds are Syrah (Shiraz), Malbec Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. As you may have seen in my earlier columns, these can come from almost any part of the world, but mostly from warmer climates.

The full bodied red grapes often have a thick skin, and this helps with the body of the wine. Other factors can affect the ‘feel’ of the wine in the mouth. These include the pips or seeds of the grapes, (not that they are in the wine, but they are crushed with the grapes and influence the taste), the winemakers skill and experience in making the wine, and oak ageing. Oak barrels are used to produce the wine and the use of these adds tannins (which result in the dry feeling in the mouth, and esters (creating the aroma) in wine which help balance out the harshness of the wines and add body. Don’t forget that these full bodied wines are often high in alcohol. It’s not unusual for some to be 14% or more abv. When drinking red wine, ideally it should be decanted to ensure that air is mixed with the wine to help release the flavours. This can be done in a fancy crystal decanter, if you have one, or just as practical, in a jug. If you think a jug of wine would not look too good on the table, just pour the wine from above the glass so that it splashes into the glass. Careful not to go too mad, as wine is difficult to get out of table cloths, that’s why all the ones in our house are red!

Incidentally I read recently that the government was trying to encourage pubs and restaurants to sell lower abv house wines. In the past I have mentioned the danger of not knowing the strength of the wine you are drinking, but I think the way to go is to make it more clear what the abv is in any wine, by perhaps, to taking a baseline, say 11% abv, and to use this to demonstrate the true increase in alcohol. So with a 13% abv wine, a note on the wine list would show that, although the increase in abv is just 2 percentage points, it actually contains 18% more alcohol than the baseline 11%. This way, if people want the higher strength wines, they can still have them but with a better understanding of the impact on their alcohol intake.

Sorry but I’ve been thinking again. Take the saying ‘as poor as a church mouse’. Now, maybe I am not observant enough or have had too little contact with mice, but I have never seen one with a wallet full of fivers. Even if I’ve missed this, why would a church mouse have

any less money than, say, a field mouse? It’s beyond me. What about ‘slept like a baby’. Does this mean you woke up crying three times and demanded a drink of milk twice? Last one, (for now) ‘mad as a March hare’. How do you identify a mad one, hares spend their whole life running aimlessly about, changing direction for no reason. Why March, are they sane for the rest of the year? I don’t think so!

Just a word about more unusual wines. Lebanon has been growing vines since about 700 BC. It is one of fastest growth areas with wineries increasing from 5 in 1998 to 30 now. The grapes include reds and rose mostly, Rhone variety as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and good old Merlot. Although through it’s history, wine making declined, it revived in about 1857, with the arrival of the Jesuits who planted grapes from Algeria. These wines are available in the UK at the bigger wine merchants, but, as you might expect, come at a higher than average price. If you enjoy French wine I would expect you to enjoy Lebanese wines and maybe you could try some for that special occasion.

Bin end chuckles.

I had to change my internet password the other day. It said it had to be 8 characters so I chose Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

When I left home, my mum said “don’t forget to write”. I thought, I’ve been writing for years, I’m not likely to forget how to do it now.

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Street graffiti, litter, abandoned shopping trolleys, street tags, dog fouling, and the like, all are indicators of an environment that is losing its civic pride and its community resilience. We are quite lucky across Old Moulsham – but that are patches where deterioration occurs.

Moulsham First has access to graffiti cleaning kits and the city council have contact points for street issues (see www.chelmsford.gov.uk/environmental-crime). Then there is an organisation called Love Clean Streets to which you can report concerns and issues. Some councils have make local arrangements to partner with this organisation – but even where they haven’t (like Chelmsford) you can send concerns and issues to them. Here’s an example.

We reported the defaced service boxes to Love Clean Street on 19 August, and by 5 September it had been cleaned up. We’ve had influence in other areas too – like the pedestrian stone bridge spanning the River Can between Seymour Street and Central Park. Using an app available for iPhones or Androids you simply take a picture of the offending element and the picture and location are sent to LCS - www.loveclean-streets.com who then chase up the respective authority. Try it – and let’s love Old Moulsham even more! www.moulshamfirst.org.uk

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MT Charity - Kids Inspire

Hundreds of children who might miss out on meals in the school holidays are helped by local charity Kids Inspire.

Every school holiday, Kids Inspire runs a lunch and activity club once a week. Trained supervisors are on hand. Hundreds of Chelmsford children receive free school meals that might otherwise go without during the holidays.

A dad (Martin Green) said: “it’s wonderful. The activities were perfect for my daughter and staff are very kind.”

Kids Inspire would like to run more days and invite more children but need an extra £18 per child per day.

You can donate at www.kidsinspire.org.uk/donate or telephone 01245 348707 to find out more.

7 Year Old Kate Needs Kids Inspire After a Suicide Attempt

Kate lives in Chelmsford and is not yet at junior school. She is just 7 years old but has already attempted suicide by morphine overdose.

Social care closed the case as they felt that her dad is doing his best. School noticed that Kate had become more and

more withdrawn and they made contact with Kids Inspire.

At just 7 years old, Kate feels alone. Kids Inspire is helping her to get back on track.

Help Kate and others like her. Many other children in Chelmsford struggle every day. Your donation to Kids Inspire will support Kate and children like her. Without your support their lives will go on unchanged.

In just 30 seconds send a text to: 70003 with message: KATE05 6 (where 6 is the money you want to give e.g. £6).

About Kids InspireKids Inspire was set up by Chelmsford resident Sue Bell, to fill the gaps between health and council services. It has grown since September 2006 and helps many children across Essex, all year round.

But Kids Inspire has to turn away three or four children every week due to lack of funding.

Kids Inspire also needs adult volunteers who can mentor a vulnerable young person.

Find out more about how you can help at: www.kidsinspire.org.uk/get-involved

Olympian Fatima Whitbread MBE opened the new Kids Inspire office with founder Sue Bell in March

“Kids Inspire saved my life”

Caitlin Barnes-Davis was a Chelmsford County High pupil: “Kids Inspire saved my life. They listened and helped me to understand. Please help them so that they can do the same for other people.”

Watch Caitlin’s story at www.kidsinspire.org.uk or telephone 01245 348707 to find out more.

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Ami’s DiaryI started back at school and I am really enjoying it. I go to Year 8 Stage Stars drama club after school and we are learning performances from different shows like Hairspray, Annie and Matilda to perform in a show.

The sci-fi film I acted in called Z-Listers has been completed but it was delayed so is out on DVD

on 25th October. It is about a Z-list celebrity who gets in trouble with the BBC because of copyright law. It is a sequel and the first film was shown on TV so I am hoping this will too as I enjoyed acting in the choreographed fight scene. Another film I acted in at the same time, called Man in the Mirror, is in post-production so I don’t know when that will be released.

I am looking forward to going to The BIG GIG which is Girlguiding’svery own pop concert. It is at Wembley Arena in October and has

been running for 11 years.

I am going to see Rock of Ages musical at Southend Cliffs Pavilion in November. I love all the songs so I hope everyone gets up and sings along to it.

I am learning lots of new routines at Theatretrain as we are performing at the London Palladium on 7th December. It means that I can’t have a stall to sell Ami’s Candles at the Hylands House Christmas Fair because you have to be there both days so I am a bit disappointed.

The week after, I am performing with Theatretrain at High Chelmer Shopping centre on 13th December. I’m not sure if we’ll be performing songs from our London Palladium show or Christmas songs.

I’m waiting to hear if I have been cast for a drama series, a short film being filmed in October and a feature film being filmed next year. I hope so.

Halloween returns to Hylands Park this year providing two spine-tingling shows for both families and adults only. Fright NightEstablished as a firm family Halloween favourite, Fright Night is packed full of the latest technology to wow the crowds. Designed for families, the event includes a spooky trail, walkabout entertainment, a bespoke 3D projection show on the front of the House and a spectacular firework finale to music.

Our trail is set through the gardens of Hylands Estate which comes to life after dark. There’s the odd trick along the way but a treat awaits every child once they’ve braved the trail. Listen to spooky stories on the back lawn, watch fire dancers and have your face painted before being led round to the front of the house for the big show. 3D projection mapping is a fascinating show to watch and has previously included scenes of the house burning down and rebuilding itself, snake infestations and even a trip in to outer space all accompanied to a funky soundtrack. The show closes with a firework display over the top of the house, played out to music.

Shows: 4pm – 6pm or 7pm – 9pmTickets: £10 adult, £7 child, under 3 free, all £10 on door if available.For further information visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/frightnight.

Fright Night XtraForget horror movies, you can hide under the sofa from them - this is LIVE! There’s no where to run and there’s no where to hide. You’ll be taken further and further into the darkness, will you find your way out?

Turn off your torches and hold hands with your nearest and dearest, this is not for the faint hearted. You will see things that you thought weren’t possible live. Our infested trail will open your eyes to what really comes out after dark on All Hallows Eve.

Over 16’s OnlyThe trail is open on Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November.

Tickets can be pre-bought only (not available on the door).

Trails run every 15 minutes between 18:00 and 00:00 on both days.

Tickets start from just £13 per person.Maximum 50 people per trail.For further information visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/frightnightxtra .

Halloween at Hylands Park

Kids and Koffee recently had a visit from a mobile petting zoo(www.kimmyszoo.co.uk). Look out for the next one!!

Meerkats - Lawrence and Lola


Last month I started to look at how recent research into the placebo effect was helping to explain how meditation unlocks the body’s potential to heal itself. This month I continue on this theme.

Over the past decade, researchers have examined the placebo response and their findings have been compelling. They have found that the size, shape and colour of the pill (whether placebo or conventional medicine) is important.In most cases, the larger the pill, the

stronger the placebo effect. Two pills are better than one, capsules are generally more effective than pills, and injections produce a more pronounced effect than either.

Colour is also very important. Researchers have learned that yellow placebo pills are the most effective at treating depression while red pills cause the patient to be more alert and awake. Blue pills are more sedative, unless you happen to be an Italian male. Then because blue represents the colour of your national (Italian) team you relate blue to the anxiety connected with watching them play and so will find a blue pill is more stimulating.

Therefore this research has clearly shown that humans like shapes and colours. We are very profoundly affected by them on a subconscious level. But this was known over two thousand years ago. Buddhist Masters incorporated this knowledge into the visualisations that are used in esoteric meditation.

Different colours of light are used to achieve specific effects. For example when my Buddhist Master visited Chelmsford, (see www.wisdom36.com/newspaper.pdf), he taught a meditation to over 120 people at the Cramphorn Theatre. This meditation used reddish-yellow and orange light. Although the visualisations were relatively simple, when combined with the correct mantra and mudra, they produce a very effective meditation.

Practised regularly this meditation can produce a natural increase in body temperature which stimulates the immune system. Our immune system is closely linked to our health status, our ability to heal or recover from illness, and the speed of recovery.

This ties in with the research done by scientists from Harvard University, who found some Buddhist monks can control the temperature of their skin through meditation. One of the monks, wired with temperature sensors, raised the temperature of his fingers and toes by as much as 8.3C.

The scientists also got a chance to document the monks spending a night out on a rocky ledge in the Himalayas. The monks were dressed in their simple wool robes with no extra insulation and slept on the cold rocks separated from one another. The altitude was 15,000 feet and the temperatures reached -17C as they slept,.With as little insulation as they were wearing and laying on the cold rock separated from one another, this should have killed the monks. But they were all fine and the cameras didn’t even catch them shivering at any point. When they woke, they walked calmly back to their monastery, not seeming to notice the cold at all, unlike the scientists and camera crew who were all bundled up and freezing by morning.

Unfortunately the scientists don’t understand how they do this, but the esoteric meditation practice, Treasure Vase, can produce similar results and uses visualisation of different colours of light to achieve this.

I regularly run Treasure Vase workshops at the Marconi Club, so if

you are interested in finding out more please get in touch.

Paul King is Abbot of the Dari Rulai Fa Yin Temple based at the Marconi Club in Chelmsford.

He runs regular free introduction to Meditation sessions.You can contact him by email: [email protected].

Meditation by Abbott Paul King

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Remember to pick up your copy of Chelmsford The City Times from:

Chelmsford railway stationTesco - Princes Rd, Springfield Rd and ParkwaySainsburysMcCartney Moulsham StreetChelmsford LibrarySpringfield Garden CentreRayleigh HifiPriest Brothers in The MeadowsThe Marconi Club

Plus many pubs and coffee shops around the city.

29

Local choir, the Waltham Singers, are pleased to announce their programme of music for the 2014-15 season. Under accomplished musical director, Andrew

Fardell, our choir of around 90 singers has a reputation for high standards of performance across a wide range of classical music and performs in Chelmsford with leading orchestras and soloists. The music in this year’s programme is designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Let us tempt you to broaden your classical experience with some of the lesser known works. Indeed even if you’ve never

experienced classical music, then these concerts are a real opportunity to hear some locally. Whatever your motives, we’d love to see you at one of our concerts.

Our season begins in Chelmsford Cathedral on 29th November with Duruflé’s Requiem and Arthus Bliss’s Pastoral – Lie Strewn the White Flocks. These beautiful atmospheric works will really suit the excellent acoustics in the Cathedral. We will be accompanied that evening by St Paul’s Sinfonia from Greenwich and soloists Kate Symonds-Joy (soprano) and Charles Rice (baritone). In addition to the choral works, the orchestra will play Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis.

The season continues in Spring 15 with Baroque Treasures, a programme of wonderful music with Biber’s Requiem in F Minor, Zelenka’s Missa Purificationis and Vivaldi’s Domine ad adjuvandum me. Biber and Zelenka may be less well-known composers, but we hope to convince you that they deserve a higher profile. The concert is on 14th March 2015 at King Edward VI Grammar School and we will be joined by the excellent Meridien Sinfonia for what promises to be an exciting evening.

Our season concludes in Summer 15 when we return to our roots at Great Waltham for a programme titled A Sense of Place with music evocative of specific locations. Works will be Elgar’s Six Songs from the Bavarian Highlands, Chilcott’s Song & Cries of London Town and The Kestrel Road by Peter Maxwell Davies. There will also be the premier performance of new piece by Jeffery Wilson.

If you’d like further information about our choir, this programme, or are interested in joining us you’ll find more information online at: www.walthamsingers.org.uk.

Waltham Singers’ Choral Programme Revealed

Moulsham Lodge Community TrustYou may have seen the local press with the good news that we have taken on the lease of the police station in Moulsham Lodge. Whilstthe press reported the “official” line on the status of the agreement, we thought we should tell you what the “real” intention is.

While it was an extremely difficult decision to effectively give up the original site, economic conditions and physical constraints made any progress impossible, we had to look for alternative ways to deliver our aims. It was disappointing to see the police station close but we immediately saw the potential to use it as a community hub. One of our first thoughts though was an intent to make sure the police would still have a presence in some form. Discussions with Essex County Council have revolved around developing the original site and using the proceeds to buy the police station then granting MLCT a 125 year lease, this will then give the community hub a long term future.

Our current and immediate plan is get the building ready for community use, luckily it is in a reasonable state of repair so this mainly means decorating it inside and out.

Linda Mascot, Mark Springett, Lorna Fuller (Trustees)

However, before that, we want to invite you ALL to a consultation open day event -

OPEN DAY - Police StationFri 10th Oct - 3pm till 6pm & Sat 11th Oct - 9am till 4pm

The hub is as much yours as it is ours, we want you to come along and contribute to our “Idea Walls”. We want to capture your thoughts about the sort of activities that you would like to see based at the hub. Even children can take part with a drawing wall with their ideas.

One of the idea walls will be a competition to name the hub: perhaps with a police theme. Anything goes so get your thinking caps on. Other Idea Walls will cover clubs, hobbies, special interest groups, support groups, volunteering opportunities, special skills.

There will be an opportunity to sign up to our monthly e-newsletter keeping you up to date with our calendar of activities. You will also be able to sign up to help MLCT in a number of ways, either on a committee, helping at events or taking on a specific role.

If you can’t make it, just drop us a line by email, phone or on the website. All ideas welcome.

Our new website is www.mlct.org.uk, email [email protected] phone 07411 808731 txt for ringback.

Nick Alston, Dick Madden, Linda Mascot, Mark Springett

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Documents

Moulsham Times October 2014