Archive
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We’re set to take on raft race on Amazon
A THURROCK electrician and his apprentices are set to take part in the Amazon Raft Race 2008. Steven Reeves, who works for PL Taylor Electrical Services, has entered the race with colleagues Josh Babbington, 23, of St James Avenue West, Stanford-le-Hope
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Chlamydia infection checks up by 22 per cent
THE number of young people tested for the sexually-transmitted disease chlamydia has increased by 22 per cent in the past year, new figures reveal. South East Essex Primary Care Trust has checked 793 young people in Southend for the disease since the
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Bike boost for heart patients
PATIENTS can cycle their way to recovery, thanks to the donation of a new exercise bike to Basildon Hospital. The bike was given to the Essex Cardiothoracic Centre by the Basildon branch of the Hindu Samaj community group, which raised the £360 at a
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Tilbury FC to get a new stadium
PLANS for a new football stadium in Tilbury have been announced - potentially securing the long-term future of the town's 108-year-old football club. The project is a collaboration between Tilbury Football Club, the Gateway Academy and Montana Property
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The battle is won
DESPITE a four whole days to get used to it, Essex Battle of the Bands victors Caleb are still reeling from their win. "We were shocked and amazed," says drummer Phil Edey, " and still are. We are not the sort of band that usually win competitions
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Social club is still No 1
A SOCIAL club for pensioners is celebrating its 60th year. The Rayleigh No 1 Club has 125 members, many of whom enjoyed a lunch and party to mark the occasion. The club meets every Monday afternoon at Mill Hall in Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, where the
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Fire chief says pension changes morally flawed
CHANGES to firefighters' pensions have been described as "morally flawed". Essex's chief fire officer David Johnson has vowed to fight the Government over proposed alterations to the Firefighters' Pension Scheme. Under the current pension arrangements
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Bus firm’s customer service centre launch
PASSENGERS should find it easier to contact bus operator First with the launch of the firm's new customer service centre. From May 6, the Basildon-based centre will handle inquiries, Monday to Friday, 8am-5.30pm, on travel, fares, school services and
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Richard cops top award
MORE than 25 years of dedicated work for Neighbourhood Watch has earned Richard Bills an award from police. Mr Bills received a surprise presentation when he attended Rayleigh police station on Saturday for the neighbourhood policing team's Crime Prevention
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Manor looking for new blood
SOUTHEND Manor need new players for next season's under-13 team. Anyone interested should be in current school year seven and should contact Colin on 07515 818039 or Andrew on 07505 665466 for details.
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Wind turbine will lift park and ride scheme’s green credentials
THE park and ride scheme in Chelmsford will become even greener when a wind turbine is set up to power the site. The new turbine will eventually generate 40 per cent of the site's power, saving tonnes of carbon dioxide from being pumped into the atmosphere
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Cheers to our diamond days
DIAMOND couple Irene and Mark Solecki have seen south Essex completely transformed during their 60 years of marriage. The couple who saw Basildon new town spring up as their children grew, before moving to Leigh, are now celebrating their diamond wedding
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League offers free kit deal
ANY team signing up for the new six-a-side league being played on Thursday nights at the West Billericay Astroturf will be given a brand new free football kit worth £100. The event is being run by Soccersixes and no entry or registration fee is required
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Oz boys kick off big tour
AUSTRALIAN four-piece City Riots will kick off their European tour at the Ship in Leigh next Friday. The band are playing at Brighton's Great Escape Festival in May, but were lured to Essex after speaking to promoters for the Pink Flamingo night, held
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Mayor gets Southchurch Park’s season underway
SOUTHEND mayor Daphne White did the honours by sending down the first wood as Southchurch Park Bowls Club got their outdoor season underway. The mayor was greeted by club president Chris Petty-Mayor, his wife Beryl and the president of Greenways Ladies
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Cann takes men’s honour
SOUTHEND Bowls Club enjoyed another exciting indoor season. Their season again attracted a number of the best bowlers from the local area, with several prizes up for grabs. Chris Cann battled his way to victory in the men's singles championship, while
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Man cleared of sex assault charge
A FATHER-of-two walked free from court after being cleared of sexually assaulting a teenager in her home. Daryl D'Cruz, 62, was accused of kissing the 16-year-old girl and stroking her thigh when he called at her Shoebury home to fix a wheelchair. But
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Rail bridge repair sparks safety concerns
HUNDREDS of rush-hour commuters will be forced to use narrow pavement next to a busy road while a bridge is revamped. Safety concerns have been raised ahead of work on the footbridge at Billericay railway station, found at the end of the town's High
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Boy robbed of 15p
A ROBBER escaped with just 15p after attacking a 15-year-old boy and threatening him with a sharp object. The balaclava-clad attacker followed the boy along London Road, past Chalkwell Park before pouncing on him in Westbourne Grove and throwing him
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Canvey's third road: County must act
CAMPAIGNERS say the Government passed the buck over the burning issue of Canvey's third road. The Office of the Prime Minister received a 1,559-name petition calling for a new road, but has responded by putting the ball firmly back in the county council's
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Di Canio praises injury-hit Hammers
WEST Ham legend Paolo Di Canio believes the Irons have performed well to overcome a crippling injury crisis and secure a place inside the Premier League's top-half. The Hammers will end the season in 10th place if Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United
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Hospital on the way to Wembley
BASILDON Hospital has scooped a top award for its treatment of children with diabetes. The Trust's Paediatric Diabetes team were presented with the People's Experience award at the East of England heat of the Health and Social Care Awards last night.
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Skills see off Inter Menan
MONDAY'S FA Affiliated indoor community five-a-side league at Thundersley's SEEVIC College saw Skills to Kill defeat Inter Menan 3-1 in the opening match of the night as Aaron Osborn found himself among the goals again. The Federation and Rapid FC battled
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Island hunt new recruits
ISLAND Girls FC currently have three sides competing in local leagues at under-11, 12 and 13 level. They are looking to recruit new players from current school years three and four to play in a new under-10 side next season. Island Girls are also looking
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Taylor nearly tops the ton
SOUTH Benfleet angler Dan Taylor made a determined effort to empty the lake when he fished a 30-hour session at the Gloucester Park cockle bank. By the time he packed up he had landed a total of 98 carp from the Basildon water. Fishing his own homemade
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Look son, I’ve caught a cracking common
PROUD father Lee Emery took his three-year-old son Haydn with him when he fished at Northlands Park, and was able to show the youngster a cracking 24lb 6oz common carp. Emery fished the cafe lake at the Basildon water, where he presented Scopex squid
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Who owns this lost key ring?
A friend of mine found a keyring with a cruzer memory stick on Belfairs Golf Course. I have established it belongs to a school boy. If this sounds familiar to anyone please phone me after 6 pm on 01702 478257. Emilia Fleming Belfairs Drive Leigh
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‘Punch broke my teeth’
A WOMAN suffered three broken teeth when she was punched by a stranger, a court heard. Samantha Scivetti said trouble erupted after she saw a young girl pick up a rock from the front garden of her home in Pevensey Close, Pitsea. Miss Scivetti admitted
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Extra police patrols after car break-ins
POLICE have stepped up patrols near Southend Hospital after 23 cars were broken into during April. The spate of car crime has forced officers in Leigh to step up patrols in the area and place car crime prevention leaflets on windscreens. The leaflet
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Come on Dr Bob give us a tonic
I support our MP, Dr Bob Spink. I have met him many times and I have found him zealous, wellinformed, hard working, affable and courteous. I also regard him as a man of honour - outstandingly rare in these times of corrupt politicians. He, as I do,
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Blues stadium hits planning delay
SOUTHEND United's plans for a new football stadium at Fossetts Farm may not get the final seal of approval until July, amid concerns raised by traders. A Government planning inspector yesterday announced a decision on the 22,000-seater football stadium
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Teachers have every reason for whingeing
The Echo editorial (April 25), about whingeing teachers sadly, misses the point. Complaints are justified since there is nothing acceptable about teachers being subjected to three consecutive years of significantly below inflation pay awards and the
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Cycle thief has ruined summer
I live in a reasonably nice and quiet area of Canvey Island just off Point Road. Sometime on April 23 my daughter had her red bicycle stolen from our driveway. I would like to urge the readers of your paper to make sure their children remember to lock
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Priory Crescent? I’m none the wiser
I welcome the fact the Echo has given Anna Waite the opportunity to explain what's going on with Priory Crescent. Sadly, in spite of having read her letter (Echo,April 22), I am still nonethe wiser. Mrs Waite claims the current Tory proposal is intended
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Valley of Kings not submerged UR
WH Diment is incorrect in his letter (April 24). The Valley of the Kings is not submerged beneath the Awan Dam. It lies some distance above the dam near Luxor. To be fair to the Egyptians, they were able to move two magnificent temples, Philae and Abu
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25 per cent rise in petrol cost
As someone who has to use their car for work purposes I was staggered to find a petrol garage I frequently use is now charging £1.25 a litre for unleaded petrol - arise of 25 per cent since the last time I used the same filling station three days earlier
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There’s a grenade under our drive!
ARMY bomb disposal experts were called after a Second World War hand grenade was found under the driveway of a house in Stanford-le- Hope. Brian Metcalfe, 57, made the discovery while digging up his driveway, in Salisbury Avenue, with landscaper Vic
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Survey says ‘we want more houses, not more flats’
ALMOST 5,000 people from Corr-ingham Stanford-le-Hope, and Fob-bing responded to a questionnaire on the East Thurrock Masterplan. They raised concerns about new housing putting strain on existing health services and there was opposition to additional
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MS collection raised £426
The Brentwood and Billericay branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Societywould like to thank all those who contributed to the street collection held in Wickford on Saturday, April19. We raised £426, which will be used to help support those in the area who
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Rental Properties for week ending 2nd May 2008
Properties to Let in South Essex BASILDON Lee Chapel North room to rent from £60 (No DSS) Close to Town Centre, Station and Hospital. All bills included. 07701 027020 / 07761 376711 RAYLEIGH Comfortable furnished accommodation, parking, suit
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Turnout bowls over Southend
WHOEVER said that bowls is an old man's game should have been at the opening of Southend's summer season. The turnout was way beyond their wildest dreams, helped by the large number of new members who have joined over the last few months. The weather
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Clapton United
ERIC Clapton has become the sponsor for Bowers and Pitsea Under-13s football team. The link between guitar legend and local team came about because the Under-13s manager Steve Murdoch makes Clapton's boots. Perhaps the star feels he owes a debt of gratitude
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Let Tesco give area a boost
AS with all success stories, Tesco has its detractors. That fact shouldn't be allowed to sink the supermarket group's plan for a substantial new store on the old B&Q and Royal Mail sorting office sites at Southend Victoria. Everyone stands to gain from
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Breaking into own home lands Asbo woman in court
A PARTY-LOVING woman swore at police and breached her Asbo - after she was caught breaking into her own home. Christine Butler had been out on the town two weeks ago celebrating her 29th birthday when she lost her front door keys. She later tried break
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Who needs the Apprentice?
BUDDING businessmen and women are celebrating winning two trophies for their eco-friendly enterprise skills. Year 10 and 11 pupils at FitzWimarc School, Rayleigh, competed in the south Essex finals of the Young Enterprise competition. The seven teenagers
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Boy, 13, hurt in fight at school
A TEENAGER was left with a suspected broken nose after he was allegedly kicked in the face during a playground fight. The 13-year-old victim was in the playground of Chase High School, Westcliff, on Monday lunchtime when the incident happened. It began
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Man is cleared of biting officer
A MAN has been cleared of biting a police officer on the hand during a scuffle in a pub. Stuart Walker, 37, was accused of assaulting PC Mark York-Wade when he was called to the Oakwood pub in Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, following reports of a disturbance
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Patients fight for their local pharmacies
A PHARMACIST claims more people are supporting their local chemists since he launched a "use us or lose us" campaign. Nader Siabi, 47, is the managing director of three Pharma Health Care branches on Canvey, in Long Road, Furtherwick Road and High Street
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Police 'hit prisoner in cells'
A PRISONER feared a policeman would break his neck, a court has heard. David Shepard, 22, said Sgt David Joseph and other officers attacked him while he was in custody at Basildon police station. Mr Shepard was arrested last February for abusing a
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Trinity want new players
TRINITY Youth are looking for players for their under-12s for next season. Those applying should be members of current school year six. Ring Steve on 07786 557186. Players are also need for the club's under-13s next term. They will be school year eight
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Hot Rod revival
EDDIE and the Hot Rods are undergoing an internet revival on the other side of the pond. The Seventies rockers, best known for top ten hit, Do Anything You Wanna Do, play the Riga Music Bar, in Westcliff, on Saturday night. But the band, who still
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Ski queen Caroline seeks help
LANGDON Hills skier Caroline Powell is on the lookout for sponsorship to help fund her racing and training. Powell, 13, has enjoyed skiing for many years, but has been seriously interested in the sport since being told at nine by a ski-rep she would
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Posties’ first class tournament
BRANCHES of Royal Mail will be looking to stamp their authority on the field in a specially arranged football tournament next month. They will be going head to head against each other during a series of seven-a-side matches to be played at the Post Office
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Car smashes through house fence
A CAR has smashed through a back garden fence. The accident took place about 11am today in Short Street, Southend. An orange mini appeared to lose control while driving in a southwards direction before crashing into the fence. Police and firefighters
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Grovewood’s player appeal
GROVEWOOD Sports are looking for current under-14 players to join for next season's under-15 team. The Rayleigh-based side play in Division D of the Southend & District Junior League. Contact Darren Emerson on 01268 763006 or 07525 773654.
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Warm weather gives tench fishing a boost
THE tench fishing at Doggetts improved considerably last week as the temperatures rose. The Rochford fishery's north bank and the back pool saw anglers enjoying great sport with the right tackle on an assortment of baits. And carp anglers fishing the
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Rochford win
SOUTHEND Borough Combination Premier champs Roch-ford Town completed the double last night when they beat nearest rivals Shoebury Town 3-1 to win the top knockout competition.
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United welcome back Rooney and Vidic for Hammers clash
AS if West Ham did not have enough to worry about at Old Trafford on Saturday, Manchester United look likely to welcome back Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic for the vital Premier League clash. Both striker Rooney and central defender Vidic missed Tuesday
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Essex No 1 Anderson wins at the double...
WITH several Essex players challenging for titles at Southend Badminton Association's main WITH several Essex players challenging for titles at Southend Badminton Association's main event of the year, the annual championships, competition was of a high
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Hoop dreams of double joy
GARY Hooper is gagging for a double dose of promotion glory. The striker fired Hereford United out of League Two during an incredible loan spell with the Bulls. And, having now returned to Roots Hall after three months at Edgar Street, the forward is
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Villa search for players
BENFLEET Villa YFC, an FA Chartered Standard Development Club, are looking for players for their four current under-10 mini soccer teams. The teams will be making the transition to 11-a-side football next season in the Southend and District Sunday Junior
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Green dismisses contract "paper talk"
ROBERT Green has dismissed speculation that he will leave West Ham this summer as "paper talk". The Irons and England goalkeeper also played down rumours that he was about to sign a new contract with the club he joined from Norwich City for £2million
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Tallship visit cancelled
PEOPLE hoping to see the world's largest tallship today will be disappointed. The Sedov, which was due at Southend Pier at noon today, will not now be docking as planned. Instead, a Dutch three-masted barque tall ship, will be arriving at Southend on
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Tescoland! Giant Southend store plan
SUPERMARKET giant Tesco is planning a huge store on the former B&Q site by Southend Victoria rail station. The company is negotiating to buy the Royal Mail's Short Street sorting office and sources say the proposal is for a new store, bigger than the
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Robber's CS spray cash grab
BAR workers were sprayed in the face with CS spray and robbed of nearly £10,000 in a terrifying raid. The man and woman, who work at the Harvester in High Road, Laindon, were banking the day's takings when the attack happened. The workers had gone to
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Curbs tells Parker - 'Go for goal!'
SCOTT Parker has been urged to go for goal more often by West Ham manager Alan Curbishley. The Irons midfielder has hit the net just once - the winner in the 2-1 win at Middlesbrough in December - in 18 appearances this season. But Curbishley, who
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Updated: Fire at Basildon golf course
BASILDON golf club's pavilion was left devasted in a suspected arson attack. Firefighters were called to the blaze in the single storey pavilion, which was used as a social club and bar, at 2.30am this morning (Wed). Four fire crews fought the flames
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Southend put tickets on sale for semi home leg
SOUTHEND United have started selling tickets for the home leg of their play-off semi-final to season card holders, team Blues members and share holders. While the opposition and date have yet to be confirmed, the club are reserving season card seats
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Hammers planning to shoot down Red Devils
ROBERT Green has insisted West Ham will not be repaying any favours to championship-chasing Manchester United when the Irons go to Old Trafford on Saturday. Goalkeeper Green was part of the Hammers side that snatched a dramatic 1-0 win over a weakened
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Di Canio – ‘Passion can take Irons to title'
PAOLO Di Canio believes West Ham can win the Premier League title if the Irons' players play with the same level of passion as the Upton Park crowd. The Italian forward, who was back at the Boleyn Ground for Saturday's 2-2 draw with Newcastle United,
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The dogs dumped for not fighting
ANIMAL rescuers say Staffordshire bull terriers are being abandoned because their loutish owners want them to be more violent. In the past two weeks, at least 15 have been found across Basildon and Thurrock, the most recent on the hard shoulder of the
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We are praying cup hero Max will be OK
THE manager of a football team has said he and his players are rooting for a young team-mate who is fighting for his life after an attack outside a pub. Neil Smith, manager of the Greyhound pub side, said the team are waiting anxiously for news on Max
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Green-fingered Diane wins best plot award
A WOMAN who grows her own fruit and veg on an allotment has been honoured by Thurrock Council. Diane Bortone, 59, of Mill Road, Aveley, was awarded a certificate by the council for the best plot on the Aveley allotment site. Points were awarded for
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Rising from the ashes
A TRAIN carriage that was almost completely destroyed in an arson attack has been repaired and is back up and running. Fittingly the carriage, which was set on fire between Rayleigh and Wickford in July, has now been renamed the Phoenix. Bosses at National
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Jedd’s got the acting Bugsy
A PUPIL at the FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh is the latest local youngster to step into the showbiz limelight. Jedd Mann, 11, of The Limes, Rayleigh, has won a part in the upcoming production of Bugsy Malone at the Palace Theatre in Westcliff. In his
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Pupils proud of their mosaic
PUPILS at a specialist arts school have been showing off their latest creations. Children at the Cornelius Vermuyden School, on Canvey, made mosaic panels which now adorn the school's Karslake Art centre. The event was run by Southend Firm the Mosaic
