Thirty years ago, I was asked to find if there were any intellectuals in Essex. At the time, working freelance for regional newspaper the Essex Chronicle, I noted the Evening Standard had published a feature on Essex being the home of the second-hand car dealer and Page Three girl, and little else. The assignment wasn't tongue-in-cheek; I wanted to redress the implied trashing of my home county which, if you knew, had rather more to it than what the Standard suggested. Thirty years on, I was approached by Visit Essex to revisit the county which is, or was, my home and although I have made interim journeys to visit family, friends and a favourite boutique shop (which dressed me better than I dressed myself), I have, admittedly, always felt west is best - I now live in Richmond-upon-Thames, completely the other side of London. But, with this piece, I wanted to return with a different agenda, see what had changed, or not, and rediscover what Essex really has to offer. So it was wit
Chelmsford named one of top ten cities for culture and outdoor fun by Guardian A NATIONAL newspaper has named Chelmsford as one of the top ten cities to visit for culture and outdoor fun across the UK. The Guardian has featured the city in its top ten list of great British city breaks, published on its website over the weekend. The article says the city, as well as the surrounding area, has so much for tourists to see and do. Chelmsford named one of top ten cities for culture and outdoor fun by Guardian It says: This may seem an unlikely holiday destination, and the city itself may not detain you long, but there are beaches, ancient woodland, marshes, spectacular gardens and the barges and battle histories of Maldon within half an hour’s drive (or a slightly longer bus ride).