Archive

  • Wickford: Manager tells of terrifying robbery

    A club manager yesterday told of his terror as he was beaten and tied up by armed robbers. Alan Ashley was in such a panic he forgot the keys to Wickford Snooker Club's safe were in his pocket. Instead he told the robbers they were in another room - and

  • Southend: Mystery over girl's 'plunge'

    Mystery surrounds how an 18-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after allegedly jumping from the roof of a Southend nightclub. The woman claims she plunged from Ad-Lib in the early hours of yesterday. However, the nightclub said CCTV footage does

  • Heybridge: Build us a new school

    A campaign group has launched a last ditch attempt to persuade Essex County Council to build a primary school. The Heybridge West campaign for a primary school and adequate play area wants the council to take up an option to buy land for a school off

  • Dovercourt: No jail term for drunken taxi driver

    A taxi driver who drove a fare while more than three times over the legal limit of alcohol yesterday escaped a jail sentence. Nigel Wilkinson, 47, of Fronks Road, Dovercourt, was stopped with two passengers in his cab. He told police that earlier that

  • Breakaways cause county council power struggle

    A power struggle is on the cards at County Hall after a breakaway group caused a hung council. No party is in overall control after two Liberal Democrats left to form an Independent group. Liberal Democrats James Gordon (Rayleigh south), and Edgar Davis

  • GCSE crisis: Suspended teacher on stress medication

    The tearful husband of shamed teacher Gill Hearsey has told how his wife is on medication to deal with the result of her "innocent mistake". Mrs Hearsey, of Downham Road, Wickford, is taking tablets given to her by her doctor to cope with the stress of

  • Brentwood: International fitness expert in town

    In 1998 Helen Terry from Brentwood had returned from Texas (where she owns her business Lionheart Motivation) to present Nia at the UK Fitness Professionals Convention, and this was the first time Nia was presented in England. Helen has now become a popular

  • GCSE crisis: Concerns for college future

    Concerned students were yesterday wondering whether they would still get onto the courses they picked. One parent even threatened to "take the matter further" after her son was told he would have to wait up to two weeks to secure his future. Pauline Hanness

  • Brentwood: Woman seeks £15,000 compensation from council

    A Brentwood woman whose home is under siege by floods during heavy rainfall says she is waiting with bated breath to see if new drains will solve the problem. Now Suzan Hearson, of Costead Manor Road, says she intends to present Brentwood Council with

  • Southend: Students' joy over best exam results

    Southend's grammar schools have proved yet again today they are at the top of the tree when it comes to GCSE results. The best-ever results were achieved by pupils at Westcliff High School for Girls where 98.4 per cent of passes were at grades A* to C

  • Soccer: Ramblers bow out

    Ramblers will be disappointed at Saturday's early cup exit at the hands of a side they looked capable of beating. The opposition, from a seemingly higher standard, contained the offspring of both Chris Hughton and Ossie Ardiles. Hoddesdon were well organised

  • Brentwood: Ford 'here to stay' despite rumours

    Ford has moved this week to quash fears that it is may be getting ready to pull out of Brentwood and strike a hammer blow to the town's economy. It comes amid a flurry of media reports and rumours that Ford has moved the headquarters of its European operations

  • Cricket: Craig’s century was in vain

    MALDON......................177-6 WORMINGFORD.......180-1 (Wormingford won by nine wickets) Maldon batted first on a damp pitch, the ball kept low and the Wormingford opening bowlers maintained a good line and length, thus making run scoring difficult

  • Soccer: Adams strike earns the Iron a replay

    Saturday's Cup tie was always likely to be a tight affair with both sides unbeaten in Division One so far and Leyton also being aware that on the last occasion they visited Cressing Road 12 months ago they were slammed 8-2. Right from the start this time

  • Soccer: Spirited Canvey suffer second loss in row

    After starting life in the top flight with two victories, Canvey Island are suddenly finding things tougher in the Ryman League Premier Division. Following Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by a slick St Albans outfit rated third favourites for title honours

  • Cricket: Wickford sitting pretty after win

    With only two matches remaining, Wickford and West Essex, who both have 180 points, share top spot in the Ibex Sunday League Premier Division. Wickford maintained their joint pole position with a 131-run triumph over Harold Wood, as run blasters Greg

  • Cricket: England duties tie up Hussain and Irani

    Essex County Cricket Club are resigned to the fact they will be without star players Nasser Hussain and Ronnie Irani for much of next season. Cricket's 18 counties on Monday agreed to implement central contracts for leading players, which gives England

  • Witham: First my wife, now my home

    A disabled man has been made homeless after a fire destroyed his home. John Frost, 56, who lives in a council bungalow, in Shaw Road, on the Rickstones estate, Witham, had to flee from his home on Tuesday night, after a neighbour spotted smoke and called

  • Wickford: Manager tells of terrifying robbery

    A club manager yesterday told of his terror as he was beaten and tied up by armed robbers. Alan Ashley was in such a panic he forgot the keys to Wickford Snooker Club's safe were in his pocket. Instead he told the robbers they were in another room - and

  • Cricket: Thompson hits heights for Essex

    David Thompson marked his late call-up with a career best performance as Essex dismissed Somerset for 246 on the opening day of their championship clash at Chelmsford. The 23-year-old fast bowler, playing in only his third game at this level, took four

  • Brantham: Boy, 3, rescued in resort pool drama

    Prompt action by a Brantham teenager saved the life of a three-year-old boy. Modest hero Neil Jenkins, 18, of The Street, was working as a lifeguard at a swimming pool at Las Brisas in the Canary Islands when he spotted the youngster lying face down at

  • Wix: 'Suspicious' blaze destroys 200 bales of straw

    A fire which destroyed 200 bales of straw at a farm in Wix is being treated as suspicious by police. Fire crews from Manningtree and Dovercourt were called to the fire in a field at Green farm, Oakley Road, at about 3pm on Tuesday. Acting Sgt Alan Coley

  • Kirby: Home bid snub

    Controversial plans for a residential care home for adults with physical and learning difficulties look set to be turned down. More than 40 neighbours protested against the proposal to extend and change the use of the bungalow in Thorpe Road, Kirby, into

  • Colchester: Obscene mail upset women

    Four women living in the same Colchester street were sent obscene mail by an "extremely simple, slow-thinking" man. Richard Shackell, 58, pestered the women with letters of a highly offensive nature, pictures, and on one occasion a parcel containing condoms

  • Chelmsford: Abuse centre's SOS plea for counsellors

    An increase in demand for the counselling of victims of rape and sexual abuse has led to a desperate plea for skilled volunteers. The Chelmsford Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Centre says it is facing an increasingly heavy demand for its services,

  • cricket: Essex's shambolic Sunday show

    If Essex's batting display against Durham in the county championship on Saturday was disappointing, then Sunday's was shambolic. Playing against fellow strugglers Warwickshire in the National Cricket League, Essex seemed to have already accepted their

  • Soccer: Rayleigh Boys take honours at German tournament

    This team of soccer stars have bowed out of junior football in style. The boys, who all play for Rayleigh Boys Under-16 team, went to Rochford's twin town of Haltern in Germany to play in a tournament against German teams. They played well and won the

  • Cricket: Essex release four players

    Essex have announced that four players are to be released at the end of the season. The players to go are Jamie Grove, Tim Hodgson, Jonathan Powell and Tim Walton. Jamie Grove, 20, made his first-class debut in June 1998 against Surrey and he finished

  • Athletics: Macey wins silver at World Championships

    The Canvey family of a new sporting superstar were today celebrating as he picked up his silver medal at the World Championships. Dean Macey's mum, dad, brother and sister huddled around the television to watch the young decathlete win silver in the championships

  • Soccer: Witham squeeze past Ely

    Saturday was Witham's first visit to the Unwin Ground in Ely, and they did not get off to a good start. They went behind within four minutes when a free kick by Steve Wilkinson sailed into the net, completely deceiving Tony William in the Witham goal.

  • Soccer: Terry times first Swifts goal to perfection

    Swifts earned their first point of the season on Saturday, substitute Terry Warwick netting a late equaliser, and the goal was his first for the club. A 5-3-2 formation gave the Swifts line up more solidity, and they started well. Simon Parker scuffed

  • Soccer: Ramblers bow out

    Ramblers will be disappointed at Saturday's early cup exit at the hands of a side they looked capable of beating. The opposition, from a seemingly higher standard, contained the offspring of both Chris Hughton and Ossie Ardiles. Hoddesdon were well organised

  • Soccer: Parnell at the double for Tiptree

    Two goals from player/manager Steve Parnell were enough to see Tiptree through to the next round of the FA Cup. Parnell's first goal, which was a thunderbolt shot, after the ball had run loose in the penalty area, came five minutes into the second half

  • Soccer: Adams strike earns the Iron a replay

    Saturday's Cup tie was always likely to be a tight affair with both sides unbeaten in Division One so far and Leyton also being aware that on the last occasion they visited Cressing Road 12 months ago they were slammed 8-2. Right from the start this time

  • Cricket: Wickford sitting pretty after win

    With only two matches remaining, Wickford and West Essex, who both have 180 points, share top spot in the Ibex Sunday League Premier Division. Wickford maintained their joint pole position with a 131-run triumph over Harold Wood, as run blasters Greg

  • Soccer: Brett's memorable home debut for Billericay

    Billericay Town confirmed their top six credentials with another win on Tuesday at New Lodge. Chesham came well prepared but a Paul Linger shot on ten minutes was deftly flicked in by Alan Brett close in to give visiting goalkeeper Delroy Preddie no chance

  • Soccer: Brentwood coast to victory

    After two defeats in their opening league matches against Stansted and Ilford, Brentwood began to show their real potential with a convincing win at Sawbridgeworth on Saturday. Michael Gore, top scorer for the last two seasons, returned from holiday and

  • Soccer: Billericay outshoot Aldershot

    After their poor performance at Hitchin only days earlier, Billericay Town followers were understandably apprehensive about a trip to The Rec to face highly fancied Aldershot with a two wins-out of two games record. But a marvellous display carefully

  • Rollerspeed skating: Winning habit maintained

    Sam Morrison and Gary Moore both won third place trophies in the outdoor seasons largest international inter-club rollerspeed skating meeting, which was held in Zandvoorde, Belgium. Eight skaters from the South Woodham Ferrers & Wickford Rollerspeed

  • Athletics: A good display sees Chelmsford finish second

    A busy weekend for Chelmsford Athletics Club began on Saturday when the women and under 15 girls team travelled to Guildford for their penultimate match of the Southern Women's League Division Three. As at Kingston, four weeks earlier, Chelmsford were

  • Colchester, Witham: Tributes to death crash victim

    A grieving wife has paid tribute to her husband who was killed in a motorcycle crash on the A12. Tim Anslow, 35, who worked as a lorry driver in Witham, had decided to go to work early on Monday so he could be back in time to see his three young children

  • Essex quake rescue team tell of carnage amongst rubble

    Brave firefighters have told how the traumatic experience of searching rubble for survivors of Turkey's worst ever earthquake had left them "humbled". The five south Essex fireman revealed how they came across scores of dead bodies during the vast operation

  • Cricket: Craig’s century was in vain

    MALDON......................177-6 WORMINGFORD.......180-1 (Wormingford won by nine wickets) Maldon batted first on a damp pitch, the ball kept low and the Wormingford opening bowlers maintained a good line and length, thus making run scoring difficult

  • Soccer: Witham squeeze past Ely

    Saturday was Witham's first visit to the Unwin Ground in Ely, and they did not get off to a good start. They went behind within four minutes when a free kick by Steve Wilkinson sailed into the net, completely deceiving Tony William in the Witham goal.

  • Soccer: Parnell at the double for Tiptree

    Two goals from player/manager Steve Parnell were enough to see Tiptree through to the next round of the FA Cup. Parnell's first goal, which was a thunderbolt shot, after the ball had run loose in the penalty area, came five minutes into the second half

  • Colchester: Open verdict on car park leap pupil

    Gifted GCSE student Amy Burgess, who leapt to her death from a multi-storey car park, had trouble with written exams, an inquest heard. The 16-year-old, of West Mersea, was also a deeply unhappy person who did not see the point of life in general. Recording

  • Golf: Charity tournament at Benton Hall

    The Lions Club of Maldon will be holding their Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Wednesday, October 6. at the Benton Hall Golf Club in Witham. The day will include a full 18 holes of golf, and a four course evening meal together with prize giving and

  • Wix: 'Suspicious' blaze destroys 200 bales of straw

    A fire which destroyed 200 bales of straw at a farm in Wix is being treated as suspicious by police. Fire crews from Manningtree and Dovercourt were called to the fire in a field at Green farm, Oakley Road, at about 3pm on Tuesday. Acting Sgt Alan Coley

  • Soccer: Colchester and Wadsworth part ways

    Colchester United have parted company with their manager Mick Wadsworth immediately after crashing out of the Worthington Cup at Crystal Palace. A veil of secrecy surrounded the Division Two club yesterday, but Wadsworth is no longer in charge of team

  • Colchester: Inquest on exam girl

    An inquest was yesterday due to hear how a 16-year-old girl was found dead at the foot of a multi-storey car park on the day she was due to take a German GCSE examination. Amy Burgess had told teachers at the Philip Morant School in Colchester that she

  • Breakaways cause county council power struggle

    A power struggle is on the cards at County Hall after a breakaway group caused a hung council. No party is in overall control after two Liberal Democrats left to form an Independent group. Liberal Democrats James Gordon (Rayleigh south), and Edgar Davis

  • Witham: First my wife, now my home

    A disabled man has been made homeless after a fire destroyed his home. John Frost, 56, who lives in a council bungalow, in Shaw Road, on the Rickstones estate, Witham, had to flee from his home on Tuesday night, after a neighbour spotted smoke and called

  • Soccer: Bowers line up for cup action

    It is a busy weekend on the Schweppes Essex Senior League scene with most teams involved in two games in three days over the Bank Holiday. On Monday, there is also the prestige League Charity Cup match in which last season's Harry Fisher Trophy winners

  • Tennis: Sam stars at Westcliff

    Clearview players enjoyed themselves at last week's Westcliff Junior Open Tennis Tournament, and Sam Burridge was the major achiever as she took two titles in the event. She won the under 14 girls singles, courtesy of a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Jade Blackman

  • Braintree: Man jailed following high-speed police chase

    A banned driver was involved in a car chase through Braintree at speeds of up to 100 mph. Police lost sight of Nigel Gribbin during the incident, but a court heard yesterday when officers caught up with him he told them: "I'll just pull forward a little

  • Golf: Charity tournament at Benton Hall

    The Lions Club of Maldon will be holding their Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Wednesday, October 6. at the Benton Hall Golf Club in Witham. The day will include a full 18 holes of golf, and a four course evening meal together with prize giving and

  • Cricket: Fine team effort in Billericay win

    BILLERICAY I....................................194-8 dec GIDEA PARK & ROMFORD I.......149 all out (Billericay won by 45 runs) (Shepherd Neame Essex League) A Billericay side showing just one change from the team beaten at Wanstead the previous Saturday

  • Cricket round-up: Brentwood’s good run halted by Hadleigh...

    BRENTWOOD I.........................200-6 dec HADLEIGH & THUNDERSLEY...201-7 (Hadleigh won by three wickets) (Shepherd Neame Essex League Division One) After two consecutive league victories, Brentwood were brought back to earth, by narrowly losing

  • Bowls: Barnes romps to a fine win

    A quarter-final of the B.D.R. Roger Burton Trophy saw the Central Essex players in majestic form against Elm Park B.C. On an unfamiliar rink, Brian Barnes played as though he had a train to catch, and scarcely allowing his opponent a glimpse of the kitty

  • Harold Hill: Drug needles in park fear

    The lives of Harold Hill youngsters are being put at risk by the groups of drug-users who have taken over their favourite playground, anxious parents have claimed. The play area at the south end of Keats Avenue has become a virtual no-go area for local

  • Rettendon murderer ordered to hand over £2,000

    Convicted murderer Michael Steele has been ordered to hand over more than £2,000 of his assets following a lengthy Old Bailey probe into his finances. Prosecutors had been attempting to seize assets they believe were acquired with drugs cash. These included

  • Leigh: Coma woman was not spotted on train

    A train company claims it is a "complete mystery" how an unconscious woman came to be left on a train parked in sidings. Sue Kelly, 33, spent four hours in the carriage of the Great Eastern train after she fell into a diabetic coma on her journey home

  • Colchester: Inquest on exam girl

    An inquest was yesterday due to hear how a 16-year-old girl was found dead at the foot of a multi-storey car park on the day she was due to take a German GCSE examination. Amy Burgess had told teachers at the Philip Morant School in Colchester that she

  • Talks wanted on Colchester United future

    An emergency meeting was today called to ask Colchester United for reassurances over the club's future. Colchester Council Labour group leader Tim Young has called the emergency meeting for leaders of each political party to meet with the town clerk and

  • GCSE crisis: Students told not to worry

    Students at a Laindon school who are still waiting for GCSE exam results have been told by college and careers chiefs not to worry. Reassurances have been given by Basildon College principal Chris Chapman and Basildon Careers area manager Francesca Wheeler

  • Brantham: Boy, 3, rescued in resort pool drama

    Prompt action by a Brantham teenager saved the life of a three-year-old boy. Modest hero Neil Jenkins, 18, of The Street, was working as a lifeguard at a swimming pool at Las Brisas in the Canary Islands when he spotted the youngster lying face down at

  • Shoebury: Firefighters' fury at new safety alert

    Furious firefighters have hit out after chemicals left unattended for more than a year sparked a major safety alert. Roads into Towerfield Road, Shoebury, were sealed off as firefighters donned chemical suits to investigate a spillage in a unit previously

  • Brentwood: Crackdown on car crime

    Police have launched a double crackdown on car criminals who plague Brentwood's country parks. In a dual attack on thieves officers have carried out an undercover operation at King George's Playing Fields in Hartswood followed by a high profile blitz

  • Soccer: Terry times first Swifts goal to perfection

    Swifts earned their first point of the season on Saturday, substitute Terry Warwick netting a late equaliser, and the goal was his first for the club. A 5-3-2 formation gave the Swifts line up more solidity, and they started well. Simon Parker scuffed

  • Soccer: Plan changes as Adekola leaves

    Billericay Town have parted company with star striker David Adekola. Transfer-listed at the weekend after being left out of the starting line-up for the trip to Aldershot, where the New Lodge side won 1-0, Adekola has joined fellow Ryman League Premier

  • Southend: Mystery over girl's 'plunge'

    Mystery surrounds how an 18-year-old woman sustained serious injuries after allegedly jumping from the roof of a Southend nightclub. The woman claims she plunged from Ad-Lib in the early hours of yesterday. However, the nightclub said CCTV footage does

  • Rettendon murderer ordered to hand over £2,000

    Convicted murderer Michael Steele has been ordered to hand over more than £2,000 of his assets following a lengthy Old Bailey probe into his finances. Prosecutors had been attempting to seize assets they believe were acquired with drugs cash. These included

  • Leigh: Coma woman was not spotted on train

    A train company claims it is a "complete mystery" how an unconscious woman came to be left on a train parked in sidings. Sue Kelly, 33, spent four hours in the carriage of the Great Eastern train after she fell into a diabetic coma on her journey home

  • Heybridge: Build us a new school

    A campaign group has launched a last ditch attempt to persuade Essex County Council to build a primary school. The Heybridge West campaign for a primary school and adequate play area wants the council to take up an option to buy land for a school off

  • Dovercourt: No jail term for drunken taxi driver

    A taxi driver who drove a fare while more than three times over the legal limit of alcohol yesterday escaped a jail sentence. Nigel Wilkinson, 47, of Fronks Road, Dovercourt, was stopped with two passengers in his cab. He told police that earlier that

  • Great Leighs: John passes another milestone

    A blood donor has been awarded an honour - after he donated enough red stuff to keep nine people alive. John Fish, of Great Leighs, Braintree, has been presented with a crystal goblet after giving his 75th pint of blood. That is enough to give full blood

  • Southend: Caroline sails off

    Former pirate station Radio Caroline has left her home at the end of Southend Pier. The radio station, which transmits from the Ross Revenge ship, has been moored at the pier for around a month. But now broadcasters have had to say goodbye to the town

  • North Weald: Fund to fight rubbish plan

    A £200,000 fighting fund has been set up by the council, which serves Ongar and North Weald, to find new ways of tackling the problem of rubbish in the district. The decision to spend the cash, at a special meeting of Epping Forest policy and co-ordinating

  • Cricket: Essex face a busy schedule

    Essex are currently involved in a Championship match with Somerset at Chelmsford, the game having started on Tuesday and scheduled to finish tomorrow. Then on Sunday, it's off to Worcestershire for a National League match before the team travel to Eastbourne

  • Soccer: MP's Colchester United rallying call

    Colchester MP Bob Russell today urged the club's fans to get right behind new manager Steve Whitton and the U's players. Russell said: "The club has lost two managers inside a year so I want every football supporter in Colchester and the surrounding districts

  • Firemen hoaxed 13 times by Braintree man

    A would firefighter who was not fit enough to join the brigade called out his heroes on hoax calls. Brian Garrett, of Witham Road, Braintree, called out fire crews 13 times in the space of five months, Chelmsford magistrates heard. And the court heard

  • Braintree: Teen acts on road to success

    It wasn't quite V99 but the TV Hits Twix Roadshow proved just as big a hit. More than 2,500 screaming youngsters, and some parents, were at the Braintree Towerlands Arena last night to see some of the hottest new talent the pop industry has to offer.

  • Hockley: Eco-warriors must move on

    Young eco-warriors squatting on council land were packing up today after being ordered to leave by a county court judge. Christiana Tugwell, 15, and her mother Maria appeared at the Southend court to answer a case of trespassing on land earmarked for

  • Clacton: Baby unit eyes £90,000 boost

    A £90,000 shake-up to improve maternity services across Tendring is being planned. The Clacton and Harwich unit has been under threat several times over the past few years but the latest proposals being discussed by health bosses are to invest in and