Daws Heath, Essex

25/09/2026

An update from our MP, Rebecca Harris

🎨 I popped into The Art Ministry in Hadleigh last week with a slightly unusual donation after having a bit of a clear out, some artificial flowers which i’m told will make useful subjects for still life drawing. 😀💐✍️

I’ve been a supporter of The Art Ministry for many years. They are a fantastic local charity based at the Church Hall at 1 Church Road in Hadleigh, using art and craft to bring people together, build confidence and support mental health and wellbeing. Their sessions include groups for people with SEND, visual impairments and mental health needs, as well as sessions open to everyone.

There is something going on most days, including an open community art and craft session on Mondays from 11am to 1pm and Castle Point Art Club on Friday mornings from 10am to 12pm.

A huge thank you to all the brilliant volunteers who give their time to make it such a welcoming and supportive place.

If you or someone you know might enjoy getting creative, meeting new people and having a chat, do have a look at what they offer:

👉 www.theartministry.org.uk

25/09/2026

Did you know that there is an old stone trough on the corner of Jotmans Lane and Benfleet Park Road at Cemetery Corner, Benfleet which is actually a little piece of Benfleet history.

The red granite trough was installed by the Parish Council in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V. It dates from the days when horses were still a familiar sight on our roads and drinking troughs provided much-needed water for passing animals. 💦🐴

Interestingly, it wasn’t originally here. The trough stood near St Mary’s Church before being moved to its present position at Jotmans Lane.

Today it has a rather different job as a flower planter and is recognised as one of Castle Point’s local heritage assets. 🌸🌺🌼🌷

Oddly the Jotmans Lane street sign is located directly in front of the carved inscription! 👀 Next time you’re passing, have a closer look.

24/09/2026

🌅 DID YOU KNOW? there is a beautiful place in Devon called Westward Ho! and yes, the exclamation mark is officially part of its name!

It was named after Charles Kingsley’s 1855 novel Westward Ho! and is believed to be the only place in the UK with an exclamation mark in its official name.

The old expression “Westward Ho!” essentially means “Let’s go west!”, with “ho!” traditionally used as a cry to attract attention or encourage people in a particular direction.

Which brings me neatly to this photo taken this evening looking west over beautiful West Wood here in Hadleigh just as the sun was setting.

So technically, I suppose this is West Wood Ho! 🤨

I’ll get my coat… 👉🏻🚪

23/09/2026

The Great Global Greyhound walk 2026, this Sunday! All sighthounds welcome 🐾

We will be meeting by the path that runs through the common, by Common Approach, at 12pm

We hope to see you there!

22/09/2026

A date for your diary courtesy of Hadleigh and Thundersley CC 🏏

🧠💡 QUIZ NIGHT IS BACK! 💡🧠

Get the team together and put your knowledge to the test at our next H&TCC Quiz Night! ❓🏏

📅 Friday 9th October
⏰ 7:30pm
💷 £3 cash entry
🎟️ No ticket needed – just turn up on the night!
👥 Members & guests welcome

Feel free to bring along your own snacks too! 🍿🍫

📍 Hadleigh & Thundersley Cricket Club, Rectory Road, SS7 2NQ

Who’s got what it takes to be crowned quiz champions? 🏆

20/09/2026

Well done to everyone who took part in 🌟GLOW 🌟 for Havens Hospices Fundraising 👏🏼