ESSEX coach Paul Grayson has revealed that the club is looking at bringing in another overseas player to fill the void left by Rob Quiney.

Australian Quiney has been ruled out for ten to 12 weeks with a shoulder injury, which Grayson admitted was "damaging" to his side.

Quiney injured himself taking a catch on the final day of play against Lancashire in the County Championship Division Two match last week and Grayson would like to fill the gap that he leaves.

He said: "We are looking at bringing an overseas player in to fill that gap that Rob has left.

"We are speaking to a few agents and finding out the availability of players. Most people are already signed up at clubs and the cupboard is a little bit bare, but we're speaking to a few people and if we can get someone in then great."

Grayson would like to tie someone down to a deal before the end of this week, but it will not be the be-all and end-all if they do not to bring another star into the club, with Grayson happy to promote from within.

Speaking on Monday, he added: "Rob's contract took him to the end of the T20 competition and we could do with someone coming in to fill a similar sort of role and timescale.

"Hopefully, we can get something sorted out in the next 48 hours. If not we will go with what we've got and it's all about playing our own players.

"It's a real shame to lose Rob and it's damaging to us because he's an outstanding player.

"I knew that when we signed him and he's just been finding some good form and given us something really important and everyone in the dressing room is really sorry for him. We wish him a speedy recovery."

A noisy manhole cover in Wickford has been driving residents and traders mad.

The metal cover has been making a racket as cars drive over and cause a loud clanging sound.

Residents are being kept awake at night and traders are fed up with the continuous din of the manhole which sits on a busy road.

Nick Jernan and Bill Antill who work at a nearby Pizza Hut delivery were well aware of the noise.

Mr Antill said: "We're just waiting for a car to go down."

Mr Jernan added: "It's been like that for a while."

For the full story see Wednesday's Billericay and Wickford Gazette.

The Brentwood Gazette won the Weekly Paper of the Year Award at today's Society of Editors' Regional Press Awards 2012.

It beat strong competition in the below 20,000 circulation category from the Bucks Free Press, The Cornishman, Kent Messenger and The Inverness Courier.

Society of Editors executive director Bob Satchwell said: "These awards reflect and spotlight the tremendous journalism that can be found every day or every week across the UK in regional and local newspapers that represent their readers and serve their communities so well."

The ceremony, held in association with HoldtheFrontPage and the Press Association, was held at Savoy Place in London.

It comes after the Gazette was earlier this year awarded best paid-for weekly newspaper in the EDF Energy East of England Media Awards 2012.

BRENTWOOD chairman Paul Webb believes his side were some 20 or 30 runs short of a winning total as they fell to an opening day loss at South Woodford.

Brentwood really struggled with the bat, with only James Redwood (22), ever looking like getting in.

Harry Shirt (3-16) was the chief destroyer.

"It's generally a low scoring wicket there and is never the best early season," Webb said. "We didn't bat very well, but 108, I think, was probably only 30 or 40 short. We might well have been able to defend it. But when you're used to indoor nets and the ball fizzing through and you get on a stodgy wicket, it's never that easy."

In reply, Joe Buttleman took three wickets as Brentwood held up South Woodford for a while, but they edged to the target with three wickets to spare.

Brentwood also had several notable absentees at the weekend, that did not help matters.

Skipper Jon Walford is on honeymoon, while bowlers Tom Moore and Anthony Giles were also unavailable, along with batsman Gareth Jakes.

"Our expectations are very high this season," Webb said. "But I wouldn't say it was a setback and I wouldn't read too much into it.

"We had Jonathan missing and two of our main strike bowlers.

"I wouldn't say we were down to our bare bones, but we've potentially got four players coming back into the team in the next week. Four out of 11 will make a difference."

And Webb is confident Brentwood will bounce back this weekend at home to Wanstead & Snaresbrook and more significantly, be battling at the top of the table come the end of the season.

"We are going into the season really expecting to do very well," Webb said. "As I said, this defeat wasn't really that much of a setback, but at the same time it was disappointing not to get off to a winning start. We want to be challenging up the top of the league. I wouldn't say we expect to win the title, but we should be right up there."

RESIDENTS, bird-watchers and environmentalists are fighting plans to turn a wildlife haven into a commercial fishing lake.

The application to transform the scenic Heybridge gravel pits, on Hall Road, into a fishing destination has infuriated campaigners who argue it will destroy the natural wildlife habitat.

"When I moved here four-and-a-half years ago the lakes were the draw when buying my property," said Steve Sharpe, whose home overlooks the old quarry, which is now a picturesque lake.

"If the application was to go ahead it would be a disaster for us, and others who live here.

"So many people enjoy this area and it would be completely spoilt.

"I imagine it would also massively devalue my property for which I paid a premium," added the university lecturer.

Although residents were only given official notice of the plans to create a fishing lake, with an additional car park, on April 19, there has long been concerns that fishermen using the site had been disturbing rare wildlife using the lake as their home.

"Nearly 200 species have been recorded on the site, with rare protected birds such as the avocet and Cetti's warbler," said Simon Wood, author of Birds of Essex, and a Heybridge resident.

"It is known nationally among bird-watchers and this development would undoubtedly cause a severe disturbance to the wildlife – it would ruin it completely."

The planning permission to transform the site into a commercial fishing destination is being sought by developer John Purdey, although it remains owned by company Thomas Bates and Sons.

A group of neighbours originally formed the Friends of Heybridge Gravel Pits group more than a year ago to fight for the designation of the site as a nature reserve – a duty that they claim Maldon District Council failed to fulfil.

But that fight has been stepped up in recent weeks following the application for a fishing lake and the group now boasts more than 100 members.

"I don't think they're going to know what's hit them," said Belinda Worsley, a children's book illustrator.

"It's a beautiful and unique spot that attracts people from all across the country. If this was to go ahead it would be just awful."

Among the many objections the protesters are also alleging legal holes in the controversial proposals.

"The application includes land that is not now owned by either the applicant or Thomas Bates and Sons Ltd – and will never be owned by them," said David Rayner, a partner at Birketts law firm.

"In addition, the applicant doesn't have any right to access to the car parking off Battle Rise.

"There is no traffic or environmental impact assessment.

"I just feel the application has been made on the cheap."

Self-titled 'nature warden' at the Heybridge Gravel Pits, John Lamb, believes the proposed development would only improve the site for both residents and wildlife.

"I completely disagree with the claims of the protesters. Fishermen will simply sit down, cast out and within 20 minutes any wildlife that is disturbed will come back," said John, 52, who regularly fishes at the lakes and hopes to be employed by developer Mr Purdey if the application is to go ahead.

"All this development would do is to improve things tenfold. People currently leave their litter and dog mess lying around. We just want to transform it into a better place for all concerned.

"I really didn't think the opposition to the plans would go this far but I know if we had a meeting I could put all their worries to rest," added Mr Lamb, who is semi-retired from his job as a plasterer.

"But, if they want a fight, they've got one to be honest."

RUGBY: More than 450 members spanning four generations let their hair down in spectacular style at Braintree Rugby Club's 50th Anniversary Ball on Saturday evening.

Philip Fouche won the Outstanding Achievement award for his role in the Field of Dreams festivals and the club's hosting of a group of youngsters from Lesotho earlier this year.

The Clubman of the Year award went to Corinne Winwood for her unstinting efforts with the youth and mini section as well as co-ordinating the 50th anniversary celebrations.

First Team Player of the Year award was won by John Smillie, who arranged the Bruges tour as well as a string of sterling displays in virtually every forward position available.

Other award winners were: Mean Machine (Vets) Player of the Year: Ian Regan; Rookie of the Year - James Moore; Fourth XV Player of the Year: Sam Hayden; Third XV Player of the Year: Scott Wells; Second XV Player of the Year James (Elvis) Jones; Most Improved Player: Max Turner

Club chairman, Barrie Winwood said: "It was a very special evening. Everything went according to plan and it was fantastic to see so many old and new faces."

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build nine houses on the site of a pub have been withdrawn.

Councillors were due to discuss the application to turn The Compasses pub, Great Totham, into homes at a planning committee meeting on Monday.

But to the relief of landlords Shaun Robinson and Jessica Ratnage, the plans were scrapped.

"It still leaves us on tenterhooks that the owner may resubmit the application at some point," said Mr Robinson.

"When he realised the support we had in the community, it must have made him think twice.

"We've had so much help from people in the village and even Camra, who were willing to speak against the proposals."

The pair delivered a petition with more than 250 signatures against the plans to the district council.

"The pub is really important, there's nothing much else here," Mr Robinson added.

"We just have to hope if the owner does resubmit it doesn't involve knocking down our business."

"THE Only Way Is Essex is just another sign of the self-loathing, image-obsessed society in west Essex."

These are the thoughts of mum of two Jacqui Cullen, who wants to open a spiritual centre in Brentwood so that people can "focus more on the internal rather than the external".

She told the Gazette: "We are not a cult, we're not a religion – we are just a group of people who live spiritual and good lives.

"People are very image conscious and the TV and media don't help.

"People get up every day and don't really notice anything around them.

"They are stuck in dead-end jobs that they don't enjoy and they don't have any time for themselves.

"We are a society, especially in this part of the county, that focuses on the external and not the internal."

Mrs Cullen wants to find a premises where she can hold sessions on everything from dealing with stress to spiritual healing.

"It will be like a lighthouse – once it is there more and more people will be guided in and will be able to find their spiritual self," said Mrs Cullen, a healer trained in Reiki.

"We are just looking for any premises where we can hold sessions, have a café and just open up to the public."

She added: "We are not weird and there is nothing kooky about what we do.

"We just believe that people need to look inwards and do things for themselves to be happy."

Mrs Cullen believes many of the world's current problems can be linked to a "new energy".

She said: "A new energy is coming in and it is causing people many problems as they don't understand it.

"It is a good thing and people need to embrace it.

"The recession and unemployment can be linked to this but when we embrace it things will change for the better."

The Loughton resident continued: "Our centre will be the perfect place for people to come.

"People who may not be entirely convinced will be welcome to have a cup of tea and just socialise."

She is quick to distance her views of spiritualism from those of the church and religious institutions.

"This is not a religion," she said. "Religion is all about doing things for a god, true spiritualism is about doing things for yourself.

"Spiritualism does not need a god, you only have to look inwards and worship yourself – there is no need for a god to explain everything."

Her views on spiritualism are not shared by Brentwood Spiritualist Church, based in Primrose Hill.

President Carol Stevenson said: "I disagree with the idea that God has no part to play in spiritualism. God is with everyone.

"Non-believers, however, are still welcome. It is very strange that a spiritualist should think God has no part."

GRIPPING her panic-stricken husband Mark's hand tight, surrounded by two midwives and all the while about 35,000 feet above the ground, Kelly Fisk started giving birth on a plane.

As her emergency jet from a holiday in Spain approached Southend Airport, the mother-of-two from Margaretting started experiencing contractions.

"It sounds so corny but just as I went over the white cliffs of Dover I had contractions. It was quite dramatic," said the 29-year-old personal assistant.

"But my husband, he was petrified, he looked dreadful. He was white as a sheet because I guess it's the prospect of having his wife, and his unborn child, to worry about."

Within hours she gave birth to her daughter safely on the ground in Basildon University Hospital – yet 11 weeks prematurely.

Exactly one year on, Sadie May – aptly named after the month she was born in – is celebrating her first birthday in full health, despite spending months in hospital needing help to breathe.

"She's a fighter," Kelly said. "She is possibly the happiest, most smiley baby you will ever meet and that is what everyone says. She is a bit delayed with her development and it takes her a while to catch up, but she thrives off her older brother Ben.

"And she's a bit of a daddy's girl."

It was last year on April 25 when Kelly and her husband Mark flew from Gatwick to Murcia to stay in her parents' villa in San Juan, Alicante.

At just 26 weeks pregnant, she never dreamed of going into labour.

After experiencing bleeding on the Friday she was admitted to Huércal-Overa hospital, but later sent home. She again experienced bleeding the following Wednesday, was admitted back to hospital where she stayed until Sunday – even being forced to cancel her flight home.

After fighting through the language barrier, her health insurers Bupa organised an emergency flight home via a Lear Jet 35 – a tiny passenger plane compete with two midwives.

On Sunday afternoon she set off. "The nurse said she had a strong feeling I was going to give birth on the plane, but she didn't tell me that, and I didn't feel like that, I was just relieved these people were going to get me home," said Kelly, who lives in Maldon Road.

By 2.55am, she gave birth to Sadie, weighing just 2lbs 10oz, in Basildon University Hospital.

"We are grateful to the nurses at Basildon, we don't know where we would be without them."

Her husband Mark, a 30-year-old director at a fire alarms company, says he was "petrified" on the fateful night. "It was quite daunting," he added

Sadie celebrated her first birthday last week with a picnic.

A VILLAGE post office has been saved at the last minute from closure after three years under threat.

The branch in Tolleshunt D'Arcy, which has been serving villagers for more than 70 years, was set to close its doors for the last time on April 27.

But this week parish councillors have formalised plans to rescue the vital service by relocating it into the village hall.

"It's so important that we're going to be staying open, I have about 200 customers come through the doors each week," said postmistress Diane Cook, who has managed the service for nearly a decade.

"I first heard the plans to sell up around three years ago but I wasn't allowed to mention it to anyone all this time.

"All we've ever wanted was to keep the service in the village – people use it to collect their pensions, pay their bills and top up their phone, it's a really important facility."

After the owner of the premises on North Street announced his plans to sell the building in 2011, there had been hopes the service would be absorbed into the nearby village shop.

However this proposal fell through and a notice to close the post office by April 27 was pinned up – until a last-minute alternative was suggested.

"It has now been agreed that we will move the service into the village hall and the landlord has given us a stay of execution until that can be formally arranged," said parish councillor Gerald Munson.

"We really can't afford to lose it as we are a remote village and a long way from other post offices – the service is very well used here.

"It's just such a relief to find a solution to the problem."

However the new service will be cut back to just three sessions of three hours each in the hall on Tollesbury Road.

And long-serving postmistress Diane, 66, will be retiring when the current premises close down.

"Staff from another post office branch will run the reduced service so it seems like the right time to retire," said Diane, who lives just across the road from her workplace.

"I shall be using the service myself so I can check up on how they're doing.

"And the good thing is the village hall is publicly owned, so it won't be under threat again."

A HUNDRED new foster carers are needed in Essex in order to look after children who have been removed from their families.

The call comes at the end of Foster Care Fortnight, the UK's biggest fostering campaign running until tomorrow, with members of the public being urged to 'Get in the Frame' and consider becoming a foster carer. People willing to take on teenagers, children with disabilities and older sibling groups are particularly in demand in the county, say Essex social services.

There is also a shortage of carers in west Essex, where carers are needed for children of all ages including those seeking asylum.

Stephanie Bishop, head of fostering and adoption, said: "We need more people to come forward to care for local children who, through no fault of their own, are unable to live with their families."

The county currently has just under 650 foster homes, but says 100 more are needed within the next 12 months to cope with demand.

Part of the need for more carers is the fact that all children above the age of two must have their own bedroom, meaning existing carers are now more limited as to the number of children they can have in their home at one time.

Stephanie added: "Potential carers will need the time, commitment and personal qualities to be able to care for a child who has had a difficult start in life. Unless fostering children under the age of two, potential foster carers need a spare room in their home."

She is quick to reassure potential carers they will not be left out on a limb – nor out of pocket.

"All foster carers receive extensive training. They are never expected to 'go it alone', and are always supported by a range of professionals as well as peer to peer support from experienced carers.

"Foster carers receive a generous allowance to cover the costs of caring for the child and a fee which is linked to their experience."

A HARDWARE shop which has long been a fixture in Ingatestone High Street turned 125 years old this week.

Since 1888, Patrick Green has helped to shape the homes, sports clubs, social clubs, shops and pubs of Essex.

When he started out, Mr Green had a horse and cart and traded as an ironmonger, timber merchant, haulier and builder, not to mention the village undertaker.

He started off at number 53 High Street and the building arm of the firm later passed to his son Tom.

Tom began to trade from a cottage next to the Green's family home, The Limes, before the shop moved to its current purpose built premises at number 49.

Neither The Limes nor the original shop are still standing.

Fortunately, Bernie Cranmer, 89, knows the history of the shop more than most.

He joined the business just before Christmas in 1937 at the age of 14.

"Patrick Green was a big fat man," Mr Cranmer recalled.

"He was a wonderful old man really.

"He used to come in and say 'Boy, I want you to do this'.

"He always called you boy; it was very much a 'you do what you're told' approach.

"He was a very kind man and he did a wonderful amount of work around the area.

"Mind you, with his line of work, every time there was a funeral you could rely he was going to be merrily drunk."

He added: "I remember writing letters for him to press for the A12 to be built because of what he called 'the stench' that traffic caused on the High Street.

"He kept on and on about it."

Mr Cranmer spent 55 years working at Patrick Green.

Following his marriage to Doris in 1953, the owners even helped him find a new home on the High Street – a home where the couple still live today.

Recalling the day he started work, he said: "It was very frightening for me as I was only 14 straight from school – I'd never been anywhere.

"I was on the books upstairs but they were often short of staff so I used to go down and help out in the shop.

"People came from all over to visit and get what they wanted.

"The owners treated me like a son and to work for them was very nice.

"I always wanted to go to work."

Today the shop continues to have a family-run feel.

Current owner and store manager Ian Miller has worked at the High Street store for more than 27 years, a feat nearly matched by colleagues Trevor Sewell and Ann McDermid with 25 and 26 years' service respectively.

"We're a proper, traditional hardware store," Mr Miller said.

"We've kept the same traditions and the same feel about the place –it's what customers like.

"But we are open to change.

"Last year we opened up a cook shop area at the front and with all the celebrity chefs and TV shows out there, it's been a real success."

We may live in an age of identikit chain stores situated in business parks on the edge of town, yet Mr Miller insists it makes no sense for shoppers in Ingatestone to go elsewhere.

"We're really grateful for the loyalty of our customers," he said.

"They come here first rather than drive off straight to B&Q, who are more expensive than us."

However, he added: "It's about getting that message across to the younger generation."

Alan Pudney, 71, who runs Ingatestone Pet Shop was born and raised in the village.

He said: "Some years ago someone came to me and told me he had an oil lamp which he needed a wick for.

"The next time I saw him he said 'I went in there and they got an old oily box down. It was full of wicks so I've got mine sorted.'

"It's got everything and if they haven't got it they can get it.

"It would be a body blow for the village if it ever closed."

Patrick Green himself was a keen cricket fan and was a member of Ingatestone & Fryerning Cricket Club.

Indeed, local historian Robert Fletcher recently stumbled across the club's first purchase from the store in 1889.

The account books show an entry on July 23, 1889, for oil and a spanner at a total cost of two shillings.

From humble beginnings, it's now 125 not out for Patrick Green.

STAFF at a supermarket are asking residents to help them choose a new charity to support in 2013.

Sainsbury's Chipping Ongar is on the lookout for a new Local Charity Partner after previously raising more than £3,300 for Chipping Ongar Primary School.

The initiative is now in its fifth year and gives registered charities the chance to receive a year's worth of fundraisingfrom the store.

A Sainsbury's spokeswomen said: "Customers and colleagues at Sainsbury's Chipping Ongar have played a big part in the success of the Local Charity Partner initiative."

Store Manager Kay Horne said: "We hope our customers can take the time to vote in the coming weeks and give a local charity that is close to their hearts the chance for us to support them."

To vote online go to www.sainsburys.co.uk/localcharity or e-mail your nomination to local.charity@sainsburys.co.uk