Use it or lose it. That's the message being given to beach hut owners after just 17 people tuned out to attend the annual meeting of the Clacton and Holland-on-Sea Beach Hut Association. The meeting was held at the Red Cross Hall, in Hayes Road, Clacton
Soaring prices have forced a Witham school to end its contract with its lunches supplier. Now teaching staff at Powers Hall Junior School, in Spa Road, have been asked to make the youngsters' sandwiches themselves. Since Easter, the 300 pupils have been
We were at school together in Dagenham (with Chris Cumberford (anyone know him?) from Harold Hill). I went to his wedding in 1967 (?) and lost touch after that because I went to university in Canada and then settled here in Bavaria. Would Like to hear
A major rescue was launched after a porpoise was found beached at Walton. The mammal was spotted by a member of the public and was finally refloated and sent safely on its way today after a four-and-a-half-hour effort. Walton Coastguard team, RSPCA inspector
Blues boss Steve Tilson is still in negotiations with defender Lewis Hunt - who spent the majority of last season on loan with the Seasiders, making 34 appearances. "We're talking to him and it's all down to the money now," said Tilson. "Hopefully he'll
Mark Jenkins is the new manager of Eastway Essex Senior League champions Concord Rangers. After a highly-successful non-league playing career, which included Canvey-based Concord, Jenkins cut his managerial teeth at Southend Manor before taking over at
Children will be able to play at a community hall whatever the weather thanks to a generous gift . Thanks - the pre-school's Joan Miles receives the cheque from the Round Table's William Fraser and Russell Baker, while hall chairman Arthur Spillett, left
Shane Warne is widely acknowledged as the greatest legspinner the game has produced. And he poses the major threat to Essex when they take on Hampshire in the Championship duel starting at Chelmsford tomorrow. The gifted Aussie has provided the inspiration
The second week of South Woodham's nighttime curfew has proved peaceful, said police. Insp Chris White said there hadn't been any reports of criminal damage in the town centre over the last week. Before the under 16 curfew was brought in, shop windows
Fears that massive offshore wind farms could pose a danger to shipping do not include Clacton, it has been claimed. A damning report found a collision with proposed sites was 'inevitable' and that the entire project had been 'woefully mishandled' by ministers
A driver escaped with minor injuries after being involved in an accident at a junction in Braintree. A 17-year-old woman, of Canvey, suffered minor injuries after an accident at Broomhills industrial estate, in Rayne Road, Braintree, yesterday, at 1.14pm
Award-winning flora at this year's Chelsea Flower Show will be featured as part of the Writtle College garden open day. The Camelot foxglove, which won silver at the annual event, will be included in the selection of summer garden plants on display at
A man had to be airlifted to hospital after a three-vehicle crash in Brightlingsea. The ambulance service was called at 1.38pm yesterday to Church Road, near Colne Community School. Two paramedic managers and the Essex Air Ambulance were sent to the scene
A father and son worked together to assault a man, a court heard. The Clacton men, both called Jeffrey Green, attacked the victim at his home on August 26 last year. Colchester Magistrates Court was yesterday told Green Jnr, 21, and an unknown person
Many residents in Colchester are still without polling cards, just two days before the European and borough elections. Colchester Council says Royal Mail has had the cards for some time and is not aware of a problem. Voters from wards as far apart as
English lightweight boxing champion Danny Hunt will prepare for the second defence of his title with a Mexican holiday. Danny Hunt - taking a break in the sun after defeating Chris McDonagh Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY The Leigh fighter will set off for the
A motorcyclist suffered serious head injuries in the second serious accident along the A127 within 24 hours. It followed a crash yesterday in which a woman who was 38 weeks pregnant miraculously escaped serious injury. The rider, believed to be about
Trying to trace old mate Mick. The last I heard Mick was working away from home and caught up with Marina who was working in the Irish Club in Tillbury. They have now got 3 kids and I've got some News for Mick so please get in touch with any information
Here is your chance to win some Kings of Leon vinyl in a competition exclusive to vfestival.info! The Kings of Leon swept onto the world music scene last year with their debut album Youth and Young Manhood. The band quickly gathered a big following for
Stargazers had a chance to get a superb view of today's transit of Venus thanks to astronomer Patrick Mills. Mr Mills invited people to view the once-in-a-lifetime sight through the telescope he has at home in Stubbs Lane, Colchester. The equipment's
I am looking for Nick West, known to have lived in Pitsea with his mum. His dad's name is Ray, I need to get in touch with him, as i now live in the Basildon area, and I have some news to tell him. If you read this nick, please get in touch either on
Seagulls will no longer have easy pickings over litter at Harwich Quay - because birdproof bins have been installed. Residents complained about the mess from seagulls, who plucked rubbish from the open-topped bins and then dropped it on the quayside.
England international Bonnie Horwood has been passing on her skills to the girls' football stars of tomorrow. The Colchester United and England under-17s central-midfielder made a guest appearance at a 'girls only football fun day' at Clairmont Road in
A 19-stone man had to be rescued from his third floor flat using an extendable hydraulic lift. A fire engine from Dunmow was called to a block of flats in Haslers Lane, Dunmow, to rescue a 41-year-old man from his bedroom after he woke up unable to move
We wanted to go one better than our men. That was the aim of a group of 13 North Fambridge women when they decided to bare all for charity by posing for a special calendar. Co-organiser Karen Wilkinson said their production follows on from the overwhelming
Leon Cort has joined Second Division Hull City after agreeing a lucrative two-year deal with the newly promoted Tigers. The tall centre back completed his free transfer switch to the KC Stadium late last night. But today the defender revealed he was sad
More than 1,000 runners will be setting off from Chelmsford Town Centre for the annual Race for Business event, which this year will give a great boost to the New Farleigh Hospice appeal. Ronnie Irani will be getting runners on their way in the Race for
Great Wakering Rebels took part in the Essex and London Four-Team Tourna-ment at Colchester as they battled against the odds. The village cycle speedway club could only field a weakened team with Rob Hughes (groin) and Tom Hughes (still recovering from
Brave Scott Miller today told how he feared for his life when he was slashed in the neck with a knife, beaten to the ground and robbed of his tips as he walked home from work. Beaten - Scott Miller reveals some of his injuries Picture: MAXINE CLARKE Scott
Two flying friends plummeted to their deaths in a light aircraft when they went for a test flight over Osea Island three years ago. A jury inquest at Chelmsford heard that Keith Stretton, 47, of The Street, Takeley, was being tested by John Searle, 55
A Southend student who had to learn to walk and talk again after a horrific car crash has beaten the odds to reach the finals of a top award. Amazing - Leanne Marie Smith, who has pulled herself back from the brink after the horrific car accident will
The Alzheimer's Society in Colchester has renewed its appeal for help this week as it teeters on the brink of extinction due to a cash crisis. The Colchester branch of the society will be forced to close at the end of July unless it can secure £2,000
A plea for help for residents in wheelchairs and mothers with prams has been answered at the double. A woman in Tower Road, Clacton, and people living at Fiske Court in Beach Road in the town are unhappy that there are areas where they need more dropped
Here is your chance to win some Kings of Leon vinyl in a competition exclusive to vfestival.info! The Kings of Leon swept onto the world music scene last year with their debut album Youth and Young Manhood. The band quickly gathered a big following for
Arena Essex were in action at Poole last night and so nearly pulled off a shock victory against a side that had not been beaten on their own Wimborne Road circuit since the second meeting of 2003. The Hammers led the meeting 31-35 but the regarding of
A youth was left shocked after a man exposed himself in Colchester. The incident took place at about 8.50am on Sunday, while the 17-year-old was in Chase Court, Greenstead. The man is described as white, about 5ft 10in tall, of medium build with a dark
A reward is being offered for the safe return of a tortoise which has been on the run for almost a month. Frankie the tortoise is about 78 years old but that didn't stop him escaping from his Clacton home. Now his heartbroken mate Freddie - short for
Canvey Island hot shot Lee Boylan will be hoping to lead the American opposition a merry dance when he makes his England debut in Charleston tomorrow. And Boylan will be entering the fray with a frank "I was wrong" admission from international boss Paul
A young girl suffered life-threatening head injuries after she was hit by a car in Hockley. The girl, who is believed to be 12-years-old and from Hockley, was with a group of friends at 4pm when a car struck her in Southend Road, near the Spa Pub opposite
The impending patter of tiny feet has got in the way of Colchester United's England beach soccer international Wayne Andrews getting his first international call-up to play in the World Cup with Barbados. The lightning quick star striker has had to turn
Two new species of bird are coming to Benfleet after the expansion of the Rescuers Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary, on Watlington Road, is increasing its bird numbers after joining forces with the Stubbers Hawk and Owl Rescue Centre, in Upminster. Work
The head of Southend fire service has made a plea to hoax callers to think twice - or lose lives. Southend fire chief Martyn Hodder said it was vital the service only dealt with genuine call-outs as it headed in to its busiest time of year. He said: "
Furious residents claim a growing rubbish mountain is devaluing their homes. Fed up - Pauline Dye, with daughter Sasha, by the growing rubbish mountian Picture: MAXINE CLARKE Jane Callaghan, 36, of Oldwyk, Vange, is "at the end of her tether" after six
Rush-hour rail services between Essex and Liverpool Street Station were badly disrupted when a woman died following a collision with a train leaving London. All lines through Harold Wood station were closed shortly after the incident at 7.45am yesterday
Residents frustrated by an illegal travellers' site on their doorstep could join campaigners camping outside John Prescott's home. Site - travellers set up home on land at Crays Hill David McPherson-Davis, chairman of Ramsden Crays parish council, believes
There were excellent results for SouthendSwimming Clubat the Waltham Forest Olympic Development meet at the weekend. They had 29 top six placings and 22 personal best times. Girls: Tia Hazelton, 11yrs, was 1st 100m back, 3rd 200m back,4th 100m free and4th
Businesses are being warned to be vigilant after two men managed to pass forged notes in Colchester. The forged Scottish £20 notes were passed in the Sun Inn pub in Lexden Road, the Action Bikes shop in Crouch Street, and The Hospital Arms in Crouch Street
A builders' merchant was counting the cost after a suspicious blaze caused £10,000 worth of damage. Firefighters were called to the scene at Travis Perkins in Maldon Road, Witham, on Sunday at 7pm. An appliance from Witham and one from Chelmsford arrived
In the words of Chas and Dave's legendary Snooker Loopy song, Willie Thorne's hair may be gone. We are the champions - Basildon A collect the Division One crown from Willie Thorne But it was certainly a case of hats off to Thorne, one of the most endearing
A teenager was slashed in the face when he went to the front door. Police today launched a hunt for the attack which left the 16-year-old boy injured. He was taken to Colchester General Hospital for treatment and was then transferred to Ipswich Hospital
