THE history makers are back. Yes it’s been a bit silent over the past few months on the Koopa front, but that’s all about to change. The first unsigned band in history to make the UK top 20, and no other group has achieved it since, have been out of
BIRTHDAYS are a wonderful thing. They have that knack of making even the most grumpy of people smile. Admittedly, the man we bumped into had good reason to be a bit serious. After all, there were three rather suspicious looking people wandering about
A DANCER has won her battle for damages after a freak accident left her dream career in tatters. Joanna Peagram suffered severe spinal injuries, concussion and whiplash in a dance class when she was a performing arts student at Colchester Institute
THE GRIEVING mother of a young biker who died last year has called for a change in the law after another young man was hurt in a crash near her home. Jenny Hare, whose son Conor, of White Horse Avenue, Halstead, died last August, rushed outside when
A FAMILY were plucked to safety in a dramatic air-sea rescue after being cut off by the tide at Walton’s Naze cliffs. A fishing boat raised the alarm after spotting the family-of-four in trouble at the bottom of the cliffs. An RAF rescue helicopter
Name of band/act: Fagan Genre of band: Indie/Pop/Rock Information about the band: A unique blend of indie, alternative and acoustic influences creates this young and exciting band, hosting a brilliant collection of their own catchy
A TORY MP says he has been buoyed by support following revelations over his expenses published in the Daily Telegraph. Bernard Jenkin MP has claimed almost £50,000 to cover rent on his constituency home in Hatfield Peverel, which is owned by his sister-in-law
A PAEDOPHILE who engaged in sex acts with a girl aged under ten and broadcast them on the internet has been jailed for ten years. Even his own barrister told the court that he would be viewed in future as “scum of the Earth”. Nicholas
A MAN who will never walk properly again says “have a go” heroes deserve more support. Frank Beardsell, 63, was working behind the Eat In Cafe, in Grange Way on the Whitehall Industrial Estate, when he heard a van’s horn being constantly sounded
A UNIVERSITY student whose mum died last year wants more women to get their walking shoes on for charity. Samantha Isbell, of Church Street, Bocking, is taking part in Farleigh Hospice’s first women only Sunrise Walk in memory of her mother Corinne.
SIXTH formers at Colchester County High School for Girls celebrated their last day in traditional style - by wearing fancy dress. Every year, outgoing Year 13 pupils mark the end of their school days with a day of fun. Girls dressed as Snow White and
EVEN though Zoe Baker grew up with epilepsy, it did not make it any easier to live with. She was aged just 15 months when her mum Sheila noticed something was wrong. The youngster would “blank out” for a few seconds at a time and her eyes would wander
...The Bishop of Chelmsford is right to be concerned about the possibility of violent fascists getting elected next week (Gazette, May 19). I share his hope that people will not stay at home in their droves but will instead use their vote in a
Last week’s victory for former Gurkha soldiers was a triumph for so many people who had campaigned for so long to achieve this outcome. I am proud to have played my role in Parliament. People in all political parties represented in the House
If MPs were really “honourable”, they would all resign now so the by-elections could exterminate the numerous parasites infesting the House of Commons. Otherwise the Queen should close this “rotten parliament” until the Mr Brown calls an election
I am trying to contact Pete Walsby (PD Walsby), Ex- Royal Navy, ex-Troubridge F09, believed to be living in the Colchester area. Joe Alcock has been trying to contact you. Are you still out there? Or if anyone knows of your whereabouts, please
Your coverage of the case of Messrs Atkinson and Binnington, who are fighting against being extradited to Cyprus – and a potentially frightful miscarriage of justice under Cyprus’ benighted legal system – fails to mention the fundamental reason
A COLCHESTER serviceman stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Second World War veterans during a moving and emotional ceremony. Soldiers injured in ongoing conflicts joined the veterans at the American Cemetery, yards from Omaha Beach, to pay tribute to those
BENEATH cloudless skies, Hospital Radio Colchester’s fun day made a triumphant return to the town’s social calendar. The event, the charity’s biggest money-spinner, had been called off for the last two years after heavy rain flooded Lower Castle Park
COUNCIL workers have been accused of hacking back a 150-year-old tree that was protected by a preservation order. The 150ft ash tree in Linda Sanders’ garden in Rectory Road, Little Oakley, has been reduced to a single branch. The trees in the 61-year-old
Regarding Lyme disease, my Colchester GP diagnosed this within minutes as he reckoned on seeing about ten cases a year. A blood test confirmed two days later and I was subsequently treated on the NHS. I was, therefore, very surprised
Richard Garcia believes his experiences at Colchester United have helped him cope with playing in the Premier League. The Australian attacker has played his part in helping Hull City secure another term in the top flight. But Garcia
I fear for the society my young grandchildren are growing up in, when I read the comments of Amy Wright (Gazette, May 20) complaining about her Tesco fine for parking in a disabled bay. I despair at why a fit mother thinks she has priority over
Trying to contact Pete Walsby (PD Walsby) Ex Royal Navy. Ex Troubridge F09. Believed to be living in the Colchester area. Joe Alcock has been trying to contact you. Are you still out there? Or if anyone knows of your whereabouts, please contact
A NEW weapon has been unveiled in the battle against antisocial behaviour. Operation Crossbow has been described as a three-pronged attack. Officers will have a high-profile operation on the streets of Maldon and the surrounding villagers, develop their
A DEVELOPER has moved to allay fears that scores of homes being built next to the river Colne in Colchester could be at risk of flooding. Persimmon Homes Essex says independent experts have vouched the 117 homes being built off Cowdray Avenue will not
THE father of 17-year-old Charlotte Blackburn, who died after being hit by a car, has described her as being the “life and soul” of any occasion. Charlotte, of Fronks Road, Dovercourt, was walking along Main Road at about 1.05am on Monday,
A PAIR of Colchester nurses have received special awards for their work with mental health patients. Christine Cooper and Tracey Haley, both of whom are based at the Lakes mental health unit at Colchester General Hospital, were rewarded by North Essex
FIREFIGHTERS have been tackling a fierce blaze at farm buildings in Beach Road, St Osyth. Five crews were called in to battle the blaze just after 2am this morning. A 200m exclusion zone was put in place because of the threat of exploding gas cylinders
A TORY MP is to repay £12,000 he claimed for gardening expenses. Sir Alan Haselhurst became embroiled in the MPs’ expenses row when it was revealed he claimed £142,199 for his Duddenhoe End home over the last seven years, including £12,000
GOURMETS gathered in their droves at the first Mersea Island Food, Drink and Leisure Festival. The event, at Mersea Island Vineyard, celebrated the best food and drink produced on the island. Festival coordinator Beverley Perkins said: “It was an amazing
