Latest news with #Firstsite
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
From beaches to nature reserves: Here's 10 free things to do in Essex this summer
With summer in full swing and budgets feeling the squeeze, there's never been a better time to make the most of what Essex has to offer. Whether you've just caned the credit card or are simply saving up for that much-needed holiday, Muddy Stilettos has got you covered. Thanks to recommendations from Muddy Stilettos, we've shared their ten budget-friendly activities across the county. 1. Hang out at the beach: As the weather continues to warm up, a day at the beach is a perfect and cost-free option. The Essex coastline offers a number of sandy beaches where families can relax and enjoy the sea air. For those who prefer walking, there are also coastal paths from Frinton to Shoebury. 2. Take in cool exhibits: The award-winning Firstsite gallery in Colchester offers a number of free exhibitions throughout the year. The current exhibition, "Tim Noble & Sue Webster: Love and Hate", is open to the public. The gallery also runs a variety of free courses, clubs, and classes for those interested in getting more involved. 3. Scoff afternoon tea: While the Tiptree Afternoon Tea is not free, a visit to the Tiptree Jam Museum is. Visitors can learn about the history of jam-making in the area and enjoy the tea rooms. 4. Get 'lost' in a maze: The turf maze in Saffron Walden is the largest of its kind in the world, according to the town council. It is located on the common and offers a unique way to spend an afternoon. 5. Enjoy nature: The Essex Wildlife Trust manages more than 100 nature reserves and parks, many of which are free to enter. These reserves offer a chance to see a variety of wildlife and enjoy a peaceful walk, including Abberton, Belfairs and Chigborough Lakes. 6. Drink Prosecco: On the first Saturday of each month, The Gallery Maldon offers a free glass of Prosecco to each visitor. The gallery features a selection of contemporary paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, with each piece reflecting the vision of the artist behind it. 7. Up the exercise: For those looking to keep fit, Parkrun offers free weekly 5K community events in various locations across Essex. The events are open to all, regardless of fitness level. It's more about just willing to have a go and meet lots of nice people along the way. 8. Browse designer shop: While shopping at Braintree Village may not be free, it can be a great place to browse. The outlet is home to more than 70 premium brands with many at discounted prices. You've got to have willpower to keep this free. 9. Head to an Island: Cudmore Grove Country Park on Mersea Island offers a free day out for families. The park features three separate play areas and a nature reserve. Also on the radar is Great Notley Country Park and Maldon's Promenade Park. 10. Visit the past: Colchester, known for its historical sites, offers a number of free attractions. Visitors can stroll around and see a variety of listed buildings or visit St Botolph's Priory, where it is free to wander among the archways and giant pillars. From exploring the great outdoors to soaking in culture and history, these activities provide a range of options for those looking to enjoy what Essex has to offer without breaking the bank. For more details, visit Muddy Stilettos website.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
More than £300k funding awarded to arts and cultural organisations in Essex
MORE than £300,000 of funding has been awarded to arts organisations across Essex. Essex County Council is awarding several Arts Council England organisations a share of a £330,000 grant. The popular arts and cultural venues help contribute to the county's economy by encouraging tourism. They are being recognised for attracting investment, income and creating jobs. The Essex-based recipients are Firstsite, Colchester Arts Centre, the Mercury Theatre, Essex Cultural Diversity Project, Paper Birds Theatre Company, Rhiannon Faith Company and Signals. A report has revealed the creative sector contributes £10.6billion to the UK economy. The funding is designed to improve the lives of Essex residents and young people working in the county's creative industries. Read more Colchester theatre looking for new leaderGroup cycling 1,000 miles to Scotland to raise urgent funds for St Helena Hospice The arts and culture sector can boost community identity and the local economy, as well as enhancing people's quality of life through creativity and expression. The funding follows the recent launch of the Summer of Culture magazine, outlining the arts and cultural activities available throughout the county. Activities featured include artist storytelling walks, dance performances, theatre plays and music festivals.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Memorial marks 5 years since Covid pandemic began
A city has unveiled a Covid-19 memorial to mark five years since the start of the pandemic. The permanent tribute to those who lost their lives lost - and to acknowledge people's resilience - has gone on display at Colchester Crematorium. Monday's unveiling came ahead of a day of reflection on the profound impact of the pandemic, being held in the city on Friday. "This day is not only a chance to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate the courage and compassion that helped us navigate such difficult times," said Lesley Scott-Boutell, the Mayor of Colchester. Covid-19: Milestones of the global pandemic On 7 March, 2020, global cases of Covid-19 are thought to have reached 100,000. Several days later, on the 11 March, Covid-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. Colchester residents who will be remembering loved ones include Debby, who lost her father and eldest sister within 10 days. But she said becoming a grandmother to two grandsons gave her hope. "They keep me going, and for them, I am truly blessed." She emphasised the need for a space in Colchester where people can reflect on their loss. "Knowing others have experienced the same pain provides comfort. "Those of us who have survived this dreadful pandemic can support each other." Debby recalled what it was like to lose her sister. She said: "My children lost their aunt and godmother without a chance to say goodbye. "She never got to know she was going to be a great-aunt, she would have loved that." The figure of a kneeling woman holding a dandelion sits on top of the marble Covid-19 memorial. One inscription reads: "Overcoming hardship by standing strong and proud, the dandelion is a symbol of hope, healing and resilience." The city also has other plans to mark the impact of Covid-19. Soon, after restoration work at Holy Trinity Church is complete, a memorial stone will be placed in Trinity Square, in the city centre. The mayor added: ""The memorial stone at Trinity Square will provide another important place for quiet reflection, ensuring the legacy of those we lost is honoured for generations to come." An event to mark the day of reflection takes place at 11:00 GMT on Friday 7 March at Firstsite in Lewis Gardens. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Memorial trees to be planted to mark Covid deaths Kites made to remember people lost during pandemic UK shines a light as it remembers Covid victims Colchester City Council
BBC News
07-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
New memorial in Colchester marks 5 years since pandemic began
A city has unveiled a Covid-19 memorial to mark five years since the start of the permanent tribute to those who lost their lives lost - and to acknowledge people's resilience - has gone on display at Colchester unveiling came ahead of a day of reflection on the profound impact of the pandemic, being held in the city on Friday."This day is not only a chance to remember those we have lost, but to celebrate the courage and compassion that helped us navigate such difficult times," said Lesley Scott-Boutell, the Mayor of Colchester. Covid-19: Milestones of the global pandemic On 7 March, 2020, global cases of Covid-19 are thought to have reached 100,000. Several days later, on the 11 March, Covid-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. 'They keep me going' Colchester residents who will be remembering loved ones include Debby, who lost her father and eldest sister within 10 she said becoming a grandmother to two grandsons gave her hope."They keep me going, and for them, I am truly blessed."She emphasised the need for a space in Colchester where people can reflect on their loss."Knowing others have experienced the same pain provides comfort."Those of us who have survived this dreadful pandemic can support each other."Debby recalled what it was like to lose her said: "My children lost their aunt and godmother without a chance to say goodbye."She never got to know she was going to be a great-aunt, she would have loved that." The figure of a kneeling woman holding a dandelion sits on top of the marble Covid-19 inscription reads: "Overcoming hardship by standing strong and proud, the dandelion is a symbol of hope, healing and resilience." The city also has other plans to mark the impact of after restoration work at Holy Trinity Church is complete, a memorial stone will be placed in Trinity Square, in the city mayor added: ""The memorial stone at Trinity Square will provide another important place for quiet reflection, ensuring the legacy of those we lost is honoured for generations to come."An event to mark the day of reflection takes place at 11:00 GMT on Friday 7 March at Firstsite in Lewis Gardens. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
