The ‘3B’s’ Broomfield Baby Bereavement Group has decorated one of the 25 smaller bees on the trail, which it hopes will raise awareness of the support that it offers to parents and other relatives after a baby has died.

The 3B’s is run by Julie Ellingford (pictured above) and Dianne Hodkinson. It was set up 15 years ago by Julie after her son died and she realised that there was nowhere she could go to talk with other families that have been through a similar experience.

Julie said, “Our baby bereavement group supports people from across Essex. We meet once a month at Broomfield Methodist Church where we have our own room and private peace garden. It’s a relaxed space where bereaved parents, grandparents and other relatives can come to support each other and talk about their loss, if they want to. Dianne and I also talk with our members between meetings, if they need that extra support.”

Julie and Dianne had read about Farleigh’s Buzz in the City art trail, we were delighted when one of the group decided to buy a mini bee for the 3B’s.

Julie said, “We are very pleased to support Farleigh Hospice as it’s a local charity that provides bereavement support to children and adults.

“Designing and decorating our mini bee has been incredible – it has brought our group together in ways that I really didn’t expect. People who might not talk very much at our meetings were happily chatting around the bee!

“We’ve called it ‘Hive of Hearts’ and it is on display in the Meadows Shopping Centre. The body is painted blue and pink, with the names of all of our babies in yellow honeycombs on the wings, along with the words ‘There is no footprint too small that it cannot make an imprint on the world’ and ‘Always loved, never forgotten’.

“We thought it would be just an art project that we could all enjoy but Hive of Hearts means so much more to us. Hopefully, other families who have experienced the loss of a baby will see it on the art trail and contact the 3Bs group if they need support too.”

Amy Ward (pictured), a member of the 3B’s group said, “I have found decorating the bee really therapeutic. Sadly, we lost our baby Finlay quite recently on 2 April. When I heard about this, I thought it was the perfect thing to focus on and get involved with. It’s really relaxing, and we can chat about our babies and catch up and reconnect in a shared experience.

It’s a group that no one wants to be a member of but when you do join you meet some amazing women who have been through so much. We lost a daughter, Amber, in 2013 and I was part of the group then. Then I had my son in 2014 and stepped away from the group as I felt it was difficult to have a baby when I know that other people would be going through a loss at that point. I didn’t want to be back in this situation again but it’s nice to reconnect with everyone, come back and feel like you are doing some good. I will be bringing my 11-year-old son Oscar on the trail.”

There are 30 giant bee sculptures and 25 smaller bees, including the Hive of Hearts, on the Buzz in the City art trail which is open in Chelmsford until 9th September.

For more information, visit the Buzz in the City website.

To find out more about the support available from the Broomfield Baby Bereavement Group, go to www.broomfieldbabybereavement.com

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We’re proud to introduce one of our Buzz in the City Headline Sponsors: Fisher Jones Greenwood Solicitors (FJG). As a firm rooted in the Essex community, FJG brings positivity, energy and strong local values to everything they do—making them a perfect partner for this summer’s sculpture trail.

We spoke with Gregory John, Partner and Head of Private Client at Fisher Jones Greenwood, about what inspired the firm to get involved and what they’re most looking forward to this summer.

“It was a natural fit to be involved with Buzz in the City because it brings together everything we value – positivity, creativity and community spirit – all in aid of a fantastic cause. It’s a celebration of Chelmsford at its best, and we’re proud to be part of it as a headline sponsor.”

Creating a Buzz

As the very first sculpture on the trail, FJG’s bee has a special place in the journey—and the team can’t wait to see the reaction from the public.

“We’re excited to see the buzz unfold, especially when people discover our bee. Ours is the very first sculpture on the trail and we hope it sets the tone for a summer full of colour, connection and creativity. We were even able to work with the artist Marta Zubieta to customise our beautiful bee design. We’ll be keeping an eye on the smiles, selfies and stories shared across social media.”

Supporting Farleigh Hospice

The trail supports the work of Farleigh Hospice—and for FJG, that cause couldn’t be more important.

“Every penny raised helps Farleigh Hospice continue its vital work across our region. They support families through incredibly difficult times, and we’re honoured to play even a small part in that care. Let’s make this summer count for something special.”

What’s Next for FJG?

FJG is heading into a milestone summer—pitching up at the Tendring Show, sponsoring the Billericay 10K and preparing to open its flagship new Colchester head office!

Located at Severalls Business Park, the 6,000 sq ft, three-level space is a major investment in our future. With flexible workspaces, quiet zones, tech-enabled meeting rooms and fully accessible client areas, it’s designed to support modern legal services, staff wellbeing and long-term growth.

Don’t miss a moment! Follow FJG on social media for all their latest summer news and event highlights: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Thank You, Fisher Jones Greenwood

We’re incredibly grateful to FJG for their generous support and enthusiasm. With their help, Buzz in the City is not only a vibrant celebration of art and community—it’s a powerful way to support hospice care for people across mid Essex.

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The Buzz in the City trail is full of sweet surprises — and one of them is tucked away in Oaklands Park. That’s where you’ll find ‘Hive of Hope’, a beautifully painted bee sculpture by artist Charlie Stafford, sponsored by Manuka Doctor, a leading voice in natural wellness.

We spoke to Claire, PR & Marketing Manager at Manuka Doctor, who explained what sets their honey apart:

“Manuka honey is made by bees who collect nectar from the Mānuka bush, native to New Zealand and only flowers for a few weeks a year. The honey has unique antibacterial and antioxidant properties linked to a range of wellbeing benefits.”

With its rare origins and powerful properties, Manuka honey is prized for its health-supporting qualities — from soothing sore throats to nurturing skin. It’s a fitting connection to Hive of Hope’s message of resilience and care, reflecting how small acts (and small insects!) can make a big difference.

While you’re visiting Hive of Hope, why not continue the trail to our pop-up shop on Chelmsford High Street, where you’ll find local honey and exclusive merchandise — with every penny supporting Farleigh Hospice.

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Get ready to add a little buzz to your weekend shopping! Our Buzz in the City pop-up shop is now open in the heart of Chelmsford, bringing a hive of exclusive merchandise and sweet surprises — all in support of Farleigh Hospice.

Find us at the Full Circle store, Chelmsford High Street

Step inside to discover a range of Buzz in the City goodies, including tote bags, notebooks, pencils, and pens — perfect for trail adventurers of all ages. Plus, we’re proud to stock a selection of delicious local honey, a true taste of Essex’s hardworking pollinators.

Every purchase helps: 100% of profits go to Farleigh Hospice, supporting free specialist care across mid Essex. So whether you’re picking up a keepsake or a gift for a bee-loving friend, your support makes a real difference.

Pop in soon! 

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Around 30 of the brilliant bees will be installed outside places of interest in Chelmsford. Each one will be decorated with a unique design by a talented local artist, forming the ‘Buzz in the City’ art trail through the city’s streets and parks.

This will be the first time that Chelmsford has hosted an art trail. Organisers at Farleigh Hospice are working with Chelmsford For You – the city’s Business Improvement District – to create this exciting event with support from Chelmsford City Council.

Farleigh’s Commercial Director, Pauline Harvey-Jones, said, “Buzz in the City promises to be a great family-friendly activity that everyone can enjoy during the 2025 summer holidays. We are thrilled to reveal the design of the sculpture, which is a charming bee resting on a honeycomb. It has been created exclusively for this event.”

A prototype of the sculpture was recently shown for the first time to members of the care team and fundraisers at Farleigh Hospice and then photographed around the city. The actual bee sculptures that will feature in the art trail will stand at over 6 feet tall.  

The eye-catching art trail will encourage more people to visit and explore Chelmsford. This will boost tourism and support the local economy, as well as increasing interest in art and design and knowledge of nature and the importance of bees to our world.

When Buzz in the City closes, the bee sculptures will be auctioned to raise money for Farleigh. The local charity provides specialist hospice care, free of charge, to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement in Chelmsford and across mid Essex.

Local businesses and other organisations can be part of Buzz in the City by sponsoring a bee. Their name and details will be displayed on the plinth at the base of the sculpture and included in a trail app which people can download and use to track their trail journey across the city.

There will also be a ‘learning and community programme’ for schools, youth organisations, care homes and community groups who will be able to design, decorate and name their own ‘mini bee’ sculpture.

To find out more about sponsoring a bee or the learning and community programme, email arttrail@farleighhospice.org.

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