Essex residents have the chance to take a look at how traditional Essex dialects and accents are disappearing, thanks to a new tour from the Essex Record Office and the ExploreCulture: OneWorld festival.
Based on the popular CD, “How To Speak Essex” will see Martin Astell of the Essex Sound and Video Archive put Essex accents under the microscope with entertaining and informative county-wide talks.
From ‘little old boys’ to ‘roobub’ and ‘herrans’, Martin’s free talks will examine the disappearance of “Essex speak”, representing just five of the hundreds of events that are taking place during Essex County Council’s 8-month cultural festival, ExploreCulture: OneWorld.
Sessions begin on March 12 at Central Library, Southend and then move on to Maldon, Laindon, Lakeside, Braintree and Harlow. Audiences will also have the opportunity to put questions to Martin Astell.
Places must be booked in advance with the venue and space is limited, so book now to avoid disappointment.
County Councillor Jeremy Lucas, Cabinet Member for Heritage, Culture and the Arts said: “Essex has a long and rich history and this free talk is an absolutely must-see for anyone with an interest in our linguistic heritage.
“We’re bringing culture out into the community and throughout the next 8 months there’ll be plenty of opportunities for our residents to get involved in cultural events in their area. Visit the OneWorld website to get involved and try something new.”
The tour dates are as follows:
Fri 12 March 2.00pm
Central Library, Victoria Avenue,
Southend on Sea SS2 6EX Tel: 01702 534147
Sat 15 May 7.30pm
United Reformed Church, Market Hill, Maldon CM9 4PX.
Event follows the AGM of the Friends of Thomas Plume’s Library. No booking necessary
Tel: 01621 853582
Wed 19 May 11.00am
Laindon Library, 5-7 New Century Road,
Laindon, Basildon SS15 6AG Tel: 01268 542065
Wed 2 June 7.30pm
Lakeside Theatre, University of Essex,
Colchester C04 3SQ Tel: 01206 573948
Thu 8 July 7.30pm
Braintree District Museum, Manor Street, Braintree
CM7 3HW Tel: Lesley/Charlotte 01376 325266
Sat 24 July 2.00pm
Museum of Harlow, Muskham Road, Harlow CM20 2LF
Tel: 01279 454959 www.tmoh.com Limited Space.
For disabled access details contact the venue in advance.
The Explore Culture: One World Festival champions everything that’s amazing about Essex and the way its people, diversity and traditions have contributed to its culture. For further details please visit www.oneworldfestival.org.uk
For more information about the Essex Sound and Video Archive visit www.essex.gov.uk/ero
Media contact: Nicola Toulson, 01245 430929
11.3.10
