Stories for 7 September 2004

Basildon News

Laindon: Paedophile jailed for eight years

A pensioner, who repeatedly raped a young victim, was today starting an eight-year jail sentence.  more...

Laindon: Baby job during day out at zoo

A family day out to London Zoo turned into unexpected baby joy for the Trower family of Laindon.   more...

Colchester,Essex News

Maldon: First mosque for group

A muslim group has clubbed together to buy the Maldon district's first mosque.   more...

Holland-on-Sea: 42 lengths for Sammy Jo

A terminally-ill grandmother is celebrating after swimming to raise money for charity.   more...

Chelmsford: Tasty start to new term

Children at one of mid-Essex's newest schools got their new term off to a good start with an alternative lunchtime menu.   more...

Rowhedge: Gravestones used in church attack

Callous vandals have used gravestones to damage a church.   more...

Colchester: Scooter treks for business

A couple who met on a beach in Thailand and married within a week are now running a flourishing business in south-eastern Asian arts and crafts.   more...

Essex: Image is obstacle to business

The "Essex image" is a major obstacle when it comes to attracting investment from other parts of the UK.   more...

Essex: New proof-of-age card launched

A revolutionary new proof-of-age card was yesterday launched for children and young people across Essex.   more...

North Essex: Barges recall great days

Smacks and barges took to the waters for the 2004 Colne Smack and Barge Race.   more...

Essex: 'I'm a worth a million'

Essex Police Authority's chairman has defended his annual pay - saying he's worth £1 million.   more...

Walton: Group in sea rescue

Two children and an adult were dramatically rescued after being swept out to sea.   more...

Chelmsford: Bikers attend road safety event

Motorcyclists across the county were invited to a road safety event which aimed to cut the number of deaths on Essex roads.   more...

Colchester,Essex Sport

Sailing: Hannah's hoping for gold

Sailing sensation Hannah Stodel is ready to prove she can mix it with the big boys by bringing home a gold medal from the Paralympics.   more...

Soccer: Halstead harbour Cup hopes

Halstead Town chief Andy Clark believes victory in today's FA Cup clash at East Thurrock United would be one of the best results the club has had for years.   more...

Athletics: Harriers fly in Mersea race

A large contingent of Colchester Harriers took part in the Mersea five and ten-mile road race, which was held over a tough and windy course.   more...

Fencing: Beevers grabs title

Top fencing stars from all over the country battled it out to take honours at the 26th Essex Open.   more...

Cricket: Irani shines as Essex triumph

Ronnie Irani was at his brilliant best as Essex collected the victory they needed to preserve their totesport First Division status in the day-night clash against Glamorgan at Chelmsford.   more...

Soccer: Watson scoops player of the month award

Kevin Watson today issued a warning to his Colchester United team-mates after scooping the U's first Player-of-the-Month award for this season.   more...

Essex Business

Essex: Business in line for E-Commerce awards

Businesses in the county can win a share of £10,000 in prizes in the final to find the best E-Commerce companies in the region.   more...

Southend News

Hockley: Save village landmark

A historic home in Hockley could be demolished to make way for a block of 13 flats.  more...

South Essex: Maplin sold for £250m

Electronics giant Maplin, which started life in a south Essex bedroom, has been sold for almost £250 million. Private equity group Montagu has bought the company and plans to open 59 new stores over the next three years. The multi-million pound corporate dealings are a far cry from the humble beginnings of the business which was named after the Maplin Sands in the Thames Estuary. The mail-order part of the company was started in 1972 by founders Douglas Simmons of Leigh and former Echo employee Roger Allen of Rayleigh. In their spare time the pair made equipment for pop groups such as fuzz pedals and sound compressors, but were often unable to obtain quality components. Joined by Roger's wife Sandra and using a bedroom in the Allen's Rayleigh home and Mr Simmon's garage, they set up Maplin Electronic Supplies. The first shop was opened in Westcliff in 1975 and the business went from strength to strength. Mr Simmons and Mr Allen sold Maplin to Saltire in 1994, when the company had an annual turn-over of £29million. Maplin now employs 1,500 staff and sells more than 14,000 products and has a store in London Road, Westcliff.   more...

Southend: Late night bus service for clubbers is axed

A late night bus service aimed at dispersing weekend clubbers from Southend is to be axed.  more...

Southend: Worker's £2,000 robbery horror

A TAKEAWAY shop assistant has spoken of his horror at being attacked by a gang of men who then stole £2,000 of takings and wages and drove off in his car.  more...