I was once again privileged to find myself deputising for the one and only MICHELLE WARD. As such no question of the day, but as per usual when sitting in on this slot, I did enjoy taking a look at some of the quirkier items of news that might have escaped your attention.

But before all that I was delighted to talk with Vanessa Howard, the marketing and PR manager of the Chelmsford Star Co-Op. Vanessa started out by providing a brief history of the Co-Op in the area and explained how the Chelmsford Star Co-Op fits in with the Co-Op nationally and specifically with the other Co-Op’s in Essex. Apart from engaging with the community, supporting charities, getting involved with schools to mention just two aspects, right now they are busy trying to support good products made in Essex. At this time the emphasis is particularly focussed on food and drink. To this end, and as part of the Co-Op fortnight they are holding a “MEET YOUR ESSEX PRODUCER” – food and drink evening this coming Thursday July 4th, between 6 and 9pm at the Quadrant Department Store, 220, Moulsham Street in Chelmsford. It goes without saying that there is no charge to attend and plenty of different products to taste before you buy. This includes wines, beers, juices, ice cream, frozen yoghurt, pies, sausages, bacon, crisps, preserves, sauces, pickles AND MORE. Even better members will receive double points on all qualifying purchases during the Co-Op fortnight – but you’ll need to hurry as the fortnight ends on 6th July. To become a member of  the Co-Op costs £1, the same as it was when the organisation was first formed and provides you with a chance to get actively involved in the governance structure of the organisation. Listen again to my conversation with Vanessa right here: –   [audio:https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Vanessa-Howard-Interview.mp3|titles=Vanessa Howard Interview]

Now to the first of our oddball stories which involved an unfortunate lady in New Zealand who mistakenly super glued her lips together, when she mistook the glue for cold sore cream. When she called the emergency services for help, she was unable to speak and police originally thought they were dealing with someone who’d been gagged.

Staying in the Southern Hemisphere, our second story involved an elderly armed robber who failed to make a successful getaway because he was too slow in putting his walking frame into his getaway car. In passing we also noted that a mugger who had attacked a woman in the US city of  Boston had made the mistake of leaving his own birth certificate at the scene of the crime. Bit of a giveaway, that!

Coming back home our last port of call was Hemel Hempstead where another hero of the hour – or rather two hours actually, made the headlines, literally by getting his head trapped in a traffic cone and had to be freed by police. You couldn’t make it up, could you?

Well that’s me done. The lady herself, Michelle returns tomorrow. I’ll see you again soon.

Scott