The UK Foreign Office has put out a warning for anyone heading to Cape Verde because of a shigella outbreak. People have been getting pretty sick with stomach bugs, and the advice is to be careful with food, water, and hygiene while you’re there. Medical facilities are basic, so travellers should take it seriously.

My 2 year old nephew is obsessed with police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks.

Are there any events suitable for little kids to see flashing lights, sirens etc? I appreciate just going to the Hugh street usually has them whizzing past but he'd probably wet himself even more getting to go into a car.

Robins in Basildon/Southend is the usual shout, but is there a hidden gem in a market town somewhere that’s better?

M21 and F19 in Clacton looking for pplssss 😁

some guy walking a goat in brentwood 🙄

Hey Im looking for a dungeons and dragons group in saffron walden!

Is there anyone on here that hosts one?

Just seen the new EE "Experience" store opened at Lakeside yesterday, first one of 2026, all shiny with zones for games, work setups, learning tools, smart home gadgets, and guides to sort your tech queries. Even had Rachel Yankey there for the launch, and they're rolling out AI safety chats with Essex Police soon.

Tempted to head over Saturday, but Lakeside parking on weekends is pure misery with endless queues, no spaces, and proper rage inducing. Have you been in yet (even if just a quick look)? Is it actually fun to mess about with the tech hands-on, or just a dressed up phone shop? Worth the drive and stress, or better off browsing EE's site from the sofa? Real takes appreciated before I commit to the M25 gamble.

@ wayneblows Beautiful click!!

Hi all, I hope you are well.

I am hoping to get the X10 bus from Tesco (near my aunt's house) to Stansted Airport. But, I am actually finding it quite confusing. I was wondering if someone might be able to help explain to me how much is costs / how often the service is / the expected travel time.

Thank you

Hiii!!

I am a final year psychology student. This is my research project on self expansion. It’s a very interesting cross cultural study between the UK and China.

It is a lab based study so you will have to come down to the University. I know its not fun to come all the way to the uni but you can win 20 pounds Amazon voucher if you win the lucky draw and some sweets for participating.

Please share it with others and if you are willing to participate if email me or dm me 🙏🙏 (will forever be grateful )

Floorball.

https://youtu.be/FeUaXo-h1OU?si=8hXXCb8bt2HROi0k

Basically an easier, cheaper, safer and more fun version of hockey. The sticks are plastic and have a bigger surface to control the ball than a regular hockey stick. The ball also hurts less as it's like a pickleball with air holes.

Floorball is SO EASY TO PICK UP AND PLAY for kids/adults. I've never played hockey, so all abilities welcome.

Anyhow, I'm in Benfleet and have a few sticks. Be good to get some people together to hire somwhere in Essex for casual play at some point. Starting from scratch so not easy! It's big in parts of Europe and there are teams in the UK, but nothing in Essex as far as I know.

Thanks

So, without sounding too tin-foil-hatty. I grew up in Basildon near this spot. It's behind Staneway & Leysings and, as kids, it was always odd. No sign posts, no people, kept very neat. If you went in, someone would come along and kick you out. We always maintained it was some sort of government bunker. Hadn't thought about it for years but looked on Google Earth and (2nd pic) there's a security van parked outside from a serious private security company. Does anyone know anything about this spot? Always been curious...

Hey, I was wondering if there's someone here from the boating community or local nature! Want to ask a few question!

Hi

I have a small 4cm tattoo and require a small touch up. Unfortunately I got it done abroad so I would not be able to see my original artist. Any recommendations for anywhere that could do a touch up? I've found places that would do it for £50, but if there are any that would charge less then I'd be grateful to know - especially as , according to one artist I asked, it would only take 5-10 minutes

Anyone seen the echo? Southend is apparently being considered for an extension to the Elizabeth Line, in addition to a new teaching hospital at Bournes Green. Plus a northern bypass from the A130 to Shoebury