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A house away from home

Determined residents of Writtle are revamping the village’s Longmeads House as a way to strengthen the sense of community. Elaine Sivyer finds out more

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Park Life

Gidea Park was born as a garden suburb in the early 20th century and has provided a pleasant home for
many people since, as Nicky Adams explains

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A weekend in…Witham

Looking to get away for a weekend break in a destination on your doorstep? Nicky Adams reveals why there are surprises in store for visitors to Witham

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The sky is the limit

When Ingatestone’s community hall needed refurbishment, residents were quick to act. Elaine Syvier explains why this committed group of folk are now jumping for joy

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Something for everyone

Brentwood boasts a diverse mix of rich heritage, green spaces and retail havens. Elaine Sivyer enjoys her tour of the Essex town that has it all...

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Enjoying Elsenham

Wedged between Stansted Airport and the M11, Elsenham has a fascinating
history and vibrant community, as David Newland from Elsenham News reveals...

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In love with Leigh

Leigh on Sea’s famous cockle sheds and surprising scenery have made it one of the most treasured towns in Essex. Elaine Syvier discovers why Leigh is so refreshing

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What's going on in Romford

Romford Summer Theatre’s annual Shakespeare production combines culture and community at Raphael Park each summer. Joanne Jarvis finds out more

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Wish you were there

Long Melford is officially one of the most desirable places to live in the UK. Nancy Richardson explains why, for Essex residents, it is also a popular place to visit

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The Rivers of life

Like many villages, summer is a special time of year in the parish of Stanford Rivers. Linda Heffernan invites us to join the traditional fun of the Country Fair

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Around the Rodings

Pam Rollason, deputy editor of the Great Canfield & The Rodings Parish News, takes us on a tour through the time and territories of the magazine’s ten parishes

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Welcome to Wivenhoe

Peter Kennedy, arts editor of the Wivenhoe News, offers a whirlwind tour of what is taking place around the town this year and why when you visit you are always among friends

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Sanctuary and salvation

Once considered to be a village containing wickedness of Biblical proportions,
Elaine Sivyer finds that Abridge has been converted to a modern day paradise

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Pier pleasure

Southend is a jewel of the Essex coast. Sara Wrightman asks what the future holds for this resort and in particular its star attraction – the world’s longest pleasure pier

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Chimes of Toppesfield

Vic Turner explains why the sound of bells ringing in Toppesfield might just reach America

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So you think you know Ongar

With links to the Titanic and David Livingstone, Ongar has an international heritage, Elaine Syvier discovers

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They still flock to Chigwell

Home of the famous sitcom Birds of a Feather and long associated as a hang out
of the rich and famous, Elaine Sivyer discovers why Chigwell causes such a stir

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A golden time for Chelmsford

Our county town is making great strides in its race to become recognised as a centre for culture and sport as the build-up to the London Olympics gathers pace. Nicky Adams reports

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A touch of frost

Essex Life reader Ron Jeffries was up with his camera to capture this snowy scenery around St Peter’s Church in Aldborough Hatch

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The French connection

In 2008, Halstead celebrates 25 years of its association with Haubourdin, its twin town in France. Nicky Adams finds out all about the town’s French friendship

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Once upon a time in Witham

Delighting Daniel Defoe in the 18th century and developed during the 20th century, Witham has a keen grasp of its heritage as Deborah Peers from the Essex Record Office reveals

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Don’t be fooled in Great Notley

Paul Stirland from the Great Notley Times tells us why the tale of how the seven hamlets of Great Notley have sprung up over the last 30 years is no joking matter

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Rayleigh has real charm

A vibrant town with a rich heritage, Rayleigh is an unexpected jewel. Joanne Jarvis discovers why a visit is sure to leave you with plenty to ponder

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At home on the hill

Set within Epping Forest, Buckhurst Hill is an ancient town with a strong identity. Nicky Adams meets some of the town’s locals to discover why it is so special

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A centre for culture

Thaxted has a unique atmosphere unlike any other Essex town. Amy Ward visits this county capital of culture surrounded by charming countryside...

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The greatness of Bentley

There is so much going on in Great Bentley, it comes as no surprise that it was named National Village of the Year in 2000, as Mary Maskall explains

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From smugglers to full sails

Few places in the county sum up our sailing heritage quite as well as Burnham on Crouch. Nicky Adams regales the tales of hidden booty and high society

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Mersea magic

Island hopping off the coast of Essex may not be as strange as it sounds as Elaine Sivyer discovers the varied delights of a day on Mersea Island

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Artistic inspiration

On the edge of London and at the heart of Epping Forest, Loughton has been an inspiration to numerous artists. Joanne Jarvis celebrates this home of culture

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Streets of gold

Elaine Sivyer takes a wander around the picturesque streets of Saffron Walden and discovers why the town is one of the county's most breathtaking delights

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Morning campers

It’s 70 years since Billy Butlin cut the ribbon on his holiday camp in Clacton-on-Sea. Nicky Adams says hi-de-hi to the days of the famous Redcoats

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The birthplace of Barnardo’s

More than 100 years on, the work first inspired by Dr Barnardo still thrives. Sara Wrightman explains how Barkingside was home to a social revolution

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The circle of life

Upminster is home to one of the finest octagonal smock mills in the country. Now being carefully restored, this month it reopens to the public. Nicky Adams reports

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Colchester’s secret attraction

Nearly five million visitors flocked to Colchester last year and the town’s tourism office is ready for another busy summer, reports Nicky Adams

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Bishop’s Stortford stands the test of time

This ancient market town has a wealth of history and a past and present to be proud of, as Sue Armstrong explains

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Magical Manningtree

A visit to Manningtree makes the perfect day out or weekend stay. Sara Wrightman explores the country’s smallest town and discovers it has a broad-ranging appeal

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Happy in Hatfield Heath

Bruno Scheggia, editor of the Hatfield Heath Village Magazine, explains why life
on the western fringes of the county is so inviting, unless you are a cricket fielder

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Hadleigh’s romantic landmark

Given by a succession of kings as a token of affection to their wives, Hadleigh Castle is now an historic record of the town’s romantic atmosphere

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A record of Rayleigh

Since 1991, a group of local historians have been collecting images and material to preserve past memories of Rayleigh. Here Essex Life presents a snapshot

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The blessings of Billericay

From acres of ancient woodland to a unique High Street packed with far more than just shops, Elaine Sivyer explores the diverse attractions of this surprising town

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