Radio Features

First day back after the school half term* and proof of just how multi-talented we all have to be in this computer age - all the screens in front of me went blank!

Ray gets to work on the machinery

In a live radio studio this is a bit like an aircraft computer crashing - but thankfully not as important. But, by sitting on the floor and trying to reboot the thing and pushing buttons whilst also speaking to John from Great Horkesley about his tropical fish import company, we managed to regain control.

However, one fast acting Planet Ray fan captured the moment from the web cam - I didn't realise I was bald till I saw this photo!

It's number one, it's Top of the Pops........

Song of the week has to be 'Ba Ba Bank Robbery', by EAV. You must know it, it was Number One in Austria in 1986.

Somehow it found it's way into my collection - and has been getting rave reviews all week - well I've had five e-mails from people who want to get a copy!

Being allotment man the digging season is here, and my racing fork has been in melt down this week, spring has sprung - well almost.

Tom's Travels and Alison's wish-list

Major Tom has been stimulated in Stratford - or should that be simulated, as he took control of a virtual train at the train drivers training academy. Then on Friday he chased local kart champion Robert Foster-Jones. Fortunately neither adventure put members of the public at risk!

Ray Clark Breakfast Show producer Alison sang along to Sheena Easton's song '9 to 5' on Friday. In the interests of sanity I kept her microphone closed, but she continues to zoom around Essex in her quest for the top news stories, now she wants a special lane for herself on the A12!

Tom gets lapped by top karter Robert

Alison takes up the story. "I really need my own lane - in both directions of course - after travelling between Chelmsford and Brentwood EIGHT TIMES in just twelve hours! Surely this is some sort of record!

Normally I would make this journey twice (four times if I head home for lunch) but this was dramatically doubled this week, first due to first my husband forgetting my children's coats and secondly my son forgetting his guitar.

The thought of my children freezing to death and missing vital rock star tuition forced me, with a heavy heart, to complete the manic journey. How much petrol do you think I used too?!"

And finally, this week's clues for Where in Essex.....

Fighting over a river crossing - Battlesbridge
A number of colourful trees - Eight Ash Green
A place where lambs bound and leap perhaps - Springfield
Once very popular on The Isle of Man - Birch
He was a poet - Shelley

(*school holiday dates can vary)