TouchPoint Community Podcast

If your child was born between 1 September 2002 and 2 January 2011, read on!

In this 10-minute mini-episode, TouchPoint Radio's Ayub Khan interviews Alyson Nicholl from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Alison explains how Child Trust Funds work, who may have one, and why hundreds of thousands of young people could still have money waiting to be claimed.

Learn who qualifies for a Child Trust Fund, how the Government originally set up the scheme, how to find an account using the free GOV.UK locator service, and what options are available when the account matures.

With around 827,000 matured accounts still unclaimed and average balances of around £2,300, this interview contains practical advice that could make a real difference to many families and young adults.

We have regular interviews with HMRC on TouchPoint Radio, tune in to find out more.

Have you ever wondered what the TouchPoint Community FoodShare project is all about? Or perhaps you've already visited and been curious about how it works behind the scenes? This podcast will answer these questions and more.

Over cake (made using FoodShare produce, of course!), TouchPoint Radio DJ Ayub Khan chats with TouchPoint's volunteer CEO, Paul Chambers, about how the project came into being and how it continues to go from strength to strength. Ayub also speaks to Alison, who shares her experience of visiting the FoodShare and going on to become a volunteer. She also has some top tips on making the most of the produce you'll find there.

We also hear from a regular visitor about the difference the FoodShare has made to their family budget and the meals they eat, and from a regular volunteer about how getting involved has changed their life.

So, pop the kettle on, grab a slice of something tasty, and have a listen!

Ever wondered what went on behind the ancient, plastered house fronts of Hertfordshire and Essex? We are blessed to live in an area where history jumps out at us from every side, but what was life really like? Join Siobhan Kirrane as she travels to different sights, meeting some fascinating people and exploring the stories behind some of the local landmarks you thought you knew.

Thaxted Windmill

Built over two hundred years ago, John Webb's Windmill in Thaxted is undergoing a major makeover. It is awe inspiring in both its scale and beauty, but what was it like to work in? Conditions were tougher than you might think. Siobhan is joined by Mark Rickards from the Thaxted Windmill Trust as they travel back through time...

This episode was recorded in August 2026. It was produced with the help and support of TouchPoint, a registered charity which serves the West Essex and East Herts area.

Get in touch

Please email us on [email protected] if you have any questions or recommendations of where to visit.

About TouchPoint

TouchPoint is a community-led charity with a simple but powerful purpose: to create positive social impact by building community resilience across West Essex and East Hertfordshire.

Visit the website on www.thetouchpoint.org

You can also email on [email protected] or send a message to 07572 114882

Visit John Webb's Windmill

If you'd like to see the windmill, Thaxted is served by regular bus services, including the 316, which runs between Stansted Airport and Saffron Walden and the 313/314 which runs between Great Dunmow and Saffron Walden. Get off at Thaxted Church or The Guildhall, both of which are just a short walk from the windmill. If travelling by car, free parking is available at Margaret Street car park, a short walk from the windmill. Head towards the church and then follow the path that runs from the main church entrance, between the alms houses and past the graveyard. The windmill's address is Fishmarket Street, Thaxted, CM6 2PG. Please note: John Webb’s Windmill is currently closed to visitors while a major restoration project takes place, with reopening hoped for in spring 2028.

Thaxted Library and Information Centre is also a welcoming place to visit, featuring leaflets about the windmill and the town. It’s open on Tuesday afternoons, Friday mornings and all day Saturday. Thaxted Market also takes place every Friday morning. This restoration project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of: The NLHF Historic England The Pilgrim Trust The Essex Heritage Trust Hunts and Yardleys Charities of Thaxted The generosity of the residents of Thaxted and surrounding area

Additional Web Resources

www.thaxted-pc.gov.uk/tourism/short-history-of-thaxted

www.johnwebbswindmillthaxted.com