Radio Features

A vast behind

The boat is in the River Blackwater, sailing from Bradwell-on-Sea for the next few days, and I was invited to climb onboard and take a look around - as well as sit in the sun and drink tea.

Where's the captain?

While I was there a team of youngsters from Chalvedon School in Basildon had just returned from a sail into the North Sea. They were so excited after their voyage that I think I might sign up as crew... but only on days when the sea is calm!

Strawberry time

The very first strawberry of the year appeared on the Planet Ray allotment. Don't rush to see it - 'someone' has eaten it!

Everything in the garden is looking lovely, and with just a little more sunshine it'll be strawberries all round for a couple of weeks or so.

And while we're talking allotments... 'Doff, doff, doff...' (that's the sound of the drums at the start of the Eastenders theme)... here's Ray Clark Breakfast Show producer Alison...

The very first allotment strawberry

Guess who I saw in The Queen Vic

"How lucky was I this week - having to go on a BBC course at Elstree which is, of course, also the home of Britain's favourite soap, Eastenders.

"During our lunch hour I was given a tour of the set, which is incredibly lifelike - and you do feel that you've turned a corner into Albert Square.

"Unfortunately, Ray now thinks I want to be a landlady - when I'm more than happy being a journalist. Time please!"

Get outta my pub!

Tom's Top Ten

Tom writes: "I think I might make Hadleigh Country Park one of my Top 10 Essex beauty spots.

"As you can imagine my Top 10 changes pretty regularly ('cos there's so many places in Essex that qualify!) but when I went to Hadleigh this morning I was reminded at just how wonderful it is.

"The views are amazing and the castle standing on the top of the hill looking out into the estuary is a really wonderful sight. If you haven't been - go!

"Make sure you listen to Raymond from Monday; we'll be 'gearing up' (geddit) for our Mile Sharing campaign, bringing you details of car sharing opportunities in Essex.

"For now I shall leave you with the wise words of the Hoosiers, 'I'm seriously worried about Ray!'"

"Pip Pip."

The Story that you help to write

Fabulous story this week. Thanks to Innie, Sandra, Godfrey, Paul and The Story Lady.

And finally Esther... and finally Ray - Where in Essex for this week

I WILL cross the river = Shalford
A miners musical note = Pitsea
Mister Pitt's in deep water - Bradwell
Think of the new trains on the west coast line to Scotland = Tilty (yes it does exist, between Dunmow and Thaxted)
You'd expect to find it at the beach = Sandon