Archive
-
Date
Clacton: Crash due to pilot error
An aircraft which crashed on to a busy Clacton road missed the landing strip because of pilot error, an inquiry revealed. Investigations showed the pilot of the Cessna Skyhawk lost sight of the town's airfield boundary and overshot the runway when he
-
Date
Southend: Candles in the wind
Protest group Parklife went down fighting as councillors refused to reconsider plans to widen Priory Crescent, Southend. Picture: NICK ANSELL E99UR10 Campaigners laid out candles in the shape of a tree on the pavement outside the Civic Centre in Victoria
-
Date
Westcliff: Palace theatre club marks 90th birthday
Supporters of the Palace Theatre at Westcliff will be marking its 90th birthday with a special celebration - even though its future hangs in the balance and the theatre remains closed. The 430-member Palace Theatre Club will be holding a "celebration
-
Date
General: Essex sports stars scoop BBC awards
Commonwealth Games gold medalist James Gibson was back at Loughbrough University today soon after scooping another major award. The 22-year-old Witham swimmer took the top honour at the BBC Essex 2002 Sports Achievers Awards, presented in association
-
Date
Colchester: Last show in town
Cinema-goers from as far afield as Peterborough are clamouring for tickets for the last night show at Colchester's Odeon cinema in Crouch Street on Sunday. Sneak preview - inside the new Head Street cinema The cinema closes its doors for the last time
-
Date
Rugby: Jeeps in cash scrum
Rugbylegend Dickie Jeeps CBE was guest of honour when Southend Rugby Club hosted the Wooden Spoon Society's Essex annual dinner. Staircase to success -- Dickie Jeeps (right) at the Wooden Spoon Society dinner at Southend Rugby Club which raised £6,000
-
Date
Essex: Bumper harvest for Eastern Europe
Harvest for the Hungry is on course to collect so much aid for Eastern Europe that it must now raise nearly £18,000 cash to deliver its cargo. Parcels containing food items such as rice and pasta, have been donated by more than 8,000 churchgoers schoolchildren
-
Date
Colchester: Even more Jumbo!
Surveyors have discovered Colchester's famous water tower is even more Jumbo-sized than was originally thought. Water tower - surveyors have discovered that Jumbo is more than four metres higher than planned It turns out Jumbo is more than four metres
-
Date
Rugby: Tributes pour in for ref Dennis
Tributes have been coming in for a rugby referee who has died after collapsing while refereeing a match. Dennis Russell, from Chelmsford, was officiating a match when he suffered a massive heart attack with seven minutes left before the end. Despite attempts
-
Date
Chelmsford: £700,000 to get greener
A major increase in Chelmsford's kerbside recycling collection programme has been signalled with the announcement of a Government grant of £736,000. Councillor Trevor Miller, borough council executive member for the environment, said: "We have really
-
Date
Basildon: MP's joy over police shakeup
A radical shake-up of Basildon's police force is a "step in the right direction", Billericay's MP John Baron said today. The Tory has welcomed plans to boost police numbers across the district, including Billericay, Wickford and Pitsea. The scheme - which
-
Date
Great Clacton: Village gets CCTV cameras at last
A village is set to get its long-awaited crime-busting security cameras in the next few weeks. Closed-circuit television costing £17,000 is to be installed in Great Clacton in a bid to cut down on thefts and vandalism. Robert Taylor, Tendring Council's
-
Date
Vange: Neighbours in blaze mystery
Police are investigating a blaze which broke out at a block of flats in Vange. Three homes in Ryedene Place were filled with fumes after a fire in a derelict flat on the ground floor. Crews were called to the scene by the owner of the top floor flat,
-
Date
South Essex: Help for patients with complaints
A new initiative aiming to provide Brentwood patients with better advice and support has been launched by the area's patient watchdog through a countywide partnership. Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock Community Health Council (CHC) has joined with other
-
Date
Basildon: Firefighters' fears over 999 hoaxes
A Basildon firefighter has claimed hoaxers are putting their own families' lives at risk when they call 999. Mick Osbourne, acting commander at Basildon Fire Station, condemned the "irresponsible" people who waste the services' time and money every year
-
Date
South Essex: Accused uncle did not join in search, court hears
Despite creating the image of being the "best uncle ever" to Danielle, Stuart Campbell did not help search for the missing teenager for days after she disappeared, a court heard. On the third day of the trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, the jury were told
-
Date
Colchester: 'Mr Grumpy' wins dismissal case
A hotel worker branded "Mr Grumpy" by his manager has won a claim of unfair dismissal. Barry Arnold lost his job at the Butterfly Hotel in Ipswich Road, Ardleigh, in May, following a complaint by a customer about his attitude. It was the third complaint
-
Date
American football: Spartan's California dream
Basildon-based Essex Spartans could be heading to California to round off their winter training. The American Football club, which returned to the new town last season after a three-year absence, will begin training on November 3 on the AstroTurf at Gloucester
-
Date
Essex: Piece of Turkish delight
Every night, as the pubs close, thousands queue outside stalls and shops waiting for a moment of Turkish delight. Mouthwatering - Durali Asan slices off the lamb. Picture: NICK ANSELL ESKYR We are talking about the humble kebab which has become one of
-
Date
Basildon: Labour loses its grip
Basildon Council was today in political turmoil after two Labour councillors dramatically quit the group. The move, at last night's council meeting, sparked a series of behind-the-scenes meetings as Labour battled to cling to power. But with the Conservatives
-
Date
Jaywick: Essex couple get married beside M1
A lovestruck Essex couple married at the scene of their romantic meetings - Newport Pagnell Services on the M1. Happy couple - Susan and Chris on their wedding day at Newport Pagnell services on the M1 (24156-4) And the ceremony at a hotel on the northbound
-
Date
Thurrock: Fun time for 450 Scouts
Thurrock Scouts celebrated the Queen's golden jubilee in style with activities for all age groups on Sunday. Steady now - this youngster managed to pile 15 crates on top of each other before they collapsed at the fun day. endzw2 There were bouncy castles
-
Date
Witham, Braintree: Call for action at road blackspot
Speeding cars and tight bends have provoked councillors to request police action at an accident blackspot. Witham Road - connecting Braintree to Faulkbourne - has been the scene of a host of accidents with speeding vehicles ending up in ditches or gardens
-
Date
Thurrock: Palmer hits out
A Thurrock councillor has hit out at the notice to quit given to the borough's allotment holders. Earnshaw Palmer - who represents Chafford Hundred ward - said: "Despite its promises to listen to the views of allotmemnt plot holders, Thurrock Council's
-
Date
Rayleigh: Warning over fake money
Shopkeepers in Rayleigh have been warned to be on the look out for a men trying to offload fake £50 notes. A French-sounding Afro-Caribbean crook - and group of accomplices - have already tried to fob off cashiers with counterfeit notes in High Street
-
Date
Essex: New idea for more runways
A Chelmsford engineer who helped design the 1960s Ford Cortina Mk11, has come up with a new Essex international airport plan he says makes Stansted's expansion into precious north Essex countryside unnecessary. He calls it Britannic Island International
-
Date
Soccer: Wright to turn out again for United
Colchester United's 'Player Of The Century' Peter Wright is the latest name to confirm his attendance at the "An Evening With..." event at the Mercury Theatre this Sunday. Wright's accolade came at the turn of the 21st Century, as the Evening Gazette's
-
Date
Southend: Ram raiders grab cash machine
Ram raiders smashed a stolen JCB into the front of a Southend shop and made off with a cashpoint machine. It happened just before 3am today when the JCB, stolen from Hanson Brick, in Star Lane, Great Wakering, was driven into Londis supermarket in Southchurch
-
Date
Clacton: Cycling pair head for Mexico
Two cycling friends are preparing to head off down Mexico way! Norman Starrs and Keith Hockley from Clacton are biking across the country to raise money for the National Deaf Children's Society next month. The pair have been training hard and are still
-
Date
Braintree, Stansted: WPC attacked by disqualified driver
A Braintree policewoman is recovering at home after being attacked by a motorist on the M11. The 38-year-old woman was left with mutiple cuts and bruising after stopping a disqualified driver while she was on duty at about 2pm on Wednesday. After she
-
Date
Colchester: Four escape flat blaze
Four people, including a mother and her son, were rescued from a blaze in a block of flats. Blaze drama - fire crews at the flats in Byng Court, Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester. Picture: STEVE BRADING (24155-a) The fire broke out in the kitchen of a first
-
Date
Basildon: Sounds like music treat for fans of Fifties
A fifties themed restaurant is holding a one-off live music evening, with several local singers set to perform, and staff and customers in fancy dress. Frankie and Benny's in the Festival Leisure Park, Basildon will be holding the event on October 24
-
Date
Colchester: Green Goddesses set for action
Green Goddesses have been spotted out and about in Colchester. Ready for action - a Green Goddess on the streets of Colchester The Green Goddesses will be used by the military if firefighters decide to take strike action. A total of 19,000 military personnel
-
Date
Essex: Bikers hit the streets for air ambulance
Thousands of bikers will be taking to the roads this weekend to raise funds for the Essex air ambulance appeal. More than 2,500 from all over the country took part in last year's event and organisers hope that this year's event will be even more successful
-
Date
Southend: Suicide of jail man
A married man from Southend who was serving a seven-and-a-half year prison sentence in a Durham prison has committed suicide in his cell. Paul Day, 31, was convicted of attempted robbery before being sent to Frankland Prison in Durham. A spokeswoman for
-
Date
North Essex: Painting in top exhibition
A painting which usually hangs in the Essex village the artist put on the map has been selected by one of Britain's most famous living artists for a show in Paris. John Constable's The Ascension, which normally hangs on the south wall of St Mary's Church
-
Date
Shenfield: Organ prayers are answered
A mystery benefactor has answered the prayers of churchgoers who have been losing a race against time to raise funds for a new organ. The present organ at St Mary's in Shenfield was installed in 1870 and is deteriorating rapidly despite careful maintenance
-
Date
South Essex: Mum gives evidence in Danielle Jones murder case
Courtroom one of Chelmsford Crown Court was silent as the mother of Danielle Jones took the stand this week to give evidence against her brother-in-law. Linda Jones spoke of Danielle's character, her hobbies and interests. She told of Danielle's fear
-
Date
Thurrock: Under-fire footballers give travellers red card
Youngsters from an illegal travellers' camp have been causing chaos at a neighbouring football ground by allegedly shooting at players with air rifles and catapults. One cup match had to be abandoned in extra time when the salvos of stones and pellets
-
Date
Harwich: Birds won't suffer if port gets go-ahead
Compensation measures to replace a habitat for birds will go ahead if a port development at Harwich is agreed. Harwich International Port said it proposes to form a new, larger habitat for wildlife that would be impacted by any work at Bathside Bay. The
-
Date
Soccer: Mini-mascots set for charity kick-off
Meet the mini-Gunners who will be the mascots for a charity football match with Arsenal ex-professionals and celebrities from the world of showbusiness. Mascots Mikey Knight and Jack Beeson with Marion Mikey Knight, 23 months of Clacton, and Jack Beeson
-
Date
Westcliff: Drama as car blazes
Arsonists who caused a "spectacular fire"- forcing neighbours to move their cars - are being hunted by police. Firefighters were called to a blazing car at the junction of Mendip Crescent and Dunster Avenue in Westcliff late on Thursday night. Crews from
-
Date
Chelmsford: Prison nears breaking point
Chelmsford Prison is reaching saturation point. Figures released by the Prison Service reveal the prison is holding 572 inmates - only four away from its operational capacity of 576. The jail was originally designed to hold 442 but had to take another
-
Date
Soccer: Brown wants to repair damage
Wayne Brown is desperate for a chance to bury the memories of his horror show for Ipswich Town against Grimsby. By his own admission, the centre-half - who conceded a blatant first-half penalty - had a 'nightmare' against the Mariners as the Blues crashed
-
Date
Soccer: Lets hear Roots Hall roar
Blues boss Rob Newman is calling on fans to create a carnival atmosphere and lift his team to a third straight win. Victory over York City tomorrow would lift Southend ahead of the seventh-placed Minstermen and could catapult them into a Third Division
-
Date
Colchester: Book or miss fireworks display
Fireworks fans planning to go to a popular Colchester display will not have the option of checking the weather before handing over their cash this year. Organisers of King Coel's Kittens annual fireworks display, at Castle Park, have taken the decision
-
Date
Soccer: Striker switch for U's?
Adrian Coote and Scott McGleish could be the latest weapons to end Colchester United's worrying goal drought if Kevin Rapley fails a fitness test. Under-fire U's boss Steve Whitton is set to shuffle his strikers cards again by pitching the as-yet untried
-
Date
Douglas Galloway (Basildon)
The man most responsible for turning the dream of a new town outside London into the reality of Basildon has died. Douglas Galloway, who in the 1970s and 1980s was known as Mr Basildon, designed St Martin's spectacular glass and steel belltower and was
-
Date
Braintree: Notley man's nightspot role
Braintree's newest nightspot is set to be run by a local man. The new Chicago Rock Cafe, due to open its doors for the first time on October 17, will be managed by Tony Parker who lives just three miles away in Notley Garden Village. The 38-year-old,
-
Date
Colchester: Boadicea goes on bloody rampage - in Romania
A TV drama of the life of Boadicea will be made abroad - despite the Colchester MP's protests. Bob Russell had argued that the bloody history of the queen of the Iceni tribe should be filmed near the town she famously razed, or at least in East Anglia
-
Date
Southend: Belt up, Sir Teddy tells IDS critics
Critics in the Tory Party trying to undermine leader Iain Duncan Smith should "belt up", veteran MP Sir Teddy Taylor has said. The Rochford and Southend East MP was speaking today after returning from the party conference at Bournemouth and hearing Mr
-
Date
Wickford: Daniel steps in for Sophie
Despite months of practising, Daniel Rouse had to pull out of his first Royal performance. Downtown couple - Sophie and Edward hit Wickford. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL EQK3S18 The 17-year-old of Maylons, Felmores, was supposed to be one of those performing
-
Date
North Essex: Teenager's help for heart patients
A teenager who underwent heart surgery when she was just three is helping set up a nationwide support group for youngsters in a similar position. Former Manningtree High and Tendring Technology College student Lisa King has already been trained to be
-
Date
Thurrock: Tenerife for just £2
A new travel megastore at Lakeside is putting holidays under the hammer - and MyTravel, which officially opens a week on Saturday at West Thurrock, has already auctioned a holiday to a couple from Canvey for £1 each. Cheers - the store's Ruth Gardiner
-
Date
Chelmsford: Crossing to open
The pedestrian crossing from Chelmsford town centre to Moulsham Street, the first such link for more than 25 years, is to be opened today. The project, costing £300,000, had been argued for by traders and residents ever since the Parkway project was completed
-
Date
Thundersley: Witness plea after boy's nose broken
A teenage schoolboy had his nose broken by a fellow pupil after a brawl erupted outside a Thundersley school. The 14-year-old from Benfleet had to be taken to hospital as the beating left him with a broken nose, a lip injury and a variety of cuts and
-
Date
Soccer: Traffic survey delays Billericay stadium progress
Billericay Town Football Club's ambitious plans for a £14.2m stadium relocation to Basildon have suffered a setback, causing frustration to the club's management and fans. The planning application for moving the stadium from New Lodge in Blunts Wall Road
