The county’s favourite monthly lifestyle magazine since _Arit-Andcrson ~ Gardeners’ World star = ‘comes to eas ht ie 4 rs Ee fara — a : Ls = PIG a Kk ‘ted ae ee Ce wonderful wines, A brilliant brews... Pousit wi ESSEX | _ CHELMSFORD iy ile : THEN AND NOW: A breakfastfortwoat § oad rat oeg The chan gi ng. ; Channels Brasserie, : : ¢ mes a £3 Chelmsford Pore: pp ae tes regia. a : = te Onis city. ar 2 CARIBBEAN BLINDS ux up SUMMER NEVER HAS TO END SAVE UPTO £1,500 ON EXTERNAL SHADING LOUVERED ROOFS | PATIO AWNINGS | EXTERNAL BLINDS From outdoor living to solar shading, we’ve got you covered, whatever the weather. Proudly UK Manufactured Since 1987. 0344 800 1947 t [email protected] e GY cbsolarshading.co.uk w &aital DEIN BRITAIN SHOWSITES IN | SUFFOLK | MIDDLESEX | SURREY | CHESHIRE Luxury chartered helicopter transport & bespoke chauffeur-driven transfers, perfect for golfing weekends, events & festivals Flights covering the UK and Europe - Reactive & short-notice flights - Advanced bookings Rolls Royce & Lamborghini chauffeur services » All weathers (except fog) » Direct routes ALCALINE AVIATION [ALL FOUNDATION sireenvrene Arrange your bespoke transport service today! 01303 233500 www.alcaline-aviation.com a GEORGE'S weer «= SUMMERTIME PICNIC Celebrate Summer with George’s Summertime Picnic The sun is shining and we have our version of a picnic for you to enjoy! Our Summer-time picnic playlist at Tea at the George which features our vibrant line up of handcrafted quirky sweet treats, buttery scones, served with home-made jam and cream and savoury delicate finger sandwiches. All paired with a wide variety of the finest teas or delicious cocktails. “vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and little persons available upon request Available 8th July- 2nd October 2022 Our menus are now available on our website & bookable via our page, SCAN HERE be sure not to miss out www.suryahotels.co.uk/teaatthegeorge to book now or view our menus 116 High Street, Colchester CO1 1TD | [email protected] Editor's letter grew up in Bradwell, a country village just outside Braintree (not the one with the power station). When we were old enough, Mum popped my sister and I on the bus with a couple of quid and sent us into the bright metropolis of Braintree — or so it seemed to two country bumpkins — to spend our pocket money on the kind of random tat that kids buy: gobstoppers, joss sticks, a feather boa, cassettes with ‘parental guidance’ on the front. As I got older and the lure of Colchester, Chelmsford and London took hold, I barely went to Braintree for what seemed like years. The shine had rubbed off. Since moving back here three years ago, Ihave been kicking myself for not making the most of it. The shame made me go ona mission to find out all the great things about my hometown (page 129). Writing this has helped me rebuild that connection to where I live, and it has even made me feel closer to my family, who have lived here for well over 100 years (thanks for confirming, Mum). I urge you to write a list of great things about your hometown, and I’d love to read them — hannah. [email protected]. It makes you think about what else you’ve missed that’s been right under your nose. Now, I like to think of myself as a bit of arambler, but I must admit that when I pull on my walking boots, I often head to the same few places (Heybridge, Chalkney Woods, Dedham), and that’s why JIOUNOD JOINISIG aaJqUIeg/UIEYS [Neg :0JOUd Great Notley Discovery Centre - one of my reasons to love Braintree I turned to writer and walk leader Julian Goode this month to ask for his 10 favourite walks in Essex (page 18) and he’s come up with some absolute corkers! As I’m writing this during a heatwave, the furthest I’ll be walking is to the kitchen to stick my head in the freezer. However, I’m going to be ticking these walks off over the next few months, starting with the Mersea Island circular. ’'ve been threatening to do it for years, but at 13 miles is going to take a whole truck load of snacks! P.S. Next issue we will be celebrating Essex Life’s 70th anniversary! Make sure you pick up this collector’s edition, or subscribe now at greatbritishlife. co.uk/subscribe/essex Hannah Gildart Editor, ui @ Essex Life Photo: Stuart Purfield / BBC Gardeners’ World Events Arit Anderson I’m a bit of a Gardeners’ World superfan, so the fact the team is coming to Audley End this month is beyond exciting. Page 28 Photo: Emily Fae SOME LOVELY PEOPLE WE’VE MET THIS ISSUE ‘Luke Wright anew generation. Page 40 From MCing a Libertines show to reciting Georgian ballads down your local, Luke is bringing poetry to Katie MacKay After eating at the Galvin Green Man this month, we were excited to talk to landlady Katie about the Essex food scene. Page 50 Photo: Claire Naylor Essex Life: September 2022 ¢ 9 10 best walks in Essex By Julian Goode From undulating countryside in the Colne Valley to wild coastal splendour on Mersea Island, explore the best our county has to offer on two feet with walking guide Julian Goode INSIDE September 2022 « Established 1952 Town spotlight: Braintree By Hannah Gildart Often overlooked for its larger neighbours, Braintree has so much to offer, from world-class shopping and open spaces to intriguing historical sites The constant gardener By Debbie Thomson A visit to Daws Hall in Lamarsh gives Debbie Thomson an understanding of the energy and ambitions of a man who has devoted his life to conservation 198 Chelmsford then and now By Hannah Gildart We go inside the new exhibition at Chelmsford Museum, which allows visitors to travel back in time to Chelmsford during the 1900s to 1920s 10 @ Essex Life: September 2022