Stories for 1 April 2002

Basildon,Chelmsford,Colchester,Essex,Southend,Thurrock News

What the Queen Mother meant to me...

As the nation mourns the death of the Queen Mother, Evening Gazette writer ALAN BROWN gives his thoughts...   more...

Queen Mother dies

Essex has joined the rest of the country in mourning after Buckingham Palace announced that the Queen Mother has died at the age of 101.   more...

'My days with a legend'

The Essex artist who painted the Queen Mother's official 100th birthday portrait has reflected on his amazing sessions with her.   more...

Essex: County pays its last respects

Tributes to the Queen Mother were coming in from the people of Essex today.   more...

Basildon,Essex News

Basildon: Police hunt driver in kidnap bid

Detectives are hunting a driver who tried to pull a 23-year-old woman into his car during a terrifying early morning incident.   more...

Billericay: Family's tribute to brave Dudley

The family of actor Dudley Moore today paid emotional tributes to the "gifted, engaging and self-conscious" star who has died aged 66 after a brave battle with illness.   more...

Basildon: Unconscious man on path

Police are waiting to question a man found unconscious and badly beaten on a Basildon footpath.   more...

Basildon: Nurses from Philippines get homes and rent gift welcome

Basildon Hospital is to lease a batch of three-bedroom houses from a not-for-profit housing association to help its latest intake of Filipino nurses settle in quickly.   more...

Canvey: Suspected arson attack on mobile homes

A caravan park director spoke of his "distress" after a suspected arson attack destroyed two mobile homes.   more...

Billericay: We're not vigilantes say pair

Frustrated homeowners have rejected criticism by community leaders who dubbed them vigilantes.   more...

Vange: Vandals strike twice in 13 hours

A police investigation is under way after a resident's windows were smashed twice in just 13 hours.   more...

Bowers Gifford: We want to stay on our land

Travellers who have surrounded their camp with an 8ft wall today said they had bought the green belt land "fair and square".   more...

Basildon: Gang hurl stones at bus

A passenger was injured after a gang of 30 youths surrounded a bus and hurled bricks at the windscreen.   more...

Wickford: Beckie finds her true grit in Eden

A week ago, reality TV star Beckie Crane was tearful and ready to go home - but now she is determined to see out the last two weeks in Channel 4's Eden.   more...

Basildon,Essex Sport

Soccer: Billericay Town 0-0 Bedford United (Ryman League Premier Division)

Not one for the purists at New Lodge on Saturday, as Billericay and Bedford fought out a dull end-of-season 0-0 draw in Essex.   more...

Shooting: Veteran glory for hotshot Betty

A Basildon woman has proved she is the best in Britain by lifting the UK veterans shooting championship at Bisley.   more...

Athletics: New town golden girls

At the Essex County AAA Young Athletes Road Relay Championships at Colchester Garrison, Basildon's under-17 girls stormed to gold in a thrilling encounter.   more...

Soccer: Hampton and Richmond 1-2 Billericay Town (Ryman Premier)

Central defender Chris Moore has hit a rich vein of scoring form for Billericay Town as the season draws towards a close.   more...

Soccer: Derby delights for Basildon

Basildon United, moving towards the end of a Foresters Essex Senior League season which is likely to finish with them in a mid-table position, have two derby games over the Easter weekend.   more...

Soccer: All eyes on derby duel

Having been watched by a huge crowd of 4,098 in their massive midweek win at title rivals Gravesend and Northfleet, Canvey Island will certainly attract another attendance well into four figures for their Bank Holiday Monday derby with Billericay Town.   more...

Snooker: Bingham's Doherty Crucible challenge

Basildon's Stuart Bingham will have to overcome the skills of another ex-world champion if he is to make further progress in this year's Embassy event at the legendary Crucible Theatre venue in Sheffield.   more...

Snooker: Scots date for Bingham

Basildon snooker star Stuart Bingham has kept up his recent good form on the pro circuit.   more...

Basildon,Essex,Southend News

South Essex: How mum's pastel portrait went to St James's Palace

It was a dream come true for mum-of-four Sue Pattle when her picture of the Queen Mother was presented to her at St James's Palace in London.   more...

Banned driver, 20, is jailed for four months

A man who bought his sister a car but drove it himself while disqualified was today starting four months behind bars.   more...

Basildon,Essex,Southend Sport

Soccer: Hitchin Town 2-1 Canvey Island (Ryman League Premier Division)

More title jitters for Canvey Island on Saturday, who undid their excellent work against title rivals Gravesend in the week, to fall 2-1 at lowly Hitchin.   more...

Basildon,Essex,Southend,Thurrock News

South Essex: Prayers remember grief of the Royal Family

The Queen Mother's death dominated church services across south Essex as religious leaders paid tribute to her steadfast devotion to her country.   more...

South Essex: Always a welcome visitor

From laying the foundation stone of Southend Hospital to visits to the flood evacuees in Benfleet, the Queen Mother was always a welcome visitor to south Essex.   more...

Chelmsford,Essex News

Mid-Essex: Mike inspired to run marathon

A woman with breast cancer has inspired her partner to run the London Marathon and raise funds for cancer care.   more...

Chelmsford: Architect's portrait sold at auction

A portrait of 18th century Chelmsford architect John Johnson, the designer of the Shire Hall, has this week been sold at Sotheby's in London for £7,800.   more...

Chelmsford: Cathedral staff pay tribute to Dudley

Officials at Chelmsford Cathedral have paid tribute to comedian Dudley Moore - who was a patron of their choral society.   more...

Chelmsford: Drug rape survey shock

A shocking catalogue of previously unreported crimes has emerged following a police survey in Chelmsford about drug rape and sexual assault.   more...

Chelmsford,Essex Sport

Cricket: Essex bid for to lift junior game

The next generation of cricketing talent could benefit from nationally accreditted coaching if the county succeeds with a bid to the English Cricket Board this week.   more...

Colchester,Essex News

Colchester: Historic dolls' house opened up to people

The magical world of dolls' houses opened up for visitors young and old at a Colchester museum.   more...

Colchester: Hospice remembers Queen Mum's visit

A Fridayafternoon in April, 1986, was one of the proudest moments for the St Helena Hospice, Colchester, when the Queen Mum dropped in.   more...

Colchester: Family flee house blaze

Two teenage girls jumped from their first floor window to escape a blaze which broke out at their Colchester home today   more...

Colchester,Essex Sport

Soccer: Atkin's D-Day for Woodman

Oxford manager Ian Atkins has signed Colchester United goalkeeper Andy Woodman just ahead of today's transfer deadline.   more...

Soccer: Ipswich duo set for return

Sixto Peralta and Jermaine Wright are set to shrug aside injuries in time for Ipswich Town's visit to West Ham.   more...

Soccer: Burley - good enough to win

In terms of performance, George Burley is looking for more of the same when his struggling Ipswich Town side visit West Ham tomorrow.   more...

Soccer: Armstrong - Target is four points

Alun Armstrong has set Ipswich Town a target of four points from their double-header this Easter.   more...

Soccer: Defensive rock is a ray of light

In a season of more lows than highs, the consistency of defensive linchpin John McGreal has been one ray of light for Ipswich Town.   more...

Soccer: Colchester United 1 4 Brighton (Division Two)

Colchester United slumped to their heaviest defeat of the season as promotion-chasing Brighton and Hove Albion took another giant step towards the First Division.   more...

Soccer: 'We switched off' - Burley

George Burley felt West Ham's second goal was the killer-blow for Ipswich on a depressing afternoon at Upton Park as the visitors lost 3-1.   more...

Soccer: Debut time for Charlie

Charlie MacDonald is set to make his Colchester United debut tomorrow against a Brighton and Hove Albion side looking to emulate their Layer Road success of nearly a half-century ago.   more...

Essex Business

Southend: Go green and reap benefits

Southend's business community is being urged to join a club encouraging good environment practice - and reap cost savings, positive marketing and higher efficiency.   more...

Essex: We're virtual success stories

Students have been given an insight into the competitive world of business marketing strategies, thanks to the Essex branch of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.   more...

Colchester: Homes planned for office sites

Offices in Colchester's East Hill area are set to make way for 23 new homes - the latest in a flurry of developments east of the town's shopping centre.   more...

Pitsea: Business world taster for pupils

Students have been given a realistic taste of what business is all about.   more...

Clacton: Probe into blaze at label factory

Investigations are continuing into a blaze which wrecked Yeomans factory in Valley Road, Clacton.   more...

Clacton: Fresh fires erupt at factory site

Fresh fires have been erupting at a factory which was wrecked by a blaze.   more...

Tendring: Gambling law fears

One of Tendring's amusement leaders has warned a revamp of Britain's gambling laws will put increased pressure on his trade and said businesses will have to fight to survive.   more...

Little Oakley: Ex-postwoman sets up furry business

Ex-postie Suzy Roberts is offering an olive branch to dogs which drove her barking mad.   more...

Harwich: Public inquiry into port plan

A public inquiry will be held into the planned Bathside Bay development.   more...

Dovercourt: Neighbours' fears allayed

Concerned neighbours have been given an assurance over a new £500,000 community centre.   more...

Southend: New faces on seafront

One of the most familiar faces on Southend seafront is to disappear after a contract to supply seafront deckchairs was handed to a Benfleet company.   more...

Southend: Blaze destroys car workshop

Fire crews braved the threat of exploding gas cylinders as a major blaze gutted a car repair workshop in Southend.   more...

Clacton: More music at hotel

New bosses of a seaside hotel have been given the go-ahead to increase the hours of entertainment on the site.   more...

Southend: New bank HQ to save jobs

A major new development in Southend is set to officially get under way next week.   more...

Essex: New jobs in British Gas pipeline

Jobseekers in Essex could benefit from a big recruitment drive from British Gas, which has announced it must fill 3,000 engineering jobs by 2005.   more...

Colchester: Retail chains 'queueing up' to move in

More than 2,000 jobs could be created in Colchester - if extra shop space were available, it has been revealed.   more...

Stanford-le-Hope: Cafe hope

Shoppers visiting Stanford-le-Hope town centre may soon be able to take a break from their bargain-hunting for a well-deserved cuppa.   more...

South Essex: Firefighter has new AIM for business

Business brains in south Essex are being brought together, thanks to a unique scheme by a Southend firefighter.   more...

Colchester: Not a good Friday for late revellers

It won't be such a Good Friday for a string of Colchester bars including one at the council's own Charter Hall where time must be called at 10.30pm tonight.   more...

Abridge: Spurs' training plan at golf complex

Plans to develop a multi-million pound football academy on land owned by the Abridge Golf and Country Club have been unveiled by Premiership giants Tottenham Hotspur.   more...

Essex News

Kelvedon: Till snatch at optician's

Police are appealing for witnesses to a till snatch in Kelvedon.   more...

Thorpe-le-Soken: Half the people they used to be

A dieting couple are celebrating losing 100 pounds between them - despite being surrounded by food all day.   more...

Tiptree: Cat couple bite back over Munchkin

A couple who imported a new breed of cat into the UK have defended their decision.   more...

Wivenhoe: Accident woman dies

A 72-year-old woman has died after a road accident more than a month ago.   more...

Mersea: Island baby that just couldn't wait

A new mother almost had an unexpected water birth in West Mersea.   more...

Harwich: Town going Dutch

A partyof Dutch delegates sailed into Harwich to prepare for an intercontinental event.   more...

Lawford: Man cleared of assault charge

A man has been cleared of grabbing a woman round the neck after he pulled at her jumper and ripped it.   more...

Essex: Rail card protest falls on deaf ears

The £10 minimum fare for rail card holders is to go ahead on June 2 - despite protests by Essex rail passenger consumer groups.   more...

Brightlingsea: Tribute from town with close links

Residents in Brightlingsea showed their sadness at news of the Queen Mother's death by placing a bouquet of flowers in the museum.   more...

Braintree: Post office arson theory

A fire which damaged a post office is being treated as suspicious.   more...

Cheeky thieves take plant pots

What a blooming cheek!   more...

Bradwell: N-station set to close

An official ceremony is due to be held to mark the closure of Bradwell power station on the Essex coast, one of Britain's oldest nuclear power stations.   more...

Clacton: Charity hit by burglary attempt

A lifeline to dozens of disabled shoppers in Clacton has been hit by would-be burglars.   more...

Braintree: Save school fight may go to court

Campaigners may take the battle to save Braintree's Chapel Hill School to the courts.   more...

Jaywick: Police sort out Eleanor's flood

A pensioner praised police for becoming her knights in shining armour after her bathroom flooded late at night - and Tendring Council refused to help.   more...

Maldon: Two fires 'suspicious'

Firefighters from Maldon are linking two fires which occurred within an hour of each other.   more...

Essex Sport

Soccer: Wealdstone 1-1 Harlow Town (Ryman League Division One)

Harlow's promotion ambitions took another knock on Saturday as they were held 1-1 at Wealdstone. With 3rd-placed Aylesbury surpringly beaten at Barking & East Ham United, a win for Harlow would have moved them to within four points of the Buckinghamshire side.   more...

Soccer: Jubilant Bailey seals cup win

Jubilant Shane Bailey was in seventh heaven after netting Clacton Town's Jewson League Cup winner against Dereham.   more...

Soccer: First Responders get match boost

A special fund-raising soccer match in Great Wakering today will have special poignancy.   more...

Soccer: Farlie issues FA Vase semi-final call to arms

Tiptree United boss Neil Farlie has screamed a battle cry.   more...

Soccer: Vase delight for Tiptree

Tiptree United manager Neil Farlie couldn't contain his delight as his side reached the FA Carlsberg Vase final.   more...

Southend United 3-1 Exeter City

THE Shrimpers came from a goal down to ensure maximum spoils at Roots Hall today against Exeter City.  more...

Soccer: Aldershot 3-3 Heybridge Swifts (Ryman League Premier Division)

New Aldershot manager Terry Brown will have many more headaches to come if this performance was anything to go by as his new troops struggled to come to terms with an enthusiastic Heybridge outfit who came two minutes away from claiming all three points at the Rec.   more...

Soccer: Tiptree claim final spot

Tiptree United triumphantly booked their place in the FA Vase final at the weekend in front of a record-breaking crowd.   more...

Soccer: Bishops Stortford 2-0 Oxford City (Ryman League Division One)

Bishops Stortford sit two wins away from promotion back into the Ryman League Premier Division following Saturday's 2-0 success against Oxford City at Woodside Park.   more...

Athletics: Glory boys to track triumphs

Having enjoyed a great cross-country season, the dynamic Essex duo of Adam Hickey and Andrew Livingstone will now be looking forward to further glories when the new track and field campaign gets underway.   more...

Soccer: Raid threatens future of soccer club

A 40-year-old football club is under threat following a break-in by young raiders.   more...

Essex,Southend News

Southend: Man rescued from old pipe

Emergency crews were forced to crawl into disused pipes to rescue a man believed to be attempting suicide.   more...

Southend: 'You're our hero, dad!'

In just a few months, Teresa Parkinson went from being the cornerstone of the family to a helpless invalid.   more...

Southend: Fire crews brave gas blast threat

Fire crews braved the threat of exploding gas cylinders as a major blaze gutted a car repair workshop in Southend.   more...

Southend: Young given some extra FreeTime

Young people in Southend can now get a new discount card, thanks to an innovative scheme from the town's youth service.   more...

Southend: New fury over cruiser 'gates'

Urgent talks are to be launched following furious complaints that a new clampdown on Southend seafront cruisers has simply moved the problem.   more...

Southend: Borough Patrol hits the streets

Southend's own A-Team today took to the streets in a bid to tackle graffiti, dog fouling, cycling on the pavement, and criminal damage in the town centre.   more...

Leigh: Flat fire rescue

Neighbours rescued a terrified couple from the roof of a shop following a suspicious blaze at their home in Leigh.   more...

Westcliff: Man fined for cocaine possession

A first-time drug user was fined £200 for carrying cocaine in his car, a court heard.   more...

Leigh: Machete attack at hair salon

A machete-wielding attacker savagely slashed a woman as she worked in a packed Leigh hairdressing salon, police revealed today.   more...

Southend: Seafront rape is 'not a race issue'

Detectives investigating the horrific rape of three girls on Southend seafront today insisted they were not treating the attacks as racially motivated.   more...

Southend: Anna cleared of new charges

A woman jailed in the Middle East for drugs smuggling has been found innocent of a set of further charges.   more...

Southend: Agency's chocolate plea is just the job

Needy children in Southend won't go hungry this weekend, thanks to a recruitment agency which has collected more than 350 Easter eggs.   more...

Essex,Southend Sport

Soccer: Kidderminster Harriers 2-0 Southend United (Nationwide League Division Three)

The Shrimpers' two-match unbeaten run came to a halt when they were defeated at the Aggborough Stadium by Kidderminster Harriers.   more...

Soccer: Strikerless Blues left firing blanks

Blank-firing Southend United slipped to a predictable 2-0 Third Division defeat at managerless Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday.   more...

Swimming: Penguins pick up top honours

Southend Swimming Club were pipped by the Penguins when they hosted their own annual Trophy Gala at Warrior Square.   more...

Athletics: National title for Zoe and Essex

Greensward College's Zoe Young is celebrating becoming a national champion.   more...

Soccer: Rio signed to end of season

Southend United boss Rob Newman has signed midfield triallist Rio Alderton from Millwall until the end of the season.   more...

Soccer: Newman - Take it to the max!

Southend United manager Rob Newman has targeted a six-point maximum from his players over the Easter period.   more...

Essex,Thurrock Business

Stanford-le-Hope: Housing for school land

Reduundant land at a Stanford-le-Hope primary school is to be used for housing despite objections from neighbouring residents.   more...

Tilbury: No to arcade plan

Planners are refusing to grant permission for an amusement arcade in a Tilbury troublespot in case they would add to the problems being suffered by residents.   more...

Essex,Thurrock News

Thurrock: MP demands postal improvement

MP Andrew Mackinlay has written to Consignia demanding an improvement to mail delivery in the borough which he says has become "unreliable, sporadic and in some cases non-existent".   more...

Tilbury: Kart track fire ridle

A fire which broke out in a heap of old tyres at a go-kart track is under investigation.   more...

South Ockendon: Head's off to pastures new

Friends, parents and staff of Knightsmead School in South Ockendon said a fond farewell to headteacher Jill Thomas last week.   more...

Stanford-le-Hope: Celebrity chef's encouraging words

Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott has sent words of encouragement to youngsters at a Stanford-le-Hope Primary School after they used one of his recipes as part of a science project.   more...

Thurrock: Pledge over schools' merger plans

Parents have been assured their primary children will not be forced to work with secondary school pupils until they are satisfied their children will be safe and secure.   more...

Thurrock: Council's sorry for road delays

Thurrock Council has apologised to residents for delays caused around the borough because of extensive roadworks.   more...

Thurrock: Free transport for students

Students attending one of Thurrock's two colleges will still benefit from free transport thanks to the council's education department.   more...

Thurrock: Return of rail watchdog

A newly-revived rail watchdog group is set to tackle c2c bosses about the frequency of late-night trains from London to Thurrock.   more...

Essex,Thurrock Sport

Soccer: St Albans City 2-1 Grays Athletic (Ryman League Premier Division)

Grays missed their chance to regain 4th place in the Ryman Premier on Saturday, losing 2-1 to St Albans City at Clarence Park.   more...

Athletics: Fleet going for magnificent seven

Back on top as Thurrock's best, Purfleet may find their lead over Grays in the Premier Division a shortlived one.   more...

Soccer: Ryman League Round-Up (Divisions 2 & 3)

Aveley require just ten more points from their remaining seven league matches to be assured of promotion from Ryman League Division Three.   more...

Speedway: Tapes go up on Russell's season

Arena Essex Hammers get their season out of the gate with a challenge match against local rivals Rye House tomorrow -- but for co-promoter Ronnie Russell it is a past versus present clash.   more...

  
Restrict search to 1 April 2002