Save your summer

Don’t miss out on what our region has to offer this summer. Even though it’s a lot different this year, there are some lovely days out you can enjoy to raise your spirits after lockdown. We guide you into the garden – like at the beautiful Brick Kiln House in Shotesham, Norfolk, which is pictured here – head out to the seaside, off to a drive-in and more.

ROCKING ROGER is still busting out

With a music career that’s lasted more than 50 years Roger James is still rocking on, as David Clayton reports.

Protecting our food from farm to fork

Suffolk farmer and TV presenter Jimmy Doherty is speaking out to protect British food standards. He tells Rachel Banham why cheap food comes at a price.

Nothing beats the smell and taste straight from THE BAKER'S OVEN

Derek James wants you to sit back, relax and remember the wonderful aroma which came with the message: Hot cross buns! Hot cross buns! One a penny, two a penny, hot cross buns.

MEDICALLY UNEXPLAINED symptoms are tough on doctors and their patients

It’s never great to feel unwell, have to visit the doctor and then discover your problem. But it can be even worse if your condition baffles not only you but the doctor as well. It seems there really are ‘medically unexplained symptoms’.

Jason is so at home with amateur DETECTIVE AGATHA

As series three and a box set of comedy detective series Agatha Raisin are released on DVD, actor Jason Merrells speaks to Rachel Banham.

Squirrel away our HOME-GROWN GOODIES to enjoy in the winter months

With the strange times we live in, those of us with productive gardens (or generous neighbours) might be wise to store some produce for later in the year. Let’s Talk’s gardening expert Charlotte Philcox hands out some very useful advice.

THREE TIMES TO SAY GOODBYE

From almost 100 entries received, this is the winning story in the Let’s Talk Short Story Competition 2020, sponsored by Jarrold. This poignant and moving story was written by Janet Collingsworth, of Aylsham, Norfolk.

Going back to the future of the DeLorean

Our motoring writer David Clayton finds the years slipping away as he goes in search of a ‘time travelling’ car.

FROM HILL, RIVER AND ROOF

Our surnames expert, Derek Palgrave finds links to places, occupations and nature in his research into this month’s selection of readers’ names.

It's in the can

Turn empty cans into pretty household accessories with this month’s easy step-by-step from our craft specialist Charlotte Whitehead, the woman behind The Handmade and Creative Market.

Life with a sprinkle of magic

Her love story began in Norfolk and Debbie still has fond memories of the area, as she tells David Clayton.

The Forces' Sweetheart who captured all our hearts

She was a symbol of hope and home in wartime and a much-loved national icon throughout her long life. We pay tribute to Dame Vera Lynn, who died on June 18 at the age of 103.

On your bike! But which one to choose

He’s the man with 16 cycles ... so no excuse to miss out on his daily bike ride! David Clayton chats to veteran cyclist John Kerrison.

Here comes the sun

Catch some sunshine in your garden this summer with some of the brightest and best ‘happy’ plants which can be relied on to bring colour and cheer– something many of us are in real need of during such a strange year. Let’s Talk’s gardening expert Charlotte Philcox hails the sunflower and its smile-inducing floral friends.

On The Record

At the turntable to answer our questions On The Record this month is Bill Jordan, owner of Pensthorpe Natural Park in Norfolk.

It's never too late, says Aggie

How can we de-stress and keep flexible and strong? Queen of clean Aggie MacKenzie advocates yoga. Here she speaks to Rachel Banham.

Going slow leads the way into the future

Taking stock of how we want to live is a ‘lockdown lesson’ that many have learned in recent months. But for one Norfolk town, it has been a way of life for the past 15 years, as Clare Haylett explains.

Grand vision that lit up city of Norwich

It was the cutting edge ‘high-tech’ company of its day. Derek James remembers the extraordinary achievements of Laurence Scott & Electromotors in the latest of our popular Working Lives series.

County leads the way with History Begins at Home

Readers know that Let’s Talk loves nothing more than publishing old pictures. Norfolk County Council also recognises the positive benefits of sharing memories and has launched a national family history campaign.

Five Ways To Boost Wellbeing In These Difficult Times

The current coronavirus pandemic is as devastating as just about anything most of us have ever had to endure. Our mental health is being tested by our fears and the lockdown situation, but the NHS website suggests five ways to help yourself, as Terry Redhead explains.

Support when you need it

The lockdown restrictions have meant some older people have found it hard to know where to turn to for help and advice. Michelle Jay, fundraising and communications officer at Age UK Norfolk, explains that there is help at the end of the phone.

Wildlife friendly lockdown

How have you been coping during the lockdown, asks our nature writer Barry Madden, as he gives some suggestions for passing the time while learning about our wildlife.

Teasing our brains with complex number puzzle

We keep finding ways of occupying ourselves during the current crisis. Terry Redhead has always been a fan of quizzes, crosswords and Sudokus. Here he looks at the history of those pesky number grids and their 9x9 problems.

Catching the bus

Our motoring writer David Clayton meets a fellow bus fanatic with a fascinating collection of old photos.

The ever green goddess

Diana Moran has long personified how regular exercise can benefit your body and mind. And now, through TV’s BBC Breakfast, The Green Goddess continues to show us all how to keep active. Diana speaks to Rachel Banham.

Life in the FAST LANE with Martin Brundle

Norfolk’s own ‘petrol head’ Martin Brundle tells David Clayton about his life in Formula One – behind the wheel and behind the microphone.

Ladies in Lockdown, together in kindness

From small beginnings, an international group of thousands of women has been brought together by a Suffolk woman. Angi Kennedy talks to its remarkable founder Jo Harmer.

How scammers are taking advantage of the coronavirus pandemic

There are no depths to which some will stoop, even during the coronavirus pandemic. Kimberly Roberts, PR and communications officer of Mid Suffolk Citizens Advice, offers some guidance about what scammers are currently attempting to do.

Hearing impaired at risk of ‘serious isolation' during lockdown

The lockdown is no fun for anyone. But for those who suffer from hearing issues, things can be really tough, as Karen Finch, founder and lead audiologist with The Hearing Care Centre explains.