Archive
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Bard’s magic aired with The Tempest
MIDSUMMER is here, and with it comes a traditional fixture of the season, as Southend Shakespeare Company swaps the indoor comforts of the Palace Theatre for parks, gardens and village greens. This year outdoor production, The Tempest, kicks off tomorrow
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Picture man steps out of the shadows
AUDIE PHILIP, aka the Dim Locator, cuts an enigmatic figure at many venues, hiding in the shadows armed with his Pentax K-M camera. Despite his unassuming nature and his observational style – he captures scenes from afar rather than getting up close
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Welcome to the bonkers world of Michael Smiley
DARA O’Briain’s mum says he can’t play with us, so we don’t play with him. He’s a big lad and he can’t climb over fences like the rest of us when we go apple scrumping.” It’s relatively early on a Tuesday morning and I’ve just been given a glimpse into
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Atmospheric town theatre showcases directorial debut by trio
YOUNG directors will make their debut in Southend next week with a series of plays staged by students on a theatre directing course. The trio, who have been studying for two years at the Loughton campus of the town’s theatre school East 15, will showcase
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Heatwave set to sweep South Essex on Sunday and Monday
A WEATHER warning of higher temperatures in the next 48 hours has been issued by the Met Office. Temperatures are set to peak at about 30 degrees during the day on Sunday in Basildon and Southend. It will drop slightly to 20 degrees
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Armed robbers storm shop in Grays
ARMED robbers stormed a money-lender and made off with jewellery and cash. Two men burst into The Money Shop, in High Street, Grays, at 6.15pm on Thursday and threatened staff with a handgun. Their loot is estimated to be worth a five-figure sum. Det
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Police step up Southend patrol at weekend over man’s death
POLICE officers will swamp Southend this weekend in search of information about the death of Reece Lamude. Extra cops will be out in the town centre talking to clubbers and drinkers who may have vital information. Mr Lamude, 37, collapsed outside Churchills
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Organist calls it a day after 80 years
IT says something for the dedication of Victor Knill, he never actually wanted to play the organ. However, 80 years on and only now has he decided to retire from duties at St Augustine’s Church, Thorpe Bay. Mr Knill, 92, said: “To be
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Injunction means tip site farmer could face prison
A FARMER could be jailed if illegal waste dumping continues on land he manages. A court injunction has been issued to stop Claremont Farm, in Burnt Mills Road, Basildon, being being used as an illegal tip. Neighbours angered by problem with the site
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Concern over DIY store car park closure
SHUTTING the main entrance of a Benfleet car park is causing traffic chaos and harming business, traders have claimed. The parking area serving the Focus DIY store has been gated off at its Rushbottom Lane entrance since Monday, after the nationwide
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Small gift can be a big help for hospice
IT’S known as an extraordinary place for ordinary people, but without St Luke’s Hospice, cancer sufferers in south Essex would have few places to turn. The hospice has cared for thousands of seriously ill people since it was founded 21 years
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Southend leisure centre nursery faces move to new site
A CHILDREN’S nursery and creche is to be moved from its council-owned site to make room for a new £325,000 fitness suite. Small Steps Nursery, based at the Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, at Garon Park, Southend, is being moved to make
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Man dies following fatal crash in Corringham
A CORRINGHAM man has been killed after his car hit a lampost. The man, aged in his twenties, crashed in Southend Road just before 5pm on Thursday. A 25-year-old man from Stanford-le-Hope and a 22-year-old from Corringham were arrested at the scene
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Man charged with attack at a snooker club
A MAN has been charged with an attack at a snooker club which left a man with serious ear injuries. A 36-year-old man from Rochford was arrested following an incident at CJs Snooker & Pool Club, in Eldon Way, Hockley on February 10. He has now been
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Home repossession threat increasing
MORE than 900 homeowners in south Essex were threatened with repossession last year. A survey by homeless charity Shelter has revealed hundreds of people unable to pay their mortgages were are at risk of losing their home. The most possession orders
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More Olympic mountain biking tickets on sale
The remaining tickets for the Olympic mountain biking at Hadleigh Farm have gone on sale. Sports fans who were unsuccessful in the first round of London 2012 ticket applications could log on from 6am this morning to request the remaining tickets
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14-year-old charged with attempted murder
A 14-year-old has been charged with attempted murder after a man was stabbed in the neck. The teenager from Southend was charged yesterday after the incident near Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, in which a 34-year-old man was stabbed.
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Woman cut from car after crash in Basildon
A woman has been cut from her car following a crash with a lorry in Basildon. The crash shortly before 8am caused the closure of the town centre-bound carriageway of Cranes Farm Road, between the junctions with the tractor plant and Festival Leisure
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Five homes targeted by burglars
CROOKS broke into five homes in the same area of Billericay in less than 12 hours. The burglars stole nearly £1,000 worth of goods during the raids. The thieves targeted a home in Foxhunter Walk, where they stole a £615 haul, including a handbag, £20
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Immigration officials raid suspected Westcliff brothel
IMMIGRATION officials raided a suspected brothel in Westcliff which was thought to be part of an international sex-trafficking ring. Officers from the UK Border Agency and Essex Police burst into the home yesterday following a year-long investigation
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Lord Hanningfield: Council expenses probe demanded
A THOROUGH investgiation has been demanded into Lord Hanningfield’s alleged misuse of Essex County Council’s resources. Liberal Democrat councillors also want a full council debate on July 12 into the former leader’s behaviour. Lord Hanningfield,
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Lifeguards' tips help save lives
VOLUNTEER lifeguards were out in force to teach children a few first aid tips. As part of the National Water Safety Awareness Week, held from June 18 to 25, the Chalkwell Lifeguards held a rookie on the beach day to show children what to do should they
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Boxing legend Frank Bruno's inspiring speech at Southend conference
BOXING legend Frank Bruno was guest of honour at a national mental health conference hosted at the Park Inn Palace Hotel, Southend. The former world heavyweight champion spoke candidly about his life and career, as well as his experiences after he was
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I sued council after fall - but potholes are still here
A PENSIONER is calling for action to fill dangerous potholes where people are injuring themselves. Terence Wakefield, from Wickford, sued Basildon Council for £3,100 after fracturing his wrist when he tripped on a pothole at Wickford Market
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30,000 offenders in Essex let off with police cautions
MORE than 30,000 offenders been let off with a formal caution from Essex Police between 2008 and 2010, new figures reveal. The total includes ten people involved with child pornography, two who inflicted grievous bodily harm with intent and
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Police swoop after drugs alert in Chalkwell Park
A SUSPECTED drug dealer has been arrested in a park which parents claim has become a no-go zone. People living near Chalkwell Park said a string of offences, including robberies and a stabbing, have dogged the area for two months. The
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Sturrock keen to keep son Blair at Blues
SOUTHEND United manager Paul Sturrock is keen to keep his son Blair at the club. The Scottish striker has so far failed to agree a new contract at Roots Hall. But his father is keen for the forward to remain part of his plans. “I would like Blair
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Putting the spotlight on electronic label’s talent
SOUTHEND electronic label Hottwerk has been nurturing its stable of artistes for four years and owner Tony Pontius decided it was high time to showcase some of the talent. Hottwerk recently released a special compilation album, Future Imperfect, featuring
