Halle Groves

Nicola Kenyon has launched Wag & Roll Happy Dog Bus in Hatfield Peverel, Witham and nearby villages after being made redundant and taking inspiration from a similar Yorkshire venture. The converted bus carries groups of up to 12 dogs in crash-tested pods rather than crates, taking them on three- to four-hour trips to fields, woodland sites and swimming venues. Volunteers are central to the operation, which has attracted local interest and support from pet businesses, although hot weather has temporarily reduced bookings. Kenyon hopes to pay volunteers and add another bus while sharing her start-up experience with veterinary students at ARU Writtle.

Reporter Halle Groves reviews the Luxury Ritual Massage at the newly opened Lavish Diva Ritual & Training Studio on Telford Road in Clacton-on-Sea. She praises the studio’s intimate, luxurious atmosphere, owner Victoria Wright’s attentive service, the hour-long £50 treatment and details such as a heated eye patch, post-treatment water and ample parking. The reviewer found the experience deeply relaxing, intends to return and recommends it to others; the studio is offering 10% off treatments to readers.

The King's Arms and the Dog & Pheasant in Colchester ranked 15th and 16th respectively in the UK's top 50 pub gardens, based on TripAdvisor user reviews. Both were praised for their atmosphere, service, food and family-friendly outdoor spaces. The Duke of Wellington in Hatfield Peverel, Essex, ranked 12th, with reviewers particularly commending its service, value and suitability for family visits.

Fourteen-year-old Colchester athlete Harry Jeffery is preparing to compete in the Spartan Kids World Championship in China on August 8 and 9. The 6.3-kilometre, 32-obstacle race will take place at high altitude and include steep climbs, spear throws, rope climbs and mud crawls. Jeffery, who trains six days a week and has already won world, European and British titles as well as a Guinness World Record, has intensified his hill and heat training despite having only a few weeks to prepare. He aims to finish on the podium and ideally win gold for Colchester and Great Britain.

The Chayse West Fest will return to Spring Lane in Colchester on August 30 in memory of 18-year-old Chayse West, who died after being struck by a vehicle in Elmstead Market in 2022. Organised by The Chayse West Legacy and supported by Stanway Rovers FC, the event will feature a five-a-side football tournament, live music, food stalls and family entertainment. Proceeds will help families dealing with child bereavement; the charity says it has already supported 12 families.

Essex’s expanding wine industry was highlighted at the 2026 Essex Wine Awards, where record entries showcased rising quality across sparkling, still, rosé and red wines. Saffron Grange earned the sole gold medal for its Classic Cuvée 2022, while numerous producers collected silver and bronze awards. Judges praised consistent quality, innovative winemaking and the region’s growing viticultural potential. A public tasting followed the event at Clayhill Vineyard, underscoring strong local interest as the region looks ahead to the 2027 awards.

The 109th Tendring Show in Lawford House Park drew large crowds, showcasing livestock competitions, rural skills displays, classic cars, children’s activities, food vendors and more than 200 stalls. Families enjoyed animal exhibits, interactive learning areas and entertainment throughout the day, reaffirming the show’s status as a major annual Essex event.

Pubs and bars across Colchester are experiencing substantial increases in trade during England’s World Cup matches, with venues reporting full capacity, energetic crowds and extended operating hours. Managers credit the tournament with boosting customer turnout, improving business performance and creating celebratory atmospheres, supported by increased staffing, safety measures and special matchday setups. Fan zones and newer establishments are also benefiting, with strong bookings and growing visibility. The temporary relaxation of licensing laws allows some pubs to remain open later, further contributing to the sector’s gains as England advances in the tournament.

Residents of a Colchester flat block reported overflowing rubbish and foul odours after their shared bin store went unemptied for two weeks, raising health and fire safety concerns. A resident highlighted repeated issues and risks to wellbeing, including for children. Colchester City Council stated the bins were collected and promised an additional site check, apologising and committing to clear any remaining waste promptly.

A grandmother from Essex completed a month-long 4,144‑mile walking, running and cycling challenge to support her 11‑year‑old step‑granddaughter, Dixie Gerken, who is receiving cancer treatment in India. Motivated by Dixie's diagnosis of osteosarcoma and lung cancer, Yvonne Brierley joined her local fitness community to raise funds and awareness. The effort reached over 75 percent of its fundraising target, with strong community support and ongoing encouragement for further donations and sharing of Dixie's story.

Councillors and residents in Colchester debated whether to pause new housing developments due to concerns about strained infrastructure. Proponents argued that growth should halt until a viable infrastructure plan is established, while opponents warned that stopping construction would worsen housing pressures and associated social and financial costs. The motion to halt development was narrowly defeated by one vote, though support for the proposal grew during the debate. The proposition was deemed the more persuasive side, and attendees continued discussions informally afterward.