TWO friends are taking a little-known sport worldwide - by spreading the word about piling up cups. Although it may look easy, sport-stacking is a competitive game which sees participants racing to be the first to create a castle of cups. Paul Gunter
JUBILANT students have proved they are first class achievers by notching up a string of top grade GCSE results. Across the country delighted pupils have been celebrating success with more youngsters than ever before achieving the top grades of A* or
Diligent students and dedicated teachers at schools across Castle Point have welcomed some of their best ever GCSE results. Teenagers across the borough have been celebrating some amazing grades including two hardworking pupils who received exceptional
STUDENTS across Basildon are celebrating bagging the district's best GCSE exam results ever. There were smiles all round as many schools smashed previous records. Chalvedon, Bromfords, Mayflower, Beauchamps and St John's schools were among those to
THE former boss of the Cliffs bandstand is taking Southend Council to the High Court over the loss of his business. It is believed John Gayner feels the council could have done more to safeguard the bandstand - which included a restaurant, cafe and bar
"INTIMIDATING" wheelclampers have left scores of unsuspecting Canvey motorists £155 out of pocket and chased much-needed shoppers away from the town, a councillor has claimed. Many drivers have been forced to shell out £155 after being pounced on by
A PETITION to save a popular health centre from closure is gathering momentum, with hundreds of people queueing to sign up. Billericay town councillor Terence Gandy is campaigning to ensure the St Andrew's Centre, in Stock Road, Billericay, is not closed
BASILDON has taken a giant step towards getting a state-of-the-art sports village, complete with Essex's first Olympic-sized swimming pool. After more than three years of uncertainty, the Government has confirmed it will part-fund the £35million sports
A DRUG addict kidnapped a toddler because her father owed him cash, a court heard. Michael John Harris, 40, from Southend, pointed a gun at the dad and told him to hand over his 22-month-old daughter or he would soon "see her body parts on the pavement
A MAN was left lying unconscious in the street after being smashed in the face with an iron bar. The 23-year-old man was walking near Tilbury railway station, at the junction of Dunlop Road and Calcutta Road when the shocking attack happened. He was
FIRE-ravaged Orsett Hall has taken its first step back to its former glory with the completion of a new suite, set to open in November. Thurrock mayor, councillor Dianne Revell and her husband councillor Mike Revell paid a visit to the site on Tuesday
COASTAL volunteers spoke of the invaluable role they play in keeping people safe. Paul Roberts, 73, branch secretary of the National Coastwatch on Canvey, met Castle Point mayor Beverley Egan at its base in Haven Road, Canvey. He told her: "We keep
TORY councillors could privately make decisions about where 3,800 new homes will go in Rochford district over the next 15 years. Controversy surrounds the 1,800-plus homes proposed for Rayleigh, where there is a strong feeling the infrastructure is already
A BILLERICAY chippy has landed itself the honour of being named one of the best five fish and chip shops in the whole of Essex, Middlesex and Greater London. Billericay Fish n' Chicken, was recently shortlisted in the prestigious Sea Fish Industry Authority's
POLICE want to trace the owners of a savage dog which could be responsible for at least two vicious attacks on pets and people. The bull mastif is believed to have struck at least twice in the past few weeks and one eyewitness fears the dog could "chew
Properties to Let in South Essex COUNCIL EXCHANGE Beautiful 2 Bed House in quite cul-de-sac, new fitted kitchen, & front door, good decorative order throughout, secluded rear garden, with ample parking, close to shops & train station. (07939) 014588
EKCO Monarchs and Trojans now have just two matches remaining to avoid the ignominy of completing a winless T.Rippon Mid-Essex League Premier Division season. The Southend-based side have now lost all 16 of their matches, the latest being a seven wicket
A POPULAR farm shop branded a "mini-Tesco" has been targeted by council chiefs as part of a crackdown on illegal development across the Basildon district. H.R Philpot and Son, which owns Barleylands Farm Shop, in Southend Road, Billericay, has been given
SOUTH Woodham's Marsh Farm Country Park is finally fully open this week, now concerns over foot-and-mouth disease have died down. Vistors can now tour the working farm in the park again and will be able to see sheep, goats, cows and pigs - although foot
A JOINERY company has been forced to pay more than £14,000 in fines and costs after it failed to protect workers from dangerous chemicals. Paxman Joineries in Vanguard Way, Shoebury, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for not ensuring
ROCHFORD'S long-awaited Somerfield supermarket has finally opened to the public. The shop, in Roche Close, has created 75 new jobs in the town centre and it is hoped it will boost trade to the existing shops in the town. It was officially opened by
CONCERTED action by Rochford police and council has seen off a planned three-night illegal rave. Those involved have reacted effectively and decisively - and they needed to. Raves may be presented as fun events, but they are anything but fun for those
THE dream of an Olympic swimming-pool and sporting complex in Basildon, nurtured and cherished for three decades, is finally set to come true. Can this be for real? We have waited so long and witnessed so many stumbling blocks. And £35million is a great
FRANK Aylott's Captain's week at the Lords Golf and Country Club (Rayleigh) was well supported. On the Earls Course the Stableford saw Dorothy Neill beating Madge Sodeau on the back nine when both returned with 33 pts. George Burgess took the men's
Ron Woodley is right about the chaos of the school run, a problem scarcely confined to Greenways. However, I am not sure a parents' contract is the way to deal with it. I fear the same few selfish drivers who ignore letters from the school, will pay
The Echo's front page graphically illustrated the consequences of intervention in foreign problems (August16). We can minimise our casualties by immediately withdrawing from Iraq. The illusion of democracy has evaporated as the Sunnis have left the government
It appears, despite a great deal of public opposition, Southend Council is intent on closing the Readers' Digest restaurant in Southend Library. I have been a regular user and enjoyed good food at reasonable prices over many years. If a new catering
THORPE Hall members, celebrating their centenary, had the clock turned back some 100 years, when Christopher "Hickory" Homer visited. He set up his memorabelia tent on the first tee to let them see and be reminded of hickory shafted clubs ( spoons,
Is this discrimination of the disabled or elderly, both of which I am? Both Currys and Additions home shopping refused to deliver a fridge/freezer to my first floor flat as there is no lift. After ordering and paying for this item, both companies gave
MORE than 100 children enjoyed Thorpe Bay Lawn Tennis Club's annual summer camps. Two week long camps at the Thorpe Bay Gardens club were run for children aged four to 14. They ensured that children learnt to play tennis or develop their game with
WEST Ham pair Mark Noble and Robert Green have become the latest Irons to commit their long-term futures to the club. Midfielder Noble, 20, and goalkeeper Green, 27, have signed new four-year deals - just 24 hours after Welsh international defenders
THE Leigh and Westcliff Tennis Association once again gave their backing to the Junior Thunderball tournament. For the third year running the event was based at Deanes Sports College where nine courts were available for play. With the weather less
It is my understanding that the herpes virus in Canvey Lake is not in itself deadly, although every credit must be given to the Echo for bringing this to prominent public attention as the seriousness of this condition must not be understated due to its
The Echo reports how Essex's talented wannabes are taking over our television screens (Aug 15). Why are these people who take part in Big Brother classed as stars? They are just sad exhibitionists seeking attention, whose boring antics are watched by
I have been campaigning against plans for a dirt track in West Wood Nature Reserve. I cannot understand why Castle Point Council has agreed in principal to put a dirt track in an ancient nature reserve that is a home to badgers and other wildlife as well
Tony Baws and I are singing from the same hymn sheet regarding dogs (Aug 16). I had written in reply to a letter from Pippa Jackson, who had been in a nasty incident with a dog running free out of control. I wasn't suggesting that dogs should be sentenced
It is incredible that Castle Point council has not seen fit to use powers given to it by the Government and not formulated a policy for the proper use of empty and sometimes semi-derelict properties. Residents are often upset with inappropriate development
I had to smile after reading Sally King's column: Can't we go back to how it was before smoking ban? (Aug 16). I am an ex-smoker, but not one of those that I had always referred to as a reformed smoker. I reckon she is probably right, and do I guess
With the end of the school summer holidays fast approaching I would like to thank everyone who has supported my efforts in bringing a little colour and happiness to the community especially on Southend High Street. Salvo The Clown Second Avenue Thundersley
In his effusive praise of Southend, the Echo's own elder statesman of columnists, Jim Worsdale, surprisingly stated the Thames starts here (Aug 15). Tut, tut, Jim. I know Southend is the centre of the universe as far as you are concerned, but our renowned
THE fight to stop a beauty spot being covered in homes has become a race against time. Around 200 residents packed a public meeting at Barn Hall Community Centre in Alderney Gardens, Wickford, to hear they have little time left to object to proposals
ESSEX legend Ronnie Irani has backed the county's two newest signings - Chris Wright and David Masters - to be a big success at the Ford County Ground. The recently-retired club captain believes the seamers will make their mark at Chelmsford after
WHAT a heartwarming turnaround! This time last year, seven-year-old Taylor Turner was so ill, he was in a wheelchair and barely able to move. Now, thanks to a heart transplant, he is a bursting with energy and has just bagged two medals at the British
CABBIES are boycotting Pitsea station because they are fed up with abuse from drivers who park on the taxi rank. The arguments started when the old rank signs were removed a year ago. The drivers hoped the problem would be solved when new parking bays
A BATON-TWIRLING youth group is on the brink of extinction. The Wickford Youth Band and Majorettes has been running for more than 30 years and is determined not to fade away into the pages of history, despite dwindling numbers. Chairman Alex Kerr, said
Thursday, August 23 Yoga. 7-8pm. Laindon Community Centre, Aston Road, Laindon. 01268 466641 Bingo and August Tea. National Health Service Retirement Fellowship Meeting Basildon and Thurrock branch. 1.45pm. Village Hall, Orsett. 01375 371284 Table
ESSEX captain Mark Pettini is adamant a run of good form is just around the corner. The 23-year-old opener has struggled badly with his batting since taking over as skipper from the injured Ronnie Irani in June. However, despite a run of just 113
BILLERICAY Town boss Matt Jones has absolved AFC Hornchurch's former Southend United player Garry Cross from any blame for the accident that left the New Lodge side's midfield star Matt Game in hospital with a broken leg. The two players were involved
WEST Ham winger Matty Etherington is back with a bang - and the 26-year-old is rather enjoying himself. Having lost his place to Luis Boa Morte during the second half of last season, many supporters expected the Truro-born wideman to leave the club
MEET Steve Bessant - Southend United's secret weapon this season. The 32-year-old, from Leigh, has been brought to the club as strength and conditioning coach and he is already starting to make an impression. Bessant has overhauled the players'
SOUTHEND United captain Kevin Maher will today return to training. The Shrimpers midfielder has been out since aggravating a foot injury on the opening day of the season against Leyton Orient. But, having had a cortisone injection on the troublesome
An open gardens day is being held on Sunday in Leigh when eight gardens in the area will be open to the public, with actiivities and refreshments available in all gardens. Details are available in teh porgrammes £3 single, £5 couple, available by calling
An autumn show is being held by Leigh Horticultural Society on Saturday, September 8 from 2pm to 4pm. There will be refreshments and home made cakes at Leigh Road Baptist Church in Marguerite Drive. Admission is £1 for adults but children and society
Book now for the new term of watercolour classes. The weekly classes with greetings card artist Teresa Norfolk start on Friday, August 24 at Leigh Sailing Club, Old Leigh. Call 01702 307173 for details.
ENGLAND under 21 manager Stuart Pearce believes winger Michael Kightly has a big future in the game. The former Chalvedon schoolboy, who has played for both Grays Athletic and Southend United, was called up by Pearce for Tuesday night's friendly with
FREDDY Eastwood enjoyed a dream debut with Wales last night, scoring the only goal in their 1-0 win in Bulgaria. The former Grays Athletic and Southend United striker, who hails from Basildon, clinically converted from 20 yards on the stroke of half
THE LIONS Club of Castle Point needs volunteers to help vulnerable people. Members want to set up informal voluntary community service groups in Hadleigh and Thundersley. Spokesman Brian MacDonald, 62, of Burlington Gardens, Hadleigh, estimated that
SPECIFIC patrols and targeting persistent young offenders are helping tackle antisocial behaviour in Rochford. Rayleigh MP Mark Francois met Rochford District Police Commander, Chief Insp John Walker, to talk about what is being done to combat disorder
TORY councillors have revised plans for a controversial car park in Shoebury just days before a public meeting arranged to oppose the scheme. The proposals for about 60 parking spaces at East Beach have been put forward by Shoebury Tory councillors and
A MOTHER has slammed a Tory councillor for his response to her son's claim for a particular school place live on television. Stephanie Watts, of Grays, has been denied a place at three of her preferred primary schools for her son Matthew, four. She
SCORES of lorry drivers could have been stopped and fined illegally because of a road sign blunder. Thurrock councillor Carl Morris is calling for speedy action to remove weight restriction signs from a busy Grays road which have no legal backing.
THOUSANDS of motorists will see their journeys radically improved before the 2012 Olympic Games if a £63million Essex road improvement scheme is approved. Essex County Council is now consulting over the plan to ease jams at the notorious "magic roundabout
A NEW campaign to help the homeless and underprivileged is being launched in Leigh next month. During September, the Salvation Army will be on doors to collect vital funds for the army's social and community work. The Salvation Army says 92p of every
MOTORISTS have been doing a double take after spotting some dubious spelling on this Essex County Council road sign. The sign - warning of roadworks at the junction of Eastwood Road and the High Street in Rayleigh, warns of "Roadworks ahaed". Council
By LORD HANNINGFIELD, Conservative leader of Essex County Council I BELIEVE council tax has reached the end of its useful life and should be scrapped. However, before you start jumping up and down for joy, it's a fact of life the costs of local services
Leigh Camera Club will be holding its 78th annual exhibition of members work at the Leigh Community and Adult Learning Centre in Elm Road on Thursday September 6 from 6pm to 10pm. There will be some 350 plus prints on view both conventionally and digitally
ARE you about to take your clapped-out old car to the scrapheap? If so, then think again - Hadleigh firefighters would like to get their hands on it! Hadleigh fire station is appealing for scrap cars to use in a safety demonstration on September 15
ESSEX Police are introducing a 24-hour intelligence support bureau as part of an overhaul of intelligence services. The bureau, opening in October, will help officers plan operations more effectively and will also act as a point of contact for other
REVELLERS planning illegal raves over the Bank Holiday weekend face being arrested. Police officers in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk will be joining forces to clamp down on illegal parties taking place this weekend. Rave organisers have been warned they
CREEPY crawlies, flying insects and worms had children enthralled during a bug-hunting day at Wick Country Park. The crazy creature capers event was held in Wickford to give youngsters a better understanding of the world around them and how to protect
Try out kickboxing fitness classes every Friday. The classes cater for novices to the experienced. They take place between 7 and 8.15pm at Freestyle, 457 London Road, opposite the Palace Theatre, Westcliff. Call 07742 727931 for details.
THOUSANDS of cyclists across the country will aim to turn pedal power into cash at the national Leukaemia Research bikeathon on Sunday, September 9. In Southend, a launch day was held at the Waitrose store at Fossetts Way, to collect for the charity
IT'S a live music extravaganza this Bank Holiday weekend with an all day Jazz Jamboree, an eclectic Big Bash and a German oompah band kicking off ten days of music in Rochford. Organisers at the Preview Club in Prittlewell, the Ecko Sports and Social
CHILDREN and teens in Castle Point have produced a DVD of animated films. Youngsters aged eight to 14 attended the Art Factory Animation workshop in Benfleet. They learned about the history of animation, wrote their own plots, constructed characters
A DETERMINED dad is planning to swap the wet and windy world of window cleaning for a charity run through one of the hottest, driest places in the world. Window cleaner Jon Maharajah, 29, has signed up for a 120k run through the Namibian desert, in Africa
Members of Benfleet Horticultural Society are set to welcome Mac Stracey to its meeting on Friday, September 7, to give a talk entitled "Growing bulbs in containers". Residents should arrive at the WRVS Hall, Richmond Avenue at 7.30pm for an 8pm start
