Radio Features

Essex beats Leicestershire - in a friendly sort of way!

We had quite a morning on Wednesday, as Planet Ray listeners leapt to the defence of our county after the Labour MP for North West Leicestershire, David Taylor, had a bit of a dig about our image.

Are words really needed ...?

Just how mistaken can some people be? We teamed up with the breakfast show on BBC Radio Leicester and, by the time we'd mentioned just a few of our claims to fame, such as Marconi, oysters, Lovejoy... they'd started to appreciate we meant business. Anyhow, where's their seaside?

We didn't mention cricket though... bit too close to call.

The 'soon to be' Breakaway Republic of The Dengie Peninsula

I'm getting more and more requests for directions to secret locations, such as Creeksea Cliffs. People are discovering the hidden beauty of our county. Thanks to Alan and Afra for sending in an example of beautiful Essex. Beat that Leicestershire!

Chelmsford Cathedral School kids

Just the ticket - at the library

The 10th Essex Book Festival is underway. It was officially launched at Chelmsford Library, the second busiest in the country. Loads of writers and readers, including youngsters from The Cathedral School in Chelmsford, came along to talk books.

Following the trend set on The Ray Clark Breakfast Show, with The Story That You Help to Write, local writer's groups were set the task of producing 'an instant story'.

To hear how they got on, click on the link below.

eee awwww!

Careful you don't make an ass of yourself

After an absence of 20 years, donkey rides will return to Clacton beach this summer - and I've been to meet the lady that looks after them... and the donkeys themselves.

Donkey lady Jayne from Rayleigh, started her donkey dealings after her husband bought her one for her 40th birthday present. It was just what she wanted - really.

The story 'wot you write'

Yet another great story, this time with contributions from Maureen, Sally and The Story Lady. So in the month when storytelling, reading and writing are all the rage in our county, why not join in?