A freemasons calendar which dates back more than 100 years has been dicsovered lying in a mid-Essex street. The small historic booklet, which resembles a modern day diary, contains lists of subscribers to the fraternity from Maldon, Chelmsford and Colchester
Mark Stimson's visitors suffered their first Ryman Premier defeat since October when they lost at Hitchin. A sticky pitch made controlled football difficult, but both sides forced chances. Grays goalkeeper Mel Capleton foiled Josh Sozzo twice, while,
Residents have lost their battle to get the Laindon junction of the A127 closed to through traffic. By allowing the road to stay open, Basildon Council has also given the final seal of approval to plans for housing on the former Fortune of War pub site
Two men are recovering in hospital from serious injuries after being stabbed outside a Clacton pub. Police were called to the Brace of Pistols in St Johns Road by a member of the public following the incident on Friday night. The men walked into the pub
Im 18 born on the 6/12/1985 and i am looking for any of my family my mother is jane silvya birch maiden name parrish. i want 2 find any of my family but mostly want 2 find my father david birch if u r in contact with them or no them please notifie them
A bronze statute costing £16,500 will form the centrepiece of a new heritage garden on Canvey seafront. Busy- Dennis Williams and colleague Richard Andrews look at plans for the garden VFL7X3 The Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed to pay for the statue
Colchester United - in the FA Cup fifth round draw for the first time in 15 years - face a possible away clash with division one side Sheffield United. Phil Parkinson - praised fans U's boss Phil Parkinson, mastermind of Saturday's 1-1 fourth round draw
A full explanation of how and why the decision to "re-position" Chelmsford Borough Council's economic development unit was taken was demanded by Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Phil Harvey, at last week's full council meeting. The council said in
A national heritage group has opposed the proposed building of a warehouse in Mistley's conservation area. English Heritage thinks Edme's plans to build a new storage building will jeopardise The Green. James Ross, historic areas advisor, contacted Tendring
Three major road improvement packages costing hundreds of thousands of pounds are due to be thrashed out by councilliors. The plans focus mainly on London Road, between Tarpots and Sadlers Farm roundabout, Somnes Avenue, Canvey, and Rectory Road, Hadleigh
Speed camera chiefs have defended the location of one of south Essex's newest traps. The Essex Safety Camera Partnership sparked controversy last week by announcing nine new speed cameras, including one on the westbound A127 after the Progress Road intersection
Colchester United - in the FA Cup fifth round draw for the first time in 15 years - face a possible clash with division one side Sheffield United. Phil Parkinson - praised fans U's boss Phil Parkinson, mastermind of Saturday's 1-1 fourth round draw at
Colchester United face a fifth round away trip to first division Sheffield United if they can beat Coventry City in their fourth round replay at Layer Road. West Ham United will travel to either Everton or Fulham. Published Monday January 26, 2003 Brought
Five teenagers from across Tendring have been selected by their peers to serve on a body to represent their views. Teenagers with a viewpoint Emily McGowan, Elise McQuilliam, Abigail Trime, Stephen Wiggins and Aime Pearce. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN 33452-
A wildlife project in Chelmsford has scooped a £30,000 cash boost. Young people will get the chance to have their say on future management of land near Chelmer River Valley. Chelmsford Environment Partnership will use the cash to help expand the scheme
Three men were stabbed in a gang fight outside a Southend nightclub - and their car was later set light at Basildon Hospital. The men suffered serious knife wounds in the punch-up outside Zinc nightclub in Lucy Road and were rushed to the hospital by
Delays affecting motorists passing through Bradwell look set to continue according to a council spokesperson. Since last Thursday the work, carried out on the Coggeshall-bound side of the A120 road, had been causing extensive congestion throughout the
Darren Palmer has his sights set on clinching a season's racing in the Elf Clio Renaultsport Cup next season. Palmer, from Hockley, has come through two rounds of qualifying for next year's series and now faces the third and final qualifying round at
New homelessness laws could lead to a series of expensive and time-consuming court cases for Maldon District Council. After April 1, families stuck in bed and breakfasts will be able to sue their local authority if permanent accommodation is not found
Colchester will be in the fifth round draw for the first time in 25 years following this Highfield Road stalemate with First Division Coventry City. The U's fully deserved their sercond bite of the cherry after taking the game to their more illustrious
You could never accuse MP John Baron of not standing out in a crowd - especially with his latest line in neckwear. The Billericay member is planning to spend an entire week wearing embarrassingly bright ties - but it's all in the name of charity. He has
The streets of Billericay could be alcohol-free within a matter of weeks. The move for a booze-free zone follows the approval by councillors in a bid to crack down on drunken and yobbish behaviour. Anyone caught drinking alcohol in the zone, which includes
The former head teacher of The Endeavour School has teamed up with delighted directors of another Brentwood school who are thrilled to have him on board. Peter Pryke retired from his role at The Endeavour School last year and has now become an educational
Views on life in South Woodham Ferrers will still be heard by councillors despite the end of the town forum. Chairman of Chelmsford Council Ian Roberts said councillors thought the group had lacked effectiveness because it had no budget or decision-making
Plans for a controversial sports pavilion have been kicked into touch after councillors refused planning permission. There was an angry outburst from the public gallery when Rochford District Council's planning services committee voted 20 votes to four
Residents have lodged their opposition over plans to open an Indian takeaway in the area because they fear it will lead to anti-social behaviour. Residents in and around Challis Lane, Braintree have handed in a petition with more than 150 signatures against
Southend United goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan claimed the Shrimpers had been undone by a "shocking" refereeing decision following their controversial 1-0 defeat at promotion-pushing Mansfield Town on Saturday. Oh no! - Leon Constantine wastes another chance
Halstead Town striker Simon Atangana is making a 3,200-mile round trip in a bid to become a professional footballer again. The 25-year-old former Colchester United forward is having trials in Turkey with Istanbulspor. The club, which holds a mid-table
Colchester United face an FA Cup fifth round away trip to First Division Sheffield United if they can beat Coventry City in their fourth round replay at Layer Road. West Ham United will travel to either Everton or Fulham. Published Monday January 26,
A parish council's demands for the restoration of monthly visits to a nearby sewage works have been backed by a Rochford District Council committee. The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Wednesday evening discussed the issues raised
Three men were stabbed in a gang fight outside a Southend nightclub before having their car set alight at Basildon Hospital in a late night orgy of gang violence. The men from Grays suffered serious knife-wounds outside Zinc nightclub and were rushed
Talented youngsters will be pirouetting their way on to centre stage this week as part of the Castle Point Celebration of Youth. Around 200 children and teenagers are expected to turn out for the event, which involves all the schools in the borough. The
Castle Point Council will be carrying out an investigation into traffic problems on a Hadleigh road. Residents in Heather Drive have complained that large volumes of traffic use the residential road as a rat-run to bypass the A13, London Road through
Rayleigh Tory MP Mark Francois has attacked the system used by the Post Office to consult over branch closures as a "sham". He has been campaigning for the retention of the local post offices at Golden Cross, Hawkwell, and Plumberow Avenue, Hockley. This
She has lived to see two World Wars, man walking on the moon and the computer age, but when Dorothy Hale was born, penicillin was still yet to be discovered. Cutting her cake - Dorothy Hale Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY VFHYU1 Dorothy, who lives in the Mountdale
Campaigning parents fighting to save their children's school from closure will get the chance to make their feelings known next month. A special meeting is being staged at County Hall, Chelmsford, after a decision to shut down Leas School, Clacton, for
Three major road improvement packages costing hundreds of thousands of pounds are due to be thrashed out by councillors. The plans focus mainly on London Road, between Tarpots and Sadlers Farm roundabout, Somnes Avenue, Canvey, and Rectory Road, Hadleigh
Parking attendants might patrol the streets of Colchester into the early hours. In a move designed to help night-time traffic flow and bus routes, the parking attendants might even start joint patrols with police officers to ensure the attendants' "health
A threatened youth centre is set to be rescued, it has been revealed. Essex County Council is to offer the 1912 Centre in Harwich to a group in the town. Its future had been uncertain but now it looks like the former fire station, which is next to the
Parking problems at a railway station are "ridiculous" and set to get worse, it has been claimed. Derek Monnery, chairman of Manningtree Rail Users' Association, said the car park at Manningtree station was now completely full by 8.15am each weekday.
Lifeboat crews showed off the skills of a new hovercraft which could be in service in Southend by the summer. Gliding gracefully - a demonstration reveals how manoeuvrable a RNLI hovercraft can be Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY VGG6645 The demonstration was performed
Air gun owners in Essex are being warned about new laws, which could now see illegal possession punished with a five-year prison sentence. From last week, it is now an offence to manufacture, sell, buy, transfer or acquire any air weapon using a self-contained
Tilbury continue to struggle at the bottom of the table following this home defeat by Chesham. Shaun Rees-Brown's own goal after 33 minutes gave the visitors the lead and Dave Fotheringham wrapped up the points with a long-range drive five minutes before
A school has been struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of one of its 12-year-old pupils. Emma Hurlbut collapsed at her desk in her classroom at St John Payne School in Chelmsford. The youngster fainted during an English lesson and despite
Security is to be stepped up at a Frinton school after a caretaker was threatened by an intruder at the site. The teenager, who was first spotted in the office at Tendring Technology College, said he would use a knife if he was prevented from making his
Residents on a Witham estate have formally agreed to take control of their local environment. Working in partnership - Cllr Roger Walters, Braintree District Council member for the environment, and Rosemary Bessy, Templars Court resident at Court 17 with
The new Bishop of Chelmsford has challenged churches in north Essex to meet the needs of a rapidly growing Essex population. The Rev John Gladwin called congregations to get on with looking after their neighbours rather than worrying about church finances
Children and parents walked away unhurt after their minibus veered off the A13 and flipped on to its side. Wrecked - the minibus rests on its side after nine passengers escaped Picture: DAVE HENDERSON VHPHL1 The nine passengers were travelling along the
With 17 games to go, the fight to escape from the Ryman Premier basement is very much on. On the up - Billericay were celebrating after their first home win since September Picture: Rob Brown The three points gained from this keenly-fought Essex derby
Colchester United - in the FA Cup fifth round draw for the first time in 15 years - face a possible clash with division one side Sheffield United. Phil Parkinson - praised fans U's boss Phil Parkinson, mastermind of Saturday's 1-1 fourth round draw at
Huge plumes of smoke could be seen from miles around when a Southend garage was gutted by a massive fire. Battle - fire crews had to use sledgehammers to get into the garage Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY VJMJS2 Three cars were destroyed in the spray shop on Priorywood
A row of terraced houses has been evacuated after a fire started in a house. Badly damaged - above, the house in Wimpole Road, Colchester. 33509 Picture: SEANA HUGHES Fire crews were called to Wimpole Road, Colchester, at 2.30am after the blaze began
Colchester United face an FA Cup fifth round away trip to First Division Sheffield United - if they can beat Coventry City in their fourth round replay at Layer Road. West Ham United will travel to either Everton or Fulham. Published Monday January 26
Canvey's relentless march towards the Ryman Premier title continued unabated as they took their unbeaten league run to 20 games. Gulls gave skipper Neil Gregory a rest and partnered goal star Lee Boylan with Junior McDougald up front. The pair responded
A bogus caller was foiled in his attempt to enter a pensioner's house after he was refused entry. Braintree police said the incident happened at 4pm on Thursday in Pinkham Drive, Witham, when an elderly woman occupant answered a knock at the door. The
A bronze statue costing £16,500 will form the centrepiece of a new heritage garden on Canvey seafront. Busy- Dennis Williams and colleague Richard Andrews look at plans for the garden VFL7X3 The Heritage Lottery Fund has agreed to pay for the statue but
The millions of Jews who died in the Holocaust were remembered at a special service yesterday. Respects - Brother Sarfraz Sarwar, Rabbi Mendel Lew and the Rev Carl Stokes Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY V8CLX5 The inter-denominational service saw Southend's Rabbi
Ipswich failed to book their place in the fifth round of the FA Cup after they lost 2-1 to Sunderland Jim Magilton fights for possession with Sunderland's Jeff Whitley Tommy Smith put the away side 1-0 ahead when he side-footed home from a Darren Williams
Rocks have been frustrated more than most by postponements due to waterlogged pitches, but returned to action with a useful Ryman Division One North point at Uxbridge. The best chance of victory for the visitors came when Colin Simpson, set-up by former
Harlow trail league leaders Cheshunt by eleven points now following Saturday's 3-2 reversal at struggling Berkhamsted Town. Wayne Cort and Leon Bell were on the scoresheet for the Essex side, but goals from Luigi Rocco, Mark Burfoot and Mark Reed propelled
Thurrock hopes of keeping close on the tail of second-placed Carshalton in the Ryman Premier were hit when they were held to a home draw by Basingstoke. The home side's Paul Gothard and visiting counterpart Scott Tarr enjoyed outstanding performances
A man convicted of twice raping a teenage girl has an "obsessive nature" which could pose a threat to women in general, a judge said. Shaun Roskell-White, 33, remained silent as the jury convicted him on nine charges. They were for two charges of rape
Struggling Wakering picked up a home point against in-form Wealdstone at Burroughs Park in a Ryman Division One North clash that was generally dominated by stubborn defences. Over you go - Mark Hampshire feels the weight of a Wealdstone challenge Picture
Mental health charity Mind has been granted permission to open new premises in Maldon Road, Colchester. The organisation will expand, taking over the property next door to its current base in the road Colchester Council planners gave the charity project
Bids are being invited by Braintree Council for the lease of a former restaurant. Weaver's Cottage, in South Street, Braintree, is back on the market after the previous owner, who ran Weaver's Bar and Grill gave up the lease in December 2003. Sue Thurston
An 11-year-old boy has missed six months' education because no schools in his area have room for him. Home study - Lee at his dad's pub Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY VGL4620 Kevin Dobson, 52, landlord of the Cock Inn, Rochford, has applied to seven schools for
Canvey Island Football Club could be on its way to getting a new multi-million pound stadium. Club manager Jeff King - has plans for the club's new stadium Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 7QD7D26C Castle Point Council's highways and leisure committee will decide
Commuters faced delays of up to 30 minutes on the trains this morning. One of the new Class 360 trains travelling towards London suffered a mechanical failure just before Hatfield Peverel station at around 7.15am. Chairman of the Witham and Braintree
Shoppers in Hadleigh are facing a rise in car parking charges of at least 10p an hour as part of a scheme to generate thousands of pounds extra for Castle Point Council. Rectory Road car park in Hadleigh, used by hundreds of motorists each day, will see
Colchester United face an FA Cup Fifth Found away trip to First Division Sheffield United if they can beat Coventry City in their Fourth Round replay at Layer Road. West Ham United will travel to either Everton or Fulham. Published Monday January 26,
A £100,000 operation to evict travellers from an unauthorised site in mid Essex has begun. Major operation - Essex police officers stand up in front of travellers. Pictures: NIGEL BROWN A digger cut through a 6ft-high mud hill bordering the illegal site
A freemasons calendar which dates back more than 100 years has been discovered lying in a mid-Essex street. The small historic booklet, which resembles a modern day diary, contains lists of subscribers to the fraternity from Maldon, Chelmsford and Colchester
Southend's new 2004 tourism guide has a minimalist look. Rock on - Tony North and Lisa Driscoll VGG6645 Gone are the days of crowded front covers showing every new attraction the town has to offer. The new guide pictures a stick of rock, cut through the
PDSA PetAid Hospitals are asking people to donate their unwanted Christmas presents. Funds raised from selling the items in their charity shops across Essex help fund the pet charity, which has hospitals in Basildon and Southend. The hospitals provide
Police have issued a warning to motorists as snow and ice heads towards Essex. Arctic temperatures are expected to hit the county tomorrow night, with the cold spell due to last for much of the week. Police say drivers should take extra care and as the
