Browsing: Lifestyle

October is the perfect time to prepare your vegetable plot, care for pond fish, plant spring bulbs, support wildlife, and reduce watering houseplants. Discover top planting tips and seasonal favourites for your garden this autumn.

September is a busy month in the garden, ideal for planting garlic and spring cabbage. Prepare for autumn by pruning, composting leaves, caring for ponds, and supporting wildlife with vegetation and bird boxes.

Eligible Essex residents who have missed cervical screening will be offered free HPV self-testing kits to use at home, as the NHS works to remove barriers to screening and help prevent cervical cancer.

Chelmsford Summer Series takes over Central Park this August Bank Holiday with three huge days of live music, featuring Sugababes, McFly, Craig David TS5 and more. Expect pop, rock, dance and festival favourites in the heart of Chelmsford.

Thousands more NHS dental appointments are being made available to people across Essex as part of NHS Essex’s ongoing efforts to improve access to care. In the two years up to May 2026, 2,400 new patients were able to book appointments with NHS dentists across Essex.

NHS Essex ICB will hold its next Board meeting on Thursday 16 July 2026. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting in Chelmsford or watch the live stream online, with questions relating to agenda items able to be submitted in advance.

July is busy for gardeners: consistent watering and feeding are vital for crops, control pests regularly, care for indoor plants, and help wildlife by maintaining fresh water and safe feeding areas.

NHS Essex is piloting an innovative Capsule Sponge test that could help detect oesophageal cancer risks earlier in patients with long-term acid reflux. The quick, seven-minute procedure can be carried out in a GP surgery and may reduce the need for more invasive hospital investigations.

Nearly 1,500 Essex residents have already taken part in an NHS Essex survey that will help shape local health and care services over the next five years. With the survey remaining open until 30 June, residents are being encouraged to share their experiences and help influence future priorities.

The final chapter of the beloved Yes, Minister story arrives in Southend this July as Jonathan Lynn reunites audiences with Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby. Packed with sharp political satire, classic double-speak and modern-day challenges, I’m Sorry, Prime Minister promises a nostalgic and hilarious return for fans of one of Britain’s most celebrated sitcoms.