Imogen and Katherine speak to runners from across Uttlesford who are readying themselves for the London Marathon this Sunday. The pair hear about the relatives and charities which inspired the runners, from first timers to seasoned veterans, to take on this mammoth challenge.

If, after listening to the episode you decide to donate to any of our runners’ causes, please click on their fundraising pages below:

To sponsor Tim and Martin: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/striders4sight2019

To sponsor Helen: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HelenHoward6

To sponsor Paul: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/paul-warren-SAVMLMBONDS3332019-2516

To sponsor Sean: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/accuro-sean-london2019

To sponsor Andy: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/running4Tim

To mark International Women's Day 2019, Imogen and Katie interview Dawn French, the chief executive of Uttlesford District Council on how she made it to the top, why young people struggle to afford houses in the district and who her female role models are.

With the proposed closure of 25 libraries in Essex, Imogen and Katie take to the streets and discover what libraries mean to residents in Uttlesford.

What's next for the group campaigning to stop Stansted Airport's expansion? 

Stansted Airport's planning application to increase its annual passenger throughput by 8 million has been approved by Uttlesford District Council. Brian Ross, deputy chairman of campaign group Stop Stansted Expansion, talks to Imogen and Katherine about what this means for the local area and how they plan to challenge the decision.

A spokesman for Stansted Airport declined to join the conversation.

How does a man end up with his severed finger in a cheese and onion crisp bag? What’s it like to write a story about a man who prunes his hedges into phallic shapes? Daniel Mansfield, editor of Saffron Walden Reporter and Dunmow Broadcast, tells us about his weird and wonderful experiences in journalism.

How can the government help independent businesses? How important is social media for attracting customers? How much does a giant rubber duck cost? Clue: It’s more than you think.

Imogen and Katherine ask a shop owner and former tearoom owner, both from Uttlesford, these questions and more in the third episode of Unpacking Uttlesford.

What would you pack if you were driving 10,000 miles from Europe to Russia in 41 days in a Nissan Micra? Perhaps 750 tea bags? A fruit cake or a bone china tea set? Listen to James Fawcett and Ben Fitch, from Saffron Walden, discuss their epic and often bizarre adventure. 

James and Ben took part in the drive for charity and you can still donate here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=FawcettandFitch&isTeam=true

Is Uttlesford being targeted by criminals? Why has the number of unauthorised encampments in Uttlesford risen? How do we fix the mess that is Brexit? Saffron Walden MP Kemi Badenoch answered these questions and more when she spoke to Imogen and Katherine on the first episode of Unpacking Uttlesford.