Eat Green In Essex

Melissa Hemsley is known for celebrating sustainable and feel-good food with minimal waste. Here she talks to Holly Louise Eells about Essex produce, living a green lifestyle and her vibrant new cook book

A Doggy Day Out On... Mersea Island

Gulp down the sea air – and maybe an oyster or two – on this unspoilt isle

Do You Know The Land Of The Fanns?

In south Essex, an ambitious five-year project is aiming to restore the ancient landscapes that make the Land of the Fanns unique

Snowdrop sensations

As gardens around Essex start to stir, Debbie Thomson from the National Garden Scheme discovers some fo the best locations to enjoy delightful snowdrop displays this February

Looking the part

This month promises a real treat for the fashionistas of the county’s ‘Golden Triangle’. London Fashion Week is opening its doors to the general public and there’s no doubt that the designer set from Chigwell, Epping and Loughton will be lining the catwalks

Essex Wildlife

Emily McParland of the Essex Wildlife Trust provides a monthly update

Built to be the best

The Bentley Continental GT continues a century-old tradition of automotive excellence

A walk in Little Braxted

At this time of year footpath routes can be very muddy, so this route around Little and Great Braxted makes the most of lanes and country roads

WIN an Explore Essex Pass

This January, why not embrace a change that gets you doing more of something?

SEASIDE SPOOKTACULAR

Zombies, vampires and monsters will invade Southend this month but don’t worry, you won’t bump into them on the High Street, they’ll be confined to the silver screen at the eighth annual Horror-on-Sea Film Festival

ROYAL REVELATIONS

Lady Anne Glenconner’s memoir is an extraordinary book which goes behind the scenes of life in the royal family to reveal astonishing anecdotes, enduring friendship and devastating loss

Life and Soul

Lisa Horner, author or Lost Basildon, shares the story of Geraldine Evans’ 70-year association with The Barge Inn at Vange and its lasting influence on the local community

Over the air waves

Radio Luxembourg made a household name of Essex DJ Mark Wesley in the 1970s, spinning the discs alongside Paul Burnett, Kid Jensen, Peter Powell and Steve Wright. Today Mark is settled in Saffron Walden and has turned his hand to writing thriller novels

HELLO JANUARY, MY OLD FRIEND

Is it time for a change? Joe Emery discovers how volunteering for a local charity could change your life, and make a huge difference to others too

ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE

Ben Fogle shot to fame two decades ago as the break out star from BBC reality show Castaway. Here Ben reveals to Denise Marshall why his adventures warrant a national tour, the cost of building a high profile and why family will always come first

A doggy day out in...Leigh on Sea

Leigh on Sea offers the combination of a trip to the beach with a visit to the historic cockle sheds of this trendy seaside town

A Second Chance

Don’t shop, adopt this festive season. That’s the message from animal homes across the count as they look to give loveable dogs a forever home this Christmas

This Calls For Something Special

Christmas time is the perfect excuse to really push the boat out when it comes to festive feasting. These three special treats are all produced right here in county and no Essex seasonal spread would be complete without them, discovers Stephanie Mackentrye

Lord Of The Dance

Sir Matthew Bourne is one of dance’s greatest storytellers. He talks to Holly Louise Eells about the return of his double Oliver award-winning show, living in Walthamstow and why he won’t stop doing the job he loves

Let The Light Shine

As 2019 draws to a close, Harwich prepares for a very special celebration as 2020 marks the 400th anniversary of The Mayflower’s famous Pilgrim Fathers voyage to the Americas. It all begins with an Illuminate Festival with an American feel

Winter Walks

The Hundred Parishes Society helps to raise the level of appreciation and enjoyment of the Hundred Parishes, an area that encompasses around 450 square miles of northwest Essex, northeast Hertfordshire and some of South Cambridgeshire. Here Ken McDonald shares two walks in the Hundred Parishes ideal for a winter stroll, and that also make use of public transport. More walks, with full descriptions and maps, can be found at www.hundredparishes.org.uk

Dreaming Of A Green Christmas

Never has our environment been higher up the agenda of global concern, so this year more than ever, perhaps it’s time to ease off the excessive consumerism and have an eco-friendly Christmas?

Shakers Vegan Shakes Bar, Colchester

This bijou shakes bar and diner opened almost two years ago in the heart of Colchester town center.

Touched By The Romans

Even today, Colchester’s links to the Romans are clearly evident and scratching the surface of this vibrant and modern town soon takes you on a tangible journey of discovery into this ancient past

Stepping Out

When Dutchman Frank van Wezel settled in Southend on Sea it was the first step of a business career and a love affair with the county of Essex that will always remain close to his heart

Landmarks With A Legacy

Thanks to Henry VIII and his Dissolution of the Monasteries, our country is blessed with many truly romantic ruins, and Essex is home to some truly stunning monastic remains. Stephen Roberts picks his top 10 of particular significance

Plenty To Talk About

Best known as EastEnders’ wild child Roxy Mitchell, actress Rita Simons enjoyed a decade in Albert Square. Here the Essex-raised mum of two reveals to Denise Marshall how leaving Roxy behind was a blessing in disguise

Family Fortunes

Petra Hornsby visits the charming town of Saffron Walden and discovers how one man’s impact on the town can still be seen through its architecture, arts and open spaces more than 200 years later

Essex Wildlife

Lily Chambers of the Essex Wildlife Trust provides a monthly update

Life On The Ocean Wave

Harwich will host the 14th Harwich Shanty Festival this month, so to understand the spirit of the festival, and find his sea legs, Owen Lewis went to sea with festival founders Jon and Pam Fitzgerald