Small town home to famous singer that people struggle to pronounce

Small town home to famous singer that people struggle to pronounce


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WITHAM IN ESSEX IS A PROMINENT TOWN IN THE COUNTY WITH A NUMBER OF FAMOUS FACES HAILING FROM THE AREA INCLUDING SINGER OLLY MURS AND FORMER PRIME MINISTER RISHI SUNAK 11:02, 02 Jun 2025


Essex - famed for its rich diversity - stands out as one of England's most eclectic counties, boasting an enchanting blend of bustling cityscapes, charming coastal towns, and idyllic


rural retreats, all woven with a tapestry of historical significance. The county is strategically connected to London through robust infrastructure and the natural route provided by the


River Thames, which has historically made it a magnet for invasions from Romans, Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. Such a storied heritage often leaves those not from Essex tongue-tied when trying


to pronounce local place names. This even trips up public figures; many find themselves caught out when attempting local appellations, including Witham. READ MORE: Doctor tells Brit dad to


'carry on' as he loses two stone in two months with one change Witham, where pop star Olly Murs hails from, is renowned in Essex but often mispronounced due to confusion over its


'th'. Rather than a soft 'th' like in 'bath', Witham sports a hard 't', rightly pronounced 'Witt-ham'. Even former British Prime Minister


Rishi Sunak once fumbled over the name during Prime Minister's Questions on May 22 last year. He stumbled responding to Sir John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon, who raised concerns his


constituents had been waiting for a new hospital at St Peter's "for over 20 years". The plans indicated the possibility of the current facility closing without a replacement


lined up, reports Essex Live. Sir Whittingdale said to the Prime Minister: "It leaves my constituents and those of Ms Priti Patel [MP for Witham] having to travel up to 30 miles for


some treatments,". Article continues below Mr Sunak responded: "I know that he [Sir Whittingdale] and the Right Honourable Friend for Witham met both the Minister of State for


Health and Secondary Care and the Minister for Social Care recently to discuss this. "I understand the ICB have extended their consultation to be extended for three weeks to ensure that


more consideration can be given and voices can be heard, but I will ensure that the relevant ministers keep my Right Hon Friend updated on the progress of this."