Archive
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‘Send them down’ – Curbishley tells Hammers
ALAN Curbishley has told his players to send Bolton Wanderers down to the Coca-Cola Championship. A West Ham victory at the Reebok Stadium - where the Irons have never won in six previous visits - tomorrow would leave The Trotters staring down the relegation
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Junior football: Build-up starts for Chalvedon
After narrowly missing out last year, Chalvedon Boys Under-12s have gained promotion to the Southend Junior League Premier Division for next season. Despite having a small squad the Basildon team finished the season losing only one game, and that was
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Fire at sheltered accommodation complex
AN elderly couple had to be give oxygen after a fire broke out in their flat. The couple, who are in their eighties, were in their home in Poplar Court, off Greensward Lane, Hockley, when the fire broke out, filling their sheltered accommodation flat
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Road closed after crash
A road has been closed after a crash involving two vehicles. Noak Hill Road in Billericay has been closed in both directions near the junction with Laindon Road following the crash. Emergency services have been called to the scene.
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Ensign look to strengthen hand
WHITE Ensign will look to maintain their leadership of the LFC Insurance Essex Olympian League Premier Division when they visit bottom club Shell Club Corringham tomorrow (2.30pm).
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The new EastEnders
RICKAAAAAAY is a name that is sure to be ringing in the ears of this young superstar in the making. Maisie Smith, six, from Westcliff, is playing the lead role of Tiffany Dean in the hit BBC soap EastEnders. Tiffany is a troublesome and cheeky lass,
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local football fixtures
TOMORROW LFC INSURANCE ESSEX OLYMPIAN LEAGUE Denny King Memorial Cup Rd 3: Ryan v Bishop's Stortford Swifts. Bill Spurgeon Charity Cup semi-final: Ramsden v Galleywood. Premier Div: Epping v Kelvedon Hatch, Manford Way v Frenford Senior, Shell Club
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Strain on our healthcare budget
PEOPLE using accident and emergency for minor ailments are costing too much, according to health bosses keen to cut costs by £6.3million. South East Essex Primary Care Trust, which pays for all procedures carried out at Southend Hospital, said at the
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I want to have the last laugh and die on stage
VETERAN comic Jimmy Jones admits he is relieved to be a lot closer to the exit door, than attempting to start climbing the slippery career ladder all over again. After more than four decades in the adult laughter business, Jones kicks off a fresh string
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The importance of being Polish, by Kev
KEVIN Hayes discovered his mission in life in at an early age, and that mission was to pitch for Poland. With a name like Kevin Hayes he doesn't sound like your average bloke from Warsaw and the Westcliff born and bred actor-director is as British
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Injured soldier's insurance 'insult'
A SOLDIER who could die from injuries caused by a Taleban grenade has been paid just £1,400 from his insurance company - after originally being offered £226. Private Simon Peacock, 22, from Basildon, still has lumps of shrapnel lodged in his heart, lungs
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Rocks out to
IT is a real six-pointer for East Thurrock United tomorrow as they continue their battle to beat the drop from the Ryman Premier league. Currently second from bottom, John Coventry's Rocks visit a Folkestone Invicta side immediately above them, one point
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Grays tips Southend to go up
NORTHAMPTON TOWN manager Stuart Gray believes Blues will definitely be promoted this season The Cobblers boss saw Southend win 2-0 against Bright-on on Tuesday and he is therefore fully aware of the size of the task facing his team tomorrow. "I watched
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Rangers refuse to give up
CONCORD Rangers will not give up their fight to win the Essex Senior League title and gain promotion to the Ryman set-up. Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at Enfield 1893 - having beaten the same opposition four times previously - makes Danny Scopes's Canvey-based
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League diversion for the Millers
WITH their mid-table position secure, Aveley could be forgiven for having one eye on their defence of the Essex Thames-side Trophy. In the league tomorrow they host a Witham Town side who, free from relegation worries, would appear, like the Millers,
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Tough trip for Thurrock strugglers
STRUGGLING struggling Thurrock are away at London Two North East leaders Tring tomorrow, while in Essex Two Pegasus Palmerians finish their season with a trip to Burnham.
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Our number game inventions
YOUNG mathematicians at St Hilda's School, Westcliff, put their heads together to design, make, play and evaluate an original numeracy game. The numeracy day competition presented the primary pupils with a challenge to take a board, playground or card
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Two men burnt putting out fire
TWO men suffered minor burns after a fire broke out in a flat. The men, aged 18 and 43, received burns to their hands and arms when they put out the fire, which broke out in a bedroom of a Royal Court Flat, in King Edward Road, Basildon. Fire crews
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Win This Week in your Echo
Monday 14th April Ten chances to Win a Limited Edition Lush Retro Gift Set. Wednesday 16th April Two Chances to Win a Fabulous Bas Vegas night at the Holiday Inn Basildon each prize includes overnight accommodation for Two. Friday 18th April One
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Nurses need Buddy
BUDDY richly deserves his entry to Southend hospital's roll of honour. He may be a dog, but his hospital visits under the Pets as Therapy scheme have helped lift the spirits of scores of patients. He is likely to have his work cut out over the next
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How can we treat squaddies so badly?
IT is a wonder the entire British Army hasn't resigned overnight, or mutinied against the rest of society. Our soldiers are fighting and dying in two different theatres of combat, to keep us safe. Yet anyone in uniform seems to be treated as a tenth
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Allardyce exit catalyst for Bolton struggles
AFTER enjoying eight years of almost unrelenting success under Sam Allardyce, Bolton have endured a season of turmoil following their former manager's departure. After securing consecutive top-ten finishes and securing a place in this season's UEFA Cup
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Dockers tough task to beat the leaders
TILBURY continue to look over their shoulders in their bid to beat the drop. The Dockers would appear to have little chance of success tomorrow when they go to leaders Dartford. But, with three games to go, the two teams below them might find that matches
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Junior football: Vange hunt for players
VANGE United Youth FC are looking for good standard players to strenthen their existing squads at all age groups for the start of next season. For more information contact Jackie on 01268 520354 or 07855 161011, or John on 01268 450673 or 07751 785448
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Flood risk rules ‘affect house prices’
PROPERTY prices in parts of Canvey could plunge because of an environment watchdog's advice on building in flood risk areas, a developer has claimed. Castle Point Council is strictly adhering to advice by the Environment Agency warning against development
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Gulls boss Batch has play-off in his sights
CANVEY Island soccer boss John Batch is adamant that victory in two of their last three games will definitely see his side through to the end of season play-offs. Following Tuesday's great 2-0 win at second-placed AFC Sudbury, which put the Park Lane
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Radical scheme sees bullies play with bullied kids
PLAYGROUND bullies were made to play with bullied children at an unusual holiday activity day. Five Links Turning Point anti-bullying project, based in Ward Close, Basildon, invited known bullies to mix with youngsters who have suffered physical or mental
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Rental Properties for week ending 11th April 2008
Properties to Let in South Essex WICKFORD 1 large room with dble bed, in 2 bed immaculate house, osp, use of all facilities, close to bus/station & shops, £375 pm refs & dep req, no DSS, smokers or pets (01268) 766080 BASILDON
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Marathon man Booty gets his just deserts
BENFLEET Running Club's Graham Booty took on the challenge to end all challenges in his campaign to not only finish but to run competitively in the Marathon des Sables. Run over six days and five stages, the 245.3km (152.08 miles) race across the Sahara
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'10th place is not to be sniffed at' - Curbishley
ALAN Curbishley would be happy if his West Ham side finished 10th in the Premier League this season - but admits he had hoped to secure a better position. Before 2007/08 began, Curbishley claimed he would accept a "nice, solid season" after escaping
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£1.5m in unpaid council taxes
MORE than £1.5million has been written off in unpaid council tax by authorities across south Essex, according to new figures. However, council bosses say there are many factors which affect the figures and the collection rate of council tax across the
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Seven shortlisted in £50m airport battle
A SHORTLIST of seven companies are bidding to take over Southend airport, which is on the market with a £50million price tag. Informed sources suggest London City airport, which announced its interest last month, is a frontrunner to buy the facility,
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Fisher first then Bath for Thurrock
IT is travelling times for Thurrock as they bring their Blue Square South season to a close. A respectable mid-table position looks likely for the Ship Lane team who face two games with play-off chasing sides in four days. They follow tomorrow's trip
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Rochford out to build on cup victory
ESSEX Intermediate Cup winners Rochford Hundred will be back in action tomorrow when they host Norwich in London Three North East. Hundred saw off league champions Westcliff in last weekend's final and the runners-up will be looking to bounce back away
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New minibus to get us out and about
CARE home residents have a new minibus, thanks to Thurrock Council. Owners and operators of Bluebell Care Home, in Grays, praised the council, saying it had added to the dignity of those in care. Manager Sue Bennett said: "Bluebell offers its residents
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End to poor Rovers run would boost Canvey
GREAT Wakering Rovers will be hoping to end their recent depressing run and give local rivals Canvey Island a lift tomorrow. The village side go to Ware, who are currently filling the fourth and final play-off spot - a place above the Islanders on level
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Plane carrying children in crash landing
A PLANE suffered damage during a forced landing at Southend airport because its landing gear failed, an accident report has revealed. The Beech 200 Super King was flying from Caen, France, to Stapleford Abbots, but diverted to Southend because of problems
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Sea Scouts thrilled with IT facilities
ROTARIANS saw at first hand how their donation has helped develop Canvey Sea Scouts Centre. Members of Canvey Rotary Club were given a guided tour of the 4th Sea Scouts' centre, next to St George's playing fields, to learn about the complex. They also
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Store makeover creates 20 jobs
AN electrical shop will double its workforce following a major revamp. Comet at Pipps Hill Retail Park, Miles Gray Road, Basildon, is undergoing massive redevelopment which will see a second floor introduced. The move will create at least 20 new full
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Twirlers catch an armful of prizes
A MUSICAL marching group is celebrating after achieving success at a national competition. The Laindon Suzettes Majorette Troupe picked up a number of awards at the UK Federation of Majorette finals, in Surrey. The group impressed the judges with various
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Costs prompt review of eviction contract
BASILDON Council may no longer use a firm of no-nonsense bailiffs to carry out future traveller evictions because of spiralling costs. Yet council leader Malcolm Buckley insisted Constant & Co, the self-styled traveller eviction specialists, were still
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Lift delays for shopping centre work
THE relaunch of the Victoria shopping centre is being delayed by problems installing new lifts, it has been revealed. The former Victoria Plaza shopping centre, at the top of Southend High Street, was supposed to be relaunched before Christmas last year
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Tennis club’s owners refute housing claim
THE new owners of Southend Lawn Tennis Club have moved to reassure club members and residents about the future of the site. The 1.4-acre property in Broadclyst Gardens, Thorpe Bay, was snapped up by development company Opticrealm for £275,000 in December
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Don't get angry, but...
First published April 11, 2008 I WAS feeling a bit grouchy last week. Partly due to getting another year older and partly due to a flurry of minor irritations which, added together, turned me into a grumpy old man for a few days. But although I was
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Hammers look to sink Pirates
LAKESIDE and Poole meet again tonight in the return fixture at the Arena-Essex Raceway. The Hammers slumped to defeat at Poole when they were beaten 54-38 in an Elite League match at Wimborne Road on Wednesday night. But the Pirates do have an injury
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Buddy is a patient's best friend
DOGS may be an unfamiliar sight in a hospital, but one black labrador has been cheering up hundreds of patients with a simple wag of his tail and lick of a palm. Buddy the dog and his owner, Sylvia Wand, visit hospitals and care homes all over Southend
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Arson attack on high rise flat
A WOMAN and child were led to safety following a suspected arson attack on their seventh floor flat in Eastwood. Essex Fire services were called to the incident in Beaver Towers, Mansell Close around 4.30am and firefighters from Leigh, Rayleigh and Southend
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Our fear as tide rushed over mud
TWO teenagers have described the frightening moment they realised they were stranded out at sea near Southend Pier. Terry Anderson, 18, who cannot swim, and Jordan Hasler, 16, got stuck after walking out almost a mile to the low water mark last Thursday
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Billericay’s Gordon still hopes for play-off miracle
BILLERICAY Town joint manager Grant Gordon admits that it would take a miracle for the New Lodge side to gain a place in the play-offs now. Defeat at AFC Wimbledon last Saturday almost certainly ended their hopes of playing Blue Square South soccer next
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Kids for a quid as Grays face Halifax
THE midweek draw with Weymouth may have put the final nail in the coffin of chairman and manager Mike Woodward's Blue Square Premier play-off dreams. But there's still plenty of fun to be had with Grays Athletic. For tomorrow's match with Halifax Town
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Harman: Sign off in style
KEVIN Harman wants his Southend side to turn on the style in their final home game of the season when they host Nuneaton this Sunday, kick off 3pm. The Seasiders have already secured their National League Two status for another year. But with a big
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Cross country champ is on the right track
MILLIE Smith is beginning to mark out a useful athletics career. She first came to the spotlight with victory in the first-ever Essex Primary Schools Cross-Country Championships, where Echosport featured her victory. That report brought Millie to the
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Tilson aims for marathon feat
STEVE Tilson is hoping his side can go the distance in the race for promotion and the Blues boss has the same aspirations for Sunday's Flora London Marathon. The Seasiders chief, whose team are at home to Northampton Town tomorrow, will be joined by
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Darts: Maish ready for Antwerp Open test
STEVE Maish could face a triple whammy from the Low Countries at this weekend's PDC Antwerp Open in Belgium. Southend-based 31st seed Maish is up against Belgian Kim Huybrechts in the first round with another home player, Jan Blom, or Englishman Peter
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What do you think of our billboard?
TALK about making a statement! Arty youngsters from the Craylands estate in Basildon have shown they've got designs on a bright future, by creating their own special billboard. Children and teenagers who live on the estate have been busy spraypainting
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£54,000 boost for county’s fire service
SPECIALIST search and rescue firefighters in Essex have been handed a grant of more than £50,000 for training and specialist equipment. Fire Minister Parmjit Dhanda announced an additional £3.2million grant to England's fire and rescue services. After
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Call for rate relief to aid small firms
A PRESSURE group is urging the Government to make it easier for small firms to get business rate relief. The Federation of Small Businesses said many firms with a small turnover, such as shops, have missed out on the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme
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All praise for heart op without the knife
PLUMBER Andrew Needham has notched up an impressive first for Basildon Hospital's new £60million specialist heart and lung centre. Andrew, 56, from Rayleigh, was spared open heart surgery by being the first patient to undergo a hi-tech procedure at the
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Track work hits c2c passengers
PASSENGERS will be affected by engineering work on the c2c line next weekend. The track improvement works will run from 2am on April 19 until 2am on April 20. Trains will run to the timetable between London and Pitsea, with buses every 15 minutes replacing
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Striker Lee out to hammer the Cobblers
SHRIMPERS striker Lee Barnard is ready to see off another of his former sides tomorrow. The forward bagged a brace in last weekend's 3-1 win at his old Crewe Alexandra team. And he is aiming for more of the same against Northampton Town, who he played
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My three decades pounding the beat
AS a young boy growing up in the Swinging Sixties, Paul Watson respected policemen and decided it was what he wanted to be when he grew up. Now PC Watson, neighbourhood officer for Shoebury, is retiring after 30 years of dedicating himself to making
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More money for search-rescue teams
SPECIALIST search-and-rescue firefighters have been given a grant of more than £50,000. The Government's Fire Minister, Parmjit Dhanda, yesterday announced an additional £3.2 million grant to England's fire and rescue authorities. The grant has been
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Centre in appeal for blood donors
A BLOOD donor from Westcliff is urging others to help boost supplies of the red stuff to help seriously ill patients. Nick Lewis, 64, frequently travels to the National Blood Service's donor centre in Brentwood to give blood, and helps even more by giving
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Course can help you be a better parent
NOBODY ever said parenting was a doddle, but a Billericay charity could help ease the pain of raising children thanks to a new batch of courses. Mums and dads who want to get the most out of family life and understand why children behave as they do are
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Helicopter cops help Kent force
ESSEX Police will share the force's helicopter with their colleagues in Kent as part of a new project. The helicopter will still be based in Chelmsford, but will be sent out to incidents in both counties in order of priority. Trials of the scheme led
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Pupils beat adults to win 2 operatic awards
A SCHOOL production of Les Miserables has beaten off competition from adult drama societies to win two prestigious regional awards. The musical, performed last March by Southend High School for Boys, won Best Musical of 2007 and Best Overall Production
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Stand-alone bungalow bid backed by officials
A BUNGALOW, initially built in the back garden of a rest home for use by the owners, should be allowed to become a separate property, planning officers say. A double garage in the garden of 100 Cumberland Avenue, Southend, was converted into a bungalow
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Rocketing numbers of students claim cash
A CASH sweetener encouraging teenagers to continue learning after leaving school is being taken up by more young people in Essex, new figures have revealed. Education maintenance allow-ances were launched in 2004, offering 16 to 19 year olds £30 a week
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We spent holidays helping others
TEENAGERS made the most of their half-term holidays by carrying out acts of kindness for residents. The initiative was part of Love Southend Youth's community events in Southchurch, which aimed to put a smile on as many faces as possible. It saw teenagers
