Living next to the woods, we expected to feel closer to nature, but we didn’t expect to make friends with it. We thought we would spend our mornings listening to the birds and admiring the trees. Instead, we find ourselves checking that Freda the fox, our uninvited but much-loved garden guest has returned safely from her nightly wandering!

As November draws near, red poppies begin to bloom across lapels, symbolising remembrance, gratitude, and unity. Each year, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal brings communities together to honour those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and give back and thanks to the tireless RBL volunteers.

The rental market is changing fast, and the new Renters’ Rights Act is set to reshape the way landlords manage their properties. With stricter rules, more tenant protections and tighter compliance requirements, it’s natural for landlords to feel uncertain about what comes next.

Nestled at the top of Rayleigh High Street, Holy Trinity Church stands as a timeless symbol of faith, history, and community spirit. For more than six centuries, it has witnessed the life of the town, from medieval markets to modern-day gatherings. Today, Holy Trinity remains not only a place of worship but also a beacon of remembrance.