What do you think about Chelmsford? | Rebecca Carter

Step into Chelmsford,

Far more than a space,

Instead, it is a place,

Not just where we live,

But where we become

It’s not all shine—

it’s concrete warmed by sun,

bins rattling on early runs,

the rhythm of buses,

Stillness between shifts

The hearts, in which

This city lives.

But Here,

History does not sit still—

it shouts from the bricks

of Shire Hall, waves ripple

Into open fields of writtle

We stand together, and tall.

Peruse our chartered

Market, learn to barter

With the masters

Who with their

Unique charisma,

Zest for life

Cast a new light

On our cities hidden delights

In Hylands, you’ll find quiet,

but in the corners of Chelmer Village,

of South Woodham and Beaulieu,

you’ll truly,

find the heartbeat —

homes of families,

Rearing future generations

to bring their greatness

To our streets.

This city IS what YOU make it

Chelmsford – where you

become

The narrator.

Go to the river

And don’t underestimate her

Our longest running resident

Easing you into

Soulful resonance

Learning and growing

Ebbing and flowing

Seemingly circular motions

Yet, undeniably expanding.

Testing time,

and withstanding

Through exploration

Dedication

to paving

Its own destination

Commuting haven,

Central hub,

I swear, were not making it up,

It was always there,

We just needed to switch up

Perceptions, look above,

Then …

Slow down, what is the rush

I urge you…

To pause, to take it all in

There is magic in the micro

If, you choose to tune in.

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When writing my commissioned poetry piece celebrating our city, I spent a lot of time, in the field (and the city centre!) chatting to the everyday citizens, with the intention to hear and understand authentic perceptions. In moments, it appeared rather bleak, which got me thinking what does Chelmsford offer that we can celebrate?

The thing about the great parts of Chelmsford is that it can be easily taken for granted. The magic is in the micro, the mundane, the parts most of us are too busy to notice; A plethora of well-maintained green spaces, committed refuse officers and budding opportunities.

We can often find ourselves caught up in comparisons, in our personal lives as well as with

our city. So how do we start enjoying our existence here a bit more?

When a city is still young, we can overlook all that IS happening in favour of what it could be doing. A curious habit of those of us with perfectionistic tendencies. Drawing up comparisons to models of more established, seemingly more vibrant culture, like that of the big smoke, a convenient 30 minute train ride away. It could be tempting to commute to established settings, but what an emerging city gifts us with is input and influence on its future direction.

As it is undefined, we get to be pioneers – if we so chose.

A home truth I have learnt about being a creative here is that ‘if the opportunity is not there, don’t just complain about it, make it!’

One of the biggest correlations I could find in interviewing people was those who are

creative (not just in the traditional sense but open to paving their own way) had a far happier experience residing or working here. Those who had invested their effort into making, whether that be through self-employment, organising and or participating in community events and gatherings, those who were open minded and curious seemed to really love living in Chelmsford.

They could think of loads of things that where amazing, from waterways and nature to a

growing, diverse melting pot and such variety pastimes and groups. This is why I’m so

grateful to be part of so many communities in Chelmsford. One of the biggest issues I do

find here is that you must be somewhat in the know to participate with a lot of activities, so my questions to you are:

What do you love about Chelmsford already?

What would bring you more joy to see in your home city?

When we start to become aware of these things, we can recognise, make steps to actualise and celebrate them when they materialise. The people make the city, so have your say, and find some reasons to smile!

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Rebecca is a Chelmsford-based artist and poet. She expresses herself through visual art and poetry, and has lent her abilities to a number of creative projects in the city, including the poem featured above. To see more of her work, follow her on Instagram @Intunewithrebecca.