BREAKING: Plans Approved for “Greater Tiptree Metro System”

Residents across Tiptree and surrounding villages could soon see a major transport shake-up, with early proposals suggesting an underground-style rail link connecting Tiptree, Witham, and Colchester.

The plans reportedly include peak-time services, contactless payments, and “minimal disruption” during construction.

More details are expected… eventually….

If that sounded just a little too good to be true, there’s a reason.

It’s April 1st… Gotcha!

If you paused for a second and thought, “wait… really?” – you’re not alone.

While today is best known for pranks and questionable headlines, it has also played a role in shaping both local life and global history.

And closer to home, its impact can still be felt today.

Essex and the Road to Devolution

On 1st April 1979, voters across the UK took part in referendums on whether Scotland and Wales should have their own devolved assemblies.

While Essex itself was not voting on devolution, the outcome helped shape how England, including counties like ours, would continue to be governed from Westminster.

The proposals did not pass at the time, but they laid the groundwork for the devolution changes introduced in 1997.

Even now, discussions around local power and decision-making continue to echo those earlier debates.

1976 – A Company That Changed Everything

On this day, Apple Inc. was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.

From small beginnings, it would go on to shape how we communicate, work, and yes… scroll through local news.

1927 – The BBC Becomes Official

The BBC was granted its Royal Charter, becoming a public corporation.

It has since become a central part of daily life across the UK, including here in Essex.

April Fools’ Day

April 1st has long been associated with practical jokes, though its origins remain uncertain.

What is certain is this: today is the one day of the year where even the most convincing story deserves a second look.

🍓 Strawberry Reporter says:
We did briefly consider the Tiptree Underground. Sadly, the commute will remain exactly as it is.

Hello,

We are TTT

The Tiptree Times is a small, independent local new site with a slightly unusual newsroom.

Inspired by Tiptree’s long-standing connection to jam-making, our fruit-inspired characters were created as a playful nod to the place we call home. Each one brings their own perspective — from on-the-ground reporting and weather updates to sports analysis and carefully considered reviews.

We love to cover news and events from Tiptree and the surrounding areas, alongside stories a little further afield when they matter to our community. Whether it’s a council update, a local event, or something unexpected, we aim to keep people informed, engaged, and occasionally entertained.

Behind the characters, there are real people — writers, creators, and locals — who care about telling these stories and sharing what’s happening around us.