Anne Suslak

Halstead Road Runners members Simon Miller and Lois Watson recorded notable performances in recent 10K races. Miller completed the Chase the Sun 10K at London’s Olympic Park in 50:25, while Watson finished the Clacton 10K in 1:06:47, completing her second 10K in recent weeks.

Halstead Road Runners members competed in several events during a hot weekend. Ian Wingrove, James North and Nina Symington Smith set personal bests in the Colchester Friday Night 5K, while Ross Kemble completed a 50K race and Matt Biggin finished a demanding 100K event in 15 hours and six minutes. Aidan Kelly also took part in the three-day UK Police Unity Cycle Tour, a 180-mile ride supporting Care of Police Survivors and families of officers who died in the line of duty.

A £192,000 investment from licensee Greg Morgan and Admiral Taverns has enabled the Wheatsheaf Inn in Castle Hedingham to reopen after a full refurbishment featuring updated interiors, new entertainment areas, and expanded outdoor seating. The pub will offer weekly events, live music, and a broad drinks selection as Morgan aims to establish it as a family- and dog-friendly community hub. Admiral Taverns praised Morgan’s commitment during the renovation process.

Holy Trinity Primary School in Essex received high commendation in the 2026 NSEAD Awards for its innovative art education, particularly its focus on underrepresented young artists and social justice themes. Judges highlighted the school’s creativity and commitment to celebrating diverse artists through initiatives such as Cultural Arts Week and the ‘Threads of Change’ exhibition. Arts lead Miss Riches said the recognition reflects a collective effort and emphasised the value of art in fostering creativity, confidence and cultural awareness among pupils.

Members of the Halstead Road Runners competed in several trail and road events, achieving notable personal bests and strong performances across the Ridley Round, Arthur Whiston 5 Mile, Kirste 5 Mile Memorial Trail Run and the Colchester Race for Life. Participants recorded a range of finishing times, with some marking significant improvements. The Race for Life also drew support for Cancer Research UK, with runners taking part for both fitness and charitable motivation.

Britain’s largest Iron Age gold coin hoard, dating from 60–20 BC, is now displayed at the Museum of Chelmsford as the centrepiece of a new exhibition exploring historical value and local heritage. The showcase includes 935 coins, associated artefacts, and other recent archaeological discoveries, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other donors. Local officials and curators highlight the exhibition’s cultural significance, linking it to Chelmsford’s Iron Age history and broader community pride.

Richard de Clare Community Academy in Halstead received a positive Ofsted report noting strong progress in an inclusive and supportive environment, with most areas rated strong and all meeting expected standards. Inspectors highlighted accelerated progress in Reception, improved behaviour, and a strong sense of belonging. Headteacher Lucinda Bellett praised staff and pupils for the school’s improvement since joining Bridge Academy Trust in 2022. She will step down in September, leaving the school in a strong position for continued success.

Halstead Road Runners delivered strong performances at the 24‑hour Spitfire Scramble near London, recording notable lap totals across solo, pair, and team categories despite high temperatures and safety‑related course adjustments. Multiple runners completed significant mileage, with the female pairs securing a third‑place finish and the ladies’ team of six completing 25 laps. A temporary race pause due to nearby field fires and a heat‑related course change added challenges, but the club’s participants were praised for their teamwork and resilience.

Runners in the 2026 London Marathon raised £162,833 for Farleigh Hospice through a team of 44 participants, with funds supporting free care for adults with life-limiting illnesses across mid Essex. The hospice celebrated the achievement and is expanding charity places for the 2027 marathon. Participants praised the organisation’s strong support system, and demand for future charity places is expected to be high.

Halstead Road Runners delivered strong performances across several weekend events, including the Friday Night 5, the Holkham Hall 10K, the Felsted 10K and the Ekiden Relay. Standout times were recorded by Simon Miller, Katie De Bourcier and Matt Hutley, while a six‑runner relay team secured 31st place in the Men’s Open and 94th overall with a combined time of 3:36:08.

A Halstead care home resident with corticobasal degeneration has returned to football by joining a local walking football group. Supported by staff at Care UK’s Colne View home, lifelong fan and former player Ray Wiffen has enjoyed reconnecting with the sport despite mobility challenges. Staff highlighted his enthusiasm and football knowledge, noting that the World Cup provided the ideal moment for him to re-engage with the game.

A Halstead Thai restaurant has applied for permission to serve alcohol on-site, submitting an application to Braintree Council for sales from Tuesday to Sunday between 5pm and 11pm, with extended hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The application is available for public inspection at Causeway House, and comments must be submitted by July 17, 2024. Penalties for false statements and information on accessing further public notices are provided.

Halstead Road Runners competed in two races during a hot weekend, with strong performances at the Springfield Striders Friday Night 5 and the Caroline Coastal Trail 10k. Standout times included Luis Betancourt Canas finishing first among the club runners, followed by James North, Ryan Miller and Ross Kemble, while Treena Carder completed the 10k event near Maldon. The club commended all participants for racing in difficult conditions.