For this, the final Packed Lunch for February, I was joined by DOMINIQUE BRUNNING, the fundraising manager of the Chelmsford based, J’s Hospice. The J’s Hospice is primarily for people across Essex aged from 18 to 40 suffering from life limiting conditions. At present the hospice does not have its own building so most of the care is carried out at home. Since taking up this post a mere 5 months ago Dominique and her team have been busy coming up with all manner of ideas. A new event later this year is THE DRAGON BOAT RACE and coming up in April for the fourth consecutive year is PEDAL FOR THE J’s. This event takes place on Sunday 28th April and promises to be a great day out for experienced and novice cyclists alike. The ride takes in some of the most beautiful villages in the county. There is a choice of three routes of 15, 35 and for the really athletic types, 50 miles! All routes start and finish at Admirals Park in Chelmsford.

Later this year on the 28th/29th September there is an opportunity to join a trek up BENNEVIS so plenty of time to get your sponsorship money in – and don’t worry, this is a trek – there will be no hanging from ropes or pitons. For the less adventurous there is always J’S DAY  on the 11th October. You can get involved by simply holding coffee mornings, having your head shaved, your hair died blue , bake cakes, donate an hour of your salary or indeed a myriad of other ways. To get involved in any of these events or to find out more why not go to their website www.thejshospice.org.uk, visit their Facebook and Twitter pages, or just call them between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday on 01245 475474 and they will arrange to send you all the necessary forms, leaflets etc?

Listen again to what Dominique had to tell me right here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Dominique-Brunning.mp3|titles=Dominique Brunning]

Later in the proceedings, Frances Clamp dropped by to give us a potted history of BILLERICAY from the 15th century up to the second world war, and all in under 10 minutes. Some achievement that! Hear how Frances managed to condense all that history into such a short time right here: – [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Bygones-19th-February2.mp3|titles=Bygones 19th February]

Now I know that Spring does not officially arrive until the end of March, but I always feel that once we’ve got January and February behind us, we’re over the worst so join me for the first PACKED LUNCH show in MARCH, next week. See you then I hope. All the best,

Scott