Meet the Locals

We are known for our entrepreneurial and ambitious drive, our charisma and the warm welcome we greet visitors with. Meet some of our Essex ambassadors who have been helping us reveal the real Essex #ThisisEssex

Tom Haward

The Haward family have been cultivating oysters on Mersea Island since 1732. Their award-winning oysters are renowned worldwide. Tom Haward is otherwise known as ‘8th Gen’ and is proud to be an eighth generation oysterman. Tom works alongside his father and brother and runs the waterfront operation, from grading the catch through to delivery.

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Gillian Darley

Historian and Essex champion Gillian Darley takes readers on a vivid personal tour of the county in her new book, Excellent Essex. The book explores seaside piers, secret nuclear bunkers, marshlands and the new town high-rises, revealing a landscape and a story like no other. Gillian is an Essex resident and is a regular presenter on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4.

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Elsa James

Elsa James is a visual artist, activist and producer based in Southend-on-Sea. Her works have included ‘Black Girl Essex’ and site-specific performances on 'Forgotten Black Essex'. She is also involved in the Essex Girls Liberation Front. 

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Jane Mohan

Half Essex / half Australian, Jane Mohan, loved the quaint village of Coggeshall, so when the chance came to buy a small vineyard there, she jumped at it. Fast forward 10 years and West Street Vineyard is producing award-winning wines.

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Dr Miles Adcock

Miles Adcock is President of Space & Quantum at Teledyne e2v, a cutting-edge technology company based in Chelmsford. He is part of the team that leads the organisation, developing new innovations in healthcare, life sciences, space, transportation, defence & security and industrial markets.

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Dr. Mike Rogerson

The University of Essex attracts over 15,000 students from across the world and was named ‘University of the Year’ in 2018. A top member of their team is Dr Mike Rogerson, Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Sciences. He’s passionate about his subject and is an expert in his field.

Scott Irving

Southend-on-Sea is home to Scott Irving, a leading graffiti artist. Scott has undertaken numerous commissions to transform the streets of Essex with his vivid and stunning street art. He also works as a community worker and a support teacher for children with special needs. Scott thrives on bringing the world of street art into children's lives to bring them brighter futures.

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Anthony Stuart-Hicks

The people of Essex love a good panto! ‘Oh yes they do!’ Born in Liverpool, Ash has made Essex his home, much loved for his performances as pantomime dame at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester. The 2018 Mercury panto was nominated for no less than five Great British Panto Awards, including Best Dame!

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Mona Marnell

Mona moved to Essex 25 years ago where she discovered her true calling as an artist after enrolling on a glass making course in Brentwood. Mona is now a leading glass artist and a founding member of the Hylands Artists, based at the Hylands Estate, Chelmsford. She helped organise the Hylands Sculpture Trail and the exhibition 'I feel' which explores the positive relatioship between creativity and mental health.

Anne Wafula-Strike

Born in Kenya, Anne Wafula-Strike caught polio at just 2 years of age. She was the first wheelchair racer from Sub-Saharan Africa to compete at the Paralympics. In 2000 Anne moved to Essex and later became a British citizen and member of Team GB. In 2014 she was awarded an MBE for her work as a disabled athlete and for involvement in charity work for people with disabilities.

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Brogan Bates

Brogan Bates is the youngest member of the Clacton-on-Sea lifeboatmen crew at just 21 years old. Out on the sea a team of RNLI lifeboatmen are always on call no matter the weather or time of day. Brogan is also a trainee paramedic.

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Nabila Tejpar

At just 27 Nabila Tejpar has taken the world of motor racing by storm. She’s the current UK female rally driving champion and is in pole position to become the European champion too. Born in Essex to a motorsport family, she first tried a rally car at 15.