LOOKING for something to do next week? We've put together a list of things happening in Maldon and Burnham over the next seven days.

1. ENJOY a talk from one of the last skippers of a Thames barge.

The Blackwater Sailing Barge Match Association has organised the talk, called The Sailing Barge Show, which will feature Jim Lawrence.

Captain Lawrence earned a living in sailing barges carrying up to 150 tons of cargo, working with their huge tanned sails alone, aided often by only one or two other crew, and with no engine.

The event at Maldon Town Hall will start at 7.30pm on Saturday and the first half of the evening will consist of a series of short films of sailing barges racing in the Blackwater in the 1960s.

During the interval, there will be a short paper quiz and drinks and modest refreshments will be available, including wine tea, coffee, squash and a selection of snacks.

The main event of the night, Captain Lawrence’s memories of his days as a sailing barge skipper, will follow.

Entrance is £3. To find out more about the Blackwater Sailing Barge Match Association, visit bsbma.com/index.html

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2. A FLEA market is being held in Maldon on Saturday.

There will be a range of items available to buy in the Town Hall, in Market Hill, from 8.30am until 3pm.

For more information, call Jacqueline on 01621 850940 or 07594 570515.

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3. ESSEX Wildlife Trust is holding a talk entitled ‘Epping Forest’s Future Health: is conservation management enough?’ in Maldon.

The illustrated talk will be given by Jeremy Dagley, the forest’s head of conservation.

The talk will look at some of the recent “step changes” in the conservation management of the forest.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Essex Wildlife Trust Quiz Night

It will weigh these advances against the severe adverse pressures now facing the forest from housing developments and road traffic to tree diseases and non-native species.

The talk will take place in the Friends Meeting House, in Butt Lane, Maldon, on Wednesday from 8pm until 10.15pm. Entrance is £2.

For more information, call Phil Luke on 01621 853969 or e-mail phil@boxlodge.demon. co.uk

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4. A MALDON-based artist is displaying her work in her gallery.

Angelique Hartigan opened the gallery, Hart and Hamm Gallery and Studio, in High Street, Maldon, in September with her partner Taylor Hammond, an architect.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Her artwork depicts landscapes, park scenes and streetscapes in her vibrant and energetic trademark style.

Her work also captures scenes in Maldon, including the prom.

The gallery is open every Saturday for viewings between 10am and 5pm.

Entrance is free. For more information, call 07970 605361.

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5. AN evening of puddings and quizzes will be held in Tollesbury.

Just Desserts takes place at the parish rooms in Church Street, from 7pm on Saturday.

Tickets cost £10 and wine will be available, although people can bring their own drinks.

More information is available from Ed and Jeremy Heigham on 01621 869723 or Pam and David Grant on 01621 869371.