Sophie England

Tabor Academy in Braintree has created a sensory garden with funding from housebuilder Dandara, which is developing new homes in the town. The garden features an olive tree, willow trees, lavender, clematis, daffodils, tomatoes and herbs, providing pupils with opportunities to engage their senses, relax and connect with nature. Deputy headteacher Mark Bowman said the space will support pupils’ development and learning.

Residents at Park View Care Home in Witham, part of Runwood Homes, grew six giant sunflowers through an experiment comparing indoor, direct-to-ground and naturally scattered seeds. The strongest plants were grown directly in the garden, including one that reached 10 feet tall. The project provided enjoyment, social interaction and a way to observe nature, while the flowers attracted bees and supported local wildlife.

Artist Martine Norman is showcasing her “Peaceful Haven” exhibition at Witham RC Church from August 4 to August 9. The free exhibition features work intended to encourage reflection, relaxation and a connection with nature, with opening hours varying by day. Norman says art can offer comfort, contemplation and compassion in an increasingly technology-focused and materialistic world.

The BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair will return to Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden from September 11 to 13, 2026. The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors with showcase gardens, specialist plant displays, talks, workshops, shopping, food and drink demonstrations, live music and artisan markets. New attractions include a houseplant area and craft workshops, while gardening personalities and designers will promote seasonal advice, biodiversity and climate-resilient planting.

The Braintree and Witham Times publishes six recent death notices from across mid Essex, including tributes to Joyce Vera Read, Jacqui Styles, Catherine Ladhams, Stephen John Masters, Terry Clark and Jose Tomlinson. The notices provide details about their deaths, ages, families and places of residence or care, and direct readers to full memorial notices and condolence options.

The Salvation Army in Braintree marked 137 years in the town with an anniversary gathering attended by more than 60 people. The event included a singalong featuring popular school assembly songs, a barbecue and reflections on the organization's community activities. Members highlighted the Salvation Army's ongoing support through coffee mornings, social groups, community meals and a children's sensory group, while local leaders said they hoped to continue serving residents for many years.

Braintree District Council says it completed more than 30 projects over the past year, including £326,000 in cost-of-living support, £61,600 in councillor grants, health and wellbeing funding, three new 3G football pitches and £375,100 in community asset improvements. The council also reported delivering 233 affordable homes, helping 134 households at risk of homelessness, improving energy efficiency for 200 households, supporting 435 businesses and providing job and careers events for residents and students.

More than 120 customers, colleagues and volunteers from Peabody’s care and support services attended a carnival-themed celebration at Cressing Temple Barns in Braintree. The event featured live music, dancing, performances, creative activities, accessibility support including British Sign Language interpreters, and a procession using recycled decorations and instruments. Seven Peabody colleagues also raised more than £2,800 by completing the Colchester Half Marathon to help fund the celebration.

Priti Patel criticised the government’s defence investment plan, arguing it falls short of addressing global threats and lacks a clear path to meeting NATO’s 3.5 percent spending target. She warned that unaccounted funding for modernisation risks weakening the UK’s global position and undermining allies. Patel said Labour has failed to recognise rising threats, calling for a significant funding increase to strengthen national defence capabilities.