SWF Men’s Shed – Update: Community, Wildlife, and a Very Large Bug Box
July has been a month of gratitude, graft, and a few laughs at the SWF Men’s Shed. First and foremost, we want to extend a heartfelt thank‑you to the anonymous donor who gifted us an incredible £500 after seeing our GoFundMe link shared by The Focus. Whoever you are, you’ve made a real difference. Your generosity brings us one step closer to securing our new premises, and every penny will be used carefully to support the Shed’s future. If anyone else would like to know exactly how donations are spent, our door is always open.
Essex Skies to Come Alive with the Roar of Vintage Aircraft at the Stow Maries Air Show
Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has released details of some of the exciting aircraft that are expected to appear at The Stow Maries Air Show on Sunday 16 August. The Air Show, one of the registered charity’s major fundraising events of the year, celebrates the history of aviation with a fantastic flying display that looks set to be […]
Keep Young and Beautiful -It’s Your Duty to be Beautiful!
How to prevent sun damage to your skin The sun does a great deal of good – but, if sunlight could be packaged and sold in the high street, it would have to carry this advice: “Warning by HM Government: The Sun Can Seriously Damage Your Health!” Cancer Research UK announced that melanoma skin cancer […]
Pupils preserve 2026 for future generations in 60th anniversary time capsule
Runwell Community Primary School in Wickford recently commemorated its 60th anniversary with an event for its school community that included the burial of a time capsule, a flower display, a community picnic, workshops and stalls, pupil performances, and more.
Inheritance going to the dogs – What happens to my pet when I die?
It is believed that 62 per cent of UK households own a pet, with many viewing them as core parts of the family. While you may have devoted many hours to caring for your cat or playing with your pooch, not as many pet owners give the same level of thought to what will happen […]
Gardening in August
Gardening in August
An update SWF Health & Social Care Group
There is a serious shortage of some prescription medicines in SWF and elsewhere at present. Common medications like ramipril, co-codamol, and dispersible aspirin are affected. Please see the attached generic NHS leaflet. Please do not blame pharmacy staff or GP surgery staff; it isn’t their fault. Sunday 02 August 2026 Following recent Essex coastal tragedies our thoughts are […]
Mayor of Chelmsford embarks on 1,000-mile cycle challenge for local charity
The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Lynne Foster, has embarked on a 1,000-mile charity cycle challenge, running from 19 July 2026 until the end of her mayoral term on 19 May 2027.
Heat Safety for Dogs and Cats
As summer begins, warmer weather can quickly become uncomfortable and even dangerous for pets. Dogs and cats do not cope with heat in the same way humans do, and heatstroke in dogs and cats can happen faster than many owners realise.
PUT celebrates RISE programme graduates
Sixty-nine colleagues celebrated graduating from Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s Resilience, Intelligence, Strength, and Excellence (RISE) programme.
Happy Anniversary SWF u3a
20 years ago, Blackwater u3a encouraged a small group of women in South Woodham Ferrers to start a u3a. An advert was placed in Focus inviting interested residents to the first ever meeting of South Woodham Ferrers u3a; approximately 40 people responded. At that meeting a Steering committee was formed, Rosemary Dorado became Chairperson and […]
Dedicated support for businesses and residents at Highlands Farm
A helpline has been set up to offer support to businesses and residents affected by Friday’s fire at Highlands Farm, East Hanningfield. Fire crews remain at the site monitoring the situation and working to dampen down hotspots, and a cordon is in place.
Discover what’s on in Chelmsford this summer
The summer holidays are almost here, and Chelmsford is packed with ways to keep children, teens and families entertained. From free park sessions, creative workshops and hands-on history to outdoor adventures, wildlife walks and big days out, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to making the most of summer in and around the city.
“What’s the address of your emergency?”
It’s the first question our Control operators ask when someone dials 999. For some people, the answer is simple: a house number, a street name or a postcode. But what happens when the emergency is in the middle of a field? On a country lane? Or deep in woodland with no obvious landmarks?
How to watch the solar eclipse safely this summer
On Wednesday 12 August 2026, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK. It’s a rare and exciting event that many people will be keen to watch. But looking directly at the Sun without the right protection can cause permanent damage to your eyesight. Here’s how to enjoy the eclipse safely.
All set for a summer wedding? Make sure your Will keeps up
Across Essex and the rest of the UK, plenty of couples will be making the most of the summer season to officially tie the knot.
An update SWF Health & Social Care Group
There is a serious shortage of some prescription medicines in SWF and elsewhere at present. Common medications like ramipril, co-codamol, and dispersible aspirin are affected. Please see the attached generic NHS leaflet. Please do not blame pharmacy staff or GP surgery staff; it isn’t their fault.
BRENTWOOD/CHELMSFORD: Drug drivers arrested and cars seized during road crime operation ; 24/07/2026
The latest deployments of an operation to tackle driving offences led to 28 arrests and 19 car seizures across evenings in Chelmsford and Brentwood.
Volunteer with Chelmsford City Council
Discover the latest volunteering news and opportunities across the Chelmsford district.
19 Chelmsford parks receive Green Flag Awards
Chelmsford is celebrating its highest-ever number of Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces, including a number of registered local nature reserves, with 19 sites now recognised among the best in the country.