A £9.5 MILLION project for a new leisure centre in Witham has begun.

Contractors Barr Construction kick-started work on Tuesday at the Spinks Lane site, while jubilant councillors raised their hard hats in celebration on the soils last Thursday.

Centre managers and charitable trust Fusion Lifestyle hope to unveil the six lane 25 metre pool, learner pool with moveable floor, fitness suite, two dance studios, a sauna, a steam room and two squash courts by summer 2014.

Director of business development at the charity, Tim Mills, said: "We are delighted that work is underway for the new leisure centre and we look forward to working with Barr Construction and the District Council during the build.

"We particularly look forward to developing activity programmes and other services at the centre which will ensure that it will be a popular facility, attractive and accessible to all members of the local community."

The centre was due to open in Christmas 2013 when Fusion Lifestyle announced they had taken over its management, along with other Braintree district council run facilities Braintree Leisure Centre, Braintree Swimming Centre, Bramston Sports Centre and Spinks Lane Sports Ground.

Braintree's cabinet member for communities Joanne Beavis said: "It's great news that construction work for this new state-of-the art leisure facility is currently underway.

"We can now look forward to seeing the building take shape over the next year and during these exciting times we hope to run a number of community focused initiatives."

ENJOYING pride of place in Cynthia Williams' dining room for decades, a delicate floral teapot hides an intriguing past.

For in November of 1940 it was the only object to survive a German bombing raid intact after it was recovered from the flattened farmhouse on Marks Hall Estate, near Coggeshall.

Now it will join a collection of evidence gathered by researchers at the University of Essex in Colchester to track the past of the well-known estate from Saxon times to the present day.

"I'm glad that it's joining the display so that people who are interested in the history can see it," said Cynthia, 68, who inherited the family heirloom following the death of her aunt and uncle.

James and Emily Bowers, Cynthia's grandparents, were two of many workers on the Marks Hall estate during the war before their home at Purley Farm was demolished in a bombing raid in 1940.

Onlookers believed the couple, who were trapped in the building, were dead until they heard a faint scratching from inside the wreckage and sons, Jack and Harry, pulled their parents from the rubble.

The only other item to be pulled from the flattened farmhouse was a teapot, slightly cracked but still intact which has remained with the family for seven decades.

"After my aunt and uncle died we were clearing out their home and found the teapot still there, I just decided to bring it home as I believed it was special," added Cynthia, who lives in Coggeshall with her husband of 46 years, Stephen.

"It hasn't ever actually been used for pouring tea, it's more of an ornament really sitting on a side table."

Now the battered trinket will be preserved for posterity as part of a collection looking to re-ignite the history of the Coggeshall mansion and it's estate, which was demolished in the 1950s.

"We have had a tremendous response from the public, which shows the mansion has a very special place in the hearts of many people," said knowledge exchange officer, Ian Yearsley.

"This has been a collaborative project and everyone has been very supportive. The archaeological team has been so enthusiastic and they worked through the winter as they just wanted to keep digging and finding things. We have also been able to bring a lot of experts to the site to discuss conservation."

Individual artefacts have been found, including the remains of a pot thought to date back to the 13th century, a ceiling rose, the servant bell system and an iron fire guard.

The project team hope their work will eventually be used to establish a museum and interpretation centre to tell the story of the lost mansion and the people who lived and worked there.

BILLERICAY Town have announced the first batch of their pre-season fixtures as they prepare for life back in the Ryman League Premier Division.

The stand-out fixture of the games already announced is a clash with League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge at New Lodge on Wednesday, July 24.

The Blues will also face two Blue Square Bet South sides.

They first host Bishop's Stortford – who have returned to the South from the North – at home on Tuesday, July 30, before travelling to face Concord Rangers, the Ryman League Premier Division play-off winners, on August 3.

Fixtures: July 6: Witham Town (A); July 10: Great Wakering Rovers (A); July 13: Town v Blues Supporters v Romford (H, 1pm); July 16: Brentwood Town (A); July 24: Dagenham & Redbridge (H); July 30: Bishop's Stortford (H); August 3: Concord Rangers (A).

The Ryman League starts on August 10, and the Blues and Brentwood Town have both learned this week that their divisions are not yet complete after Thurrock and Tilbury were both handed points deductions for fielding a suspended player.

Thurrock's deduction puts them in the drop zone and that could mean Carshalton are reprieved in the Premier and Thurrock in Division One North, meaning Sittingbourne would stay in Division One South.

HEAD coach Paul Grayson admitted that the drawn game with Kent at Chelmsford "felt like a win" – and hailed the performance of youngster Ben Foakes.

Foakes scored an unbeaten 86 in an unbroken partnership of 142 with skipper James Foster as Essex recovered from 24-5 to earn a draw.

It is the latest chapter in what has by and large been a thrilling start to the LV> County Championship Division Two season for Grayson's men.

With two wins, two draws and two defeats from their first six games, Essex headed to Worcester on Tuesday in third place – and with the best bowling points haul in the division.

But they would have been worse off were it not for the efforts of Foakes and Foster – who made 52 not out – to secure a draw against Kent.

"It felt like a win to be honest," Grayson said. "The way that Mark Davies and Charlie Shreck bowled was fantastic, I don't think our batters were at fault to be honest – they were just unplayable balls.

"There would have been times in the past where in that situation we'd have been bowled out for 70 or 80 but James Foster and Foakes batted superbly."

Foakes, 20, has featured regularly for the side this season, but the innings against Kent was the first time he had passed 50 since the University match against Cambridge UCCE last month.

His 38 in the win at Glamorgan last week actually doubled his Championship run tally for the season, and another duck in the first innings may have put the youngster under pressure.

But if he felt it, it did not show as he proved unmovable to help his side to safety.

"I was really pleased for Ben Foakes because it's not been the best for him," Grayson added. "But he did well in the first innings at Glamorgan and on Saturday he showed what a bright future he's got in the game."

Foakes seems to have settled at six after a start to the season in which Essex have chopped and changed their top and middle order.

And with Owais Shah soon back in contention and new overseas signing Hamish Rutherford on his way after his New Zealand commitments conclude, Grayson welcomes the competition for places.

"There's a lot of other sides whose top and middle orders are struggling in these early-season conditions," he added. "We know that we've got to score more runs.

"We've got Shah back for the one-day games this weekend and then Hamish Rutherford coming in as well so there's more competition for the places. People know that we've got players coming back into the side very soon."

The game at New Road began yesterday and Grayson was relishing the battle between two dependable county performers.

Essex's David Masters shows no signs of letting up, but in Alan Richardson the home side have their own veteran star bowler.

He has helped his side to back-to-back ten-wicket wins, and Grayson is wary of the in-form Pears.

"They've done well," he said. "They've got back-to-back wins and now they're up towards the top of the table.

"A couple of weeks ago they were down the bottom, but they've done well.

"It will be a tough game, it'll be a good battle between Alan Richardson and David Masters, two campaigners who just seem to be getting better and better."

After that game, the Eagles are back in one-day action this weekend.

They first host Scotland on Sunday before a floodlit clash with Surrey on Monday night.

The Eagles bounced back from their opening defeat to Hampshire by overcoming Durham and Scotland, and Grayson is hoping for more success.

He added: "We put in a very professional performance when we played Scotland a couple of weeks ago and we have to do exactly the same again when we get back to Chelmsford.

"The players know exactly what's required. Surrey is never easy, it's always a competitive game against them.

"They've got a lot of experienced players so we'll have to be at our best to win on Monday night."

BEN FOAKES made a season's best score of 86 not out as Essex overcame another top-order collapse to earn a draw with Kent at the Essex County Ground.

The visitors – who are bottom of the LV> County Championship Division Two table – were scenting their first four-day win of the season when Mark Davies and Charlie Shreck ripped through the Essex top order on the fourth afternoon.

But Foakes joined forces with skipper James Foster to put on an unbroken 142 for the sixth wicket and ensure the spoils were shared.

Kent had bowled the hosts out for 212 in their first innings, with Davies and Shreck joined by a familiar foe in Darren Stevens.

Tom Westley (30) and Jaik Mickleburgh (37) had made a solid start with 67 for the first wicket, but Ravi Bopara (0), Ryan ten Doeschate (1) and Ben Foakes (0) all failed, again leaving Foster (47) and Graham Napier (58) to pick up the pieces.

Davies and Shreck ended with three wickets apiece, with the other four going to all-rounder Stevens – and he would then put the home side to the sword with the bat in his hands as well.

Kent, who came into the game on the back of being bundled out for just 63 by Worcestershire, were soon in trouble in their reply as they slumped to 43-4, with Reece Topley (two), David Masters and Bopara making the early inroads.

But that brought Stevens to the crease.

Although he is in the twilight of his career, the 37-year-old is still a frightening proposition for most county opponents.

And this game was no exception as he first combined with Ben Harmison (55) to put on 145 for the fifth wicket, and with support from Geraint Jones (15) and Matt Coles (30), he made his third century in his last four visits to Chelmsford to ensure Kent had a lead of 84.

Stevens' eventual knock of 136 lasted 223 balls with 15 fours and one six.

Kent's last three wickets fell without score, as Topley finished with 3-81, well supported by Masters (2-64) and Bopara (2-73).

Unfortunately for Essex's top order, Kent's late order collapse was a sign of things to come, and within 12 overs all of the home side's top five were back in the pavilion in the face of some superb new-ball bowling.

Davies was tormenter in chief with four of the wickets which left the home side reeling, but the support of Shreck ensured it was a tricky period for the home team.

There was little sign of the dangers to come as Essex started well enough, making their way to 20 without loss from 8.1 overs.

But Westley (17) was the first man to fall, before Bopara completed his pair later in the same Davies over.

Pettini added four before he fell to Davies, and ten Doeschate lasted just two balls.

Mickleburgh was caught behind off Shreck to leave the score 24-5, but Foakes and Foster (52) came together and batted for 48 overs.

ESSEX County Cricket Club are pleased to offer 50 lucky Essex Chronicle readers the opportunity to become a Junior Eagle for the 2013 season.

Woodland Group have teamed up with Essex Eagles to offer this excellent competition giving you the chance to watch cricket throughout the whole summer at the Essex County Ground!

There are many benefits when becoming a Junior Eagle including free entry to all Yorkshire Bank 40 and LV> County Championship matches, free welcome gift, birthday card and regular opportunities to meet your heroes including Alastair Cook, Ravi Bopara, James Foster and many more.

If you are not a winner why not become a Junior or Teen Eagle from just £10? Visit www.essexcricket.org.uk or call 01245 254010.

To win all you need to do is answer the below question.

What is Essex Cricket's mascot called?

1. Eddie the Eagle

2. Sammy the Shrimp

3. Theo the Wyvern

Please return your answers to Essex Chronicle Competition, Essex County Ground, Chelmsford, CM2 0PG.

Usual competition terms and conditions apply. The editor's decision is final.

BOWLS: Brentwood Bowling Club bowed out of the ladies' national Top Club competition on Saturday despite finishing their second round games nine shots ahead overall.

The latest round was played away against Goodmayes-based Barley with singles, pairs, triples and fours played simultaneously. Barley won three of the four disciplines to earn their place in the next round.

Although Brentwood had the consolation of ending the day 78-69 up, this did not help their position as overall shots are taken into account only if there is a tie on disciplines.

Brentwood ladies' captain Margaret Rayment praised the hard fight put up by her squad which included substitutes for two of the original team members who were unavailable due to existing commitments to support a Walk for Life charity event.

Brentwood results: Singles – Maureen Jaycock lost 21-7; Pairs – Kate Davies and Alison Dartnell lost 24-22; Triples – Marje Shute, Ann Betts and Marina Thorne lost 19-14; Fours – Margaret Rayment, Barbara Morrish, Pam Baker and Kath Jolly won 35-5.

SIMON KHAN had an enjoyable return to competitive action after being runner-up at the BMW PGA Championship before qualifying for the US Open 24 hours later.

Khan, who was playing his first tournament since March, was beaten at the fourth play-off hole by Matteo Manassero at Wentworth.

And although he was disappointed to lose out after finding the water on the fourth time the pair played the 18th, he reflected on a good weekend.

"It's just one of those things," he said. "Sudden-death play-offs are like that, it only takes one bad shot and you're out of it, but over the course of four days I'm delighted with how I played."

Khan finished on ten-under alongside Manassero and Marc Warren, sparking a three-way play-off at Wentworth.

Warren went into the trees on the first hole, and Khan and the Italian both made birdies to keep the play-off going.

Second time around Khan chose to lay up with Manassero 15 feet from the green, but it did not pay off, and both missed birdie putts before, on the third, they both made birdies despite finding bunkers.

But on the fourth attempt Khan found the water with his second shot and Manassero took advantage to win.

Khan said: "There was one time I didn't go for it because he didn't have a great second shot and I thought I could still make four by laying it up. Any time you're in a decent position you go for it, it's the nature of the hole now, any slight mistake."

Khan was back in action at Walton Heath in Surrey on Monday bidding to book his place at the US Open at Merion from June 13-16.

And this time there was no late drama as he built on a good start to ensure he will be Pennsylvania-bound next month.

He said: "I was fortunate, I started the first round well, birdies on the second and third holes and you're in to it. I enjoy playing there, I like the course and it was a good test."

Khan is now heading off to Sweden for the Nordea Masters in Stockholm.

THE new mayor of Havering has been named.

Councillor Eric Munday, who represents Squirrels Heath on Havering Council, was handed the chain of office and mayoral robes in a ceremony at the Town Hall.

The Conservative has taken over from his fellow party member and Squirrels Heath representative Councillor Lynden Thorpe.

Cllr Munday has been a Havering Councillor since May 1978.

He was leader of the council between 2002 and 2004 and previously held the post of Mayor of Havering from 1985 to 1986.

Cllr Munday said: "The last time I was mayor, it was a very enjoyable year, and I'm sure the coming year will be equally enjoyable, going around to many of the organisations in this borough."

His consort will be his wife Peggy Munday. Instead of announcing a mayor's charity now, he will distribute funds to local charities at the end of his term of office.

Cllr Linda Trew, who represents Mawneys, has been named as the new deputy mayor.

The outgoing mayor Cllr Thorpe, who has been a Havering Councillor since 2007, said: "What a year.

"I end it with an overwhelming sense of pride in Havering and its residents."

She said the highlights of her year included attending street parties and events with her consort David to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics, as well as following the Olympic Torch from Hornchurch to Rainham when it passed through the borough; meeting many local school pupils; and seeing the Royal Anglians march through Romford, which she describes as "the most memorable of the big events".

In the course of a typical year, the mayor attends around 600 engagements across the borough.

A BRENTWOOD man who "terrorised" his ex-girlfriend with a ten-inch knife has been warned he could face jail.

Remanding Andy Thomas, 30, of Pennyfields, Warley, for pre-sentence reports, Judge Kate Peters told him at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday last week: "These are serious matters.

"While not excluding the possibility of custody, I have asked probation to explore alternatives."

Thomas, formerly of Greenfields, Brentwood, who pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage, harassment and having a bladed article, was remanded on conditional bail until June 17.

He was banned from going to Harlow, other than to see a solicitor by prior appointment, and must not contact Jenny Thornton nor go within 250 metres of her address in Harlow.

He must also report twice a week to Brentwood Police Station.

The court was told that Thomas had previous convictions for public order offences.

Prosecutor Mark Lakin said: "His relationship with Miss Thornton had been going on for seven months or so and he didn't accept it was over.

"On October 3 last year he went round to the area and saw her – she'd just got out of bed – and he went round the back of the house to see her boyfriend making a cup of tea."

Mr Lakin said that Thomas became angry and tried to force his way in but was stopped by Ms Thornton's boyfriend.

He continued: "Afterwards there were a series of messages – pathetic and menacing – with expressions of love backed up by unpleasantness and threats.

"Previously, he'd issued threats to kill himself and anyone she took up with.

"They were not taken seriously.

"During the incident the knife was put through the letter box and waved from side to side. In the 999 call there was genuine fear and terror from her."

Thomas's counsel, Gavin Burrell, urged the judge to obtain pre-sentence reports.

A TEENAGE singer is hoping to triumph with his first-ever band in the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent tomorrow night.

Jordan Clarke, otherwise known as JJ, will appear as one of The Luminites on the ITV show at 7.30pm.

And the 18-year-old from Margaretting jokes that if the band wins the competition, he will owe it all to the village's horses.

"We're rehearsing so hard at the moment I basically live with The Luminites, but home is where the heart is and whenever there's time that's where I am.

"I've always liked singing and it's something I just stumbled into really. It's something that has been in my family for so long. We all sing, be it in the shower or while we're cooking – it's normal in our house.

"I'm not too sure what I'll do if we win the final though," said the Essex lad, to which fellow band member Ben joked that JJ would have an army of support waiting for him at home.

"No, my only friends are horses around there. I'd say to them 'It has been an honour to have them as neigh-bours'," he joked.

Born in France, JJ moved with his three older sisters to Margaretting when he was four years old.

After attending Margaretting C of E Primary School, he quickly gathered a passion for singing, before gaining a scholarship to Sylvia Young Theatre School in London.

About two years ago, band manager Anthony Andrews approached him after first spotting fellow member and beatboxing busker Ben Francis on London's streets.

Triumphing with his first band, which includes singer Stephanie Edwards and guitarist Corey Layzell, the foursome's fame has rocketed since their prime time audition in February – which was aired last month.

JJ, who played football for Brentwood Athletic and trained at Chelmsford Athletics Club in Melbourne, said: "We're very nervous for the semi-final.

"We've been watching the shows so far and already the favourites are going out – so many great acts.

"We really don't know which way it's going to go.

"If we won it would be incredible for all of us as we've worked solid for two years now busking and touring schools." JJ's mother, Sharon, said she was very proud when his band made it through to the semi-finals from the audition stage.

"The amount of people ringing us has been overwhelming," said the 53-year-old, who added that they were one of the bookmakers' favourites when they auditioned. They are now fifth favourites.

The semi-final stage, which boasts 45 acts in total, will end on Saturday before the final the following weekend.

To find out how JJ fares in front of Simon Cowell and his fellow judges once again, tune in at 7.30pm to ITV1 tomorrow (Thursday)

FRIENDS of an man who was seen ranting with blood-soaked hands after the murder of soldier Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich have said there was "nothing out of the ordinary" when he was growing up in Romford.

Michael Adebolajo's early years in Romford appear to have been happy ones – a former girlfriend said he was friendly and polite and a "normal, regular boy" .

It has also emerged that while at Marshalls Park School, Adebolajo was best friends with a soldier who later died in Iraq.

The 28-year-old, who grew up in Eastern Avenue, was so upset when Lance Corporal Kirk Redpath died when his Land Rover was blown up in 2007 that he had to be consoled at his funeral.

Adebolajo, the older of the two main murder suspects, who was seen on camera following the horrific murder of Drummer Rigby, is still in hospital after being shot by armed police.

A school friend of Adebolajo is reported to have said: "He was down-to-earth, a nice guy, there was nothing out of the ordinary."

Another said: "Michael was as British as they come.

"He used to be a nice bloke. He loved playing 007 shoot-'em-ups on his Nintendo."

Reports suggest Adebolajo, born in 1985 to Christian parents of Nigerian descent, converted to Islam soon after taking his A-levels at Havering Sixth Form College.

His parents later moved to Lincoln to get away from London and start a new life in 2002.

At the time of going to press, ten people have been arrested by counter-terrorism police in connection with the murder of Drummer Rigby on Wednesday.

One suspect was being questioned, while five have been freed on police bail and two have been released without charge.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Osborne, Senior National Co-ordinator Counter Terrorism and head of the Metropolitan Police Service Counter Terrorism Command, said: "We are pursuing a significant amount of CCTV, social media, forensic and intelligence opportunities and have active lines of inquiry.

"The two men arrested at the scene of the attack remain in hospital and will be formally interviewed when it is possible to do so.

"The investigation is progressing well but there is still a lot more work to be done. The public have been very supportive in relation to our appeals for help.

"I now ask that anyone who knew the two men who have been arrested to consider if they have any information and to contact us in the strictest of confidence.

"We urge anyone with information to call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321."

A GRANDFATHER who has had both of his knees replaced and struggles to even walk to his car has been stripped of his Blue Badge.

Dennis Cant, 77, of Cripsey Avenue, Ongar, said he feels like a prisoner in his own home after Essex County Council took away the parking badge that he had held for the past decade.

The badge was taken away after the former chauffeur completed a questionnaire about his mobility.

Mr Cant, a father of two and grandfather of three, said this week: "I am a prisoner in my own home.

"I have had both my knees replaced, I have a metal plate in my neck, I am on the list to have my hip replaced – I am not trying to scam anyone.

"The assessment that they carried out didn't even seem medical.

"I went to the centre in Brentwood where I saw a qualified physio.

"He didn't look at my legs, and he just asked me a list of questions and then told me to walk round the car park.

"When I first heard I was going to be assessed I was happy.

"I thought it would finally sort out all the scammers and frauds that abused the system and made it hard to find a disabled bay empty.

"When they rejected my claim I was shocked.

"I appealed, believing it would be through a doctor this time and they just did the exact same assessment again.

"My partner can't drive so she has been made a prisoner by this as well.

"They are telling me that I can walk 200 metres when walking to the end of my garden is a struggle – my garden isn't huge and I walk with two sticks."

Mr Cant's badge was taken away from him earlier this month and he has no right to appeal again until six months have passed.

Partner June Goodman, who lives with Mr Cant, said: "It has been a real struggle without the Blue Badge.

"I can't drive and living in Ongar, where the public transport is terrible, means I rely on him."

Mr Cant added: "I am moving out of this house because of it.

"I need to be closer to family in London now that I can't do as many things for myself."

County councillor John Aldridge, cabinet member for adults social care, said: "New legislation introduced by the Department for Transport in April 2012 sets out the revised guidelines for the issue of Blue Badges to applicants that meet the automatic criteria or discretionary entitlement criteria.

"In the case of Mr Cant, Essex County Council's decision followed these new guidelines."

A WEEKEND of fun ended with a Brentwood cheerleading group returning home from a national competition with four trophies.

The Warwick Allstars and their coach Katie Warwick, 27, won the silverware at the United Kingdom Cheerleading Association's (UKCA) nationals in Manchester on May 18.

Miss Warwick said: "The girls were fantastic in their performance – they were confident, smiley and they had heaps of energy and enthusiasm.

"We all had an absolutely fantastic weekend and I'd say this was definitely the best year yet.

"The whole trip was a resounding success. The children were amazing and I am incredibly proud."

Miss Warwick, of Padhams Green, set up her group in 2008 after a cash injection from Brentwood Borough Council.

She said: "The girls worked very hard for this latest competition and have even been having extra practices without me.

"The competition involved thousands of groups and I'm so pleased with how well they did.

"Yet we go primarily to have fun and they just try their best – we make the competition into a trip and this year we went to Drayton Manor Theme Park as a reward for all their hard work on our way back from the competition.

"We all had a brilliant time."

There are 20 girls in the competing squad and although there are currently no male members they are welcome to join.

The members are aged six to 16 but Miss Warwick said that she will teach people of all ages and no experience is necessary.

Miss Warwick, who trained at UKCA, said: "There are wide benefits from cheerleading – fitness, confidence, team building and making friends.

"They also learn to trust each other and develop skills in dance and acrobatics amongst others.

"It changes their attitude towards each other and I hope it goes back into the school playground.

"The schools support the girls and recognise it's a massive achievement."

She added: "We have children from all different schools in Brentwood as well as one from Romford and one from Grays."

The group meets twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Brentwood Hard Court Tennis Club in Childerditch Lane.

Miss Warwick said: "We used to split the ages but now they are all together and it works really well.

"We had a mums group which was really good fun.

"Parents also come along to the performances and competitions – this weekend we had 30 going up."

The classes are charged by term each costing £100 working out as £9 for two hours of training.

Miss Warwick added: "In the summer we have a camp which lasts for a week from 9am until 4pm each day.

"We have lots of different coaches and they try different types of dance as well as cheerleading."

The camp which usually takes place at the end of July costs £120.

Warwick Allstars can be seen performing next at the Brentwood Strawberry Fair on Saturday, June 22.

Persons of any age or ability who are interested in joining the Warwick Allstars should contact Miss Warwick for more information by e-mailing her at warwickallstars@yahoo.com or calling 07595666208.

HUNDREDS of walkers put their best foot forward for an annual event raising money for groups and charities in Billericay.

The Fun Walk took place at Barleylands Farm, Barleylands Road, on May 19.

Nearly 900 people entered one of two walks – a three mile route taking in the public footpath around Crays Hill or a shorter walk around the farm suitable for toddlers, families and the disabled.

Representatives of local charities and voluntary groups were also on hand in a barn to talk about their work and offer activities and goods to raise money.

Gateway FM broadcast live from the walk, which was led off by Billericay town crier Jim Shrubb.

The bonus pot sponsors, who add to the overall fundraising total the charities raise, contributed around £45,000 this year.

These groups included Swan Housing Association, NYSE Euronext, c2c Rail Ltd, Veolia Environmental Services, Hallmark Care Homes, Toomey Motors, Bellway Homes, Barratt Homes, Selex ES Ltd, IFE Global Logistics and Barrie Stone as well as others.

Last year the walk raised over £100,000 and although the total is yet to be calculated this year, it is thought to be as much if not more due to the record number of walkers.

The event, which is now in its 11th year, was founded by John Baron, the MP for Basildon and Billericay.

Mr Baron said: "We had a great day with a barn full of stalls, more walkers than ever before, a fantastic barbecue, medals, certificates and even sunshine.

"My thanks go to our family of volunteers, the bonus pot sponsors, the marshals, police and Barleylands Farm for all their help and support.

"It was a fantastic team effort which was rewarded by a generous public.

"Over 100 charities and projects have benefited as a result."

He added: "Charities and projects raise money themselves through sponsorship and in addition I have asked generous companies and individuals to put money into the bonus pot.

"Last year it accounted for 60 per cent of all money raised.

"I am very excited that we have been granted charity status – the walk has grown and it still has tremendous potential."

Mr Baron explained why he originally started the walk: "I believe that the role of MPs should be proactive as well as reactive.

"We should use the position to get out in the community and do good like a lot of other people do and we are very lucky in Essex as there is such a strong charity and voluntary ethos and lots of good causes.

"I thought, well why not establish a walk to help them.

"The big charities find it easier to raise money than the smaller community ones."

There will be a presentation with the bonus charities at 6pm on September 13 at Anisha Grange Care Home, in Outwood Common Road.

DEAN HOLDSWORTH has revealed he has already been in touch with some "very high-profile managers" as he sets about building his Chelmsford City squad.

Holdsworth held a meeting with several City players on Tuesday night as he begins to make plans for the new season, having been appointed as the Clarets boss last week on a two-year deal.

None of the players who featured under Glenn Pennyfather last term are currently signed up for 2013/14, and a number of players have already left the club.

Stuart Searle, Jamie Slabber, Kenny Clark, Max Cornhill and David Bridges have all moved on, but Holdsworth is looking to merge what he already has at his disposal with some new faces.

He made his first signing yesterday, bringing in former Southend and Barnet left-sided player Nicky Nicolau.

And Holdsworth told the Chronicle: "I will look to freshen things up, bring some good experienced players who've played at a higher level.

"It's early days regarding recruitment of players who might come out on loan because it's only the end of May.

"But come pre-season there will be players who will want to come out and play and the clubs will be looking to get them experience.

"I will use my contacts, I've already been in contact with two or three very high-profile managers and made them aware of where I am and what we want to do."

The 44-year-old had been out of work since leaving Aldershot in February, but he is relishing the chance to get going at Melbourne Stadium. "I'm looking forward to pre-season now," he added. "I really am. I'm planning already, I'm planning sessions, games.

"But first and foremost I need to get my staff and my squad in place so it's going to be a busy time.

"There's lots of conversations and meetings to be had.

"It's a new fresh challenge for me and I'm excited by it.

"I do see the potential at Chelmsford.

"The way it's been described to me is that it's going to be a work in progress over the next two to three years for the club.

"The budget has been set which is going to be where the club are. I don't think it's going to be a promotion-challenging budget but we'll work together on that and hopefully put a good squad together."

Pennyfather left the club after a fourth play-off semi-final defeat in five years, and Holdsworth is keen to ensure he replicates what he did at Newport and win promotion to the Conference – and he believes that, long-term, his new charges could emulate Newport and get into the Football League.

"I think long-term everyone should have that ambition to get in there," he said.

"We've got to take small steps but there's nothing wrong with having ambition.

"There's some very, very good people at the club.

"I've known them from my days at Newport and managing there. When I had a meeting with Mansell I knew they would look at me and say 'can you, over a period of two or three years, take us where we want to be?' – and that's out of the Conference South and that will be our ambition."

Holdsworth's task next season may not be an easy one, with several big clubs in the Conference South – and he admits he cannot compete with some of them financially.

"I've already found out that I'm competing against some very large football clubs in this division and financially backed because I've been speaking to players who I've not been able to get already.

"That'll be our challenge but I still know there's a lot of good players out there who will want to join Chelmsford because of the manager and the football club and I think that's a great asset for the club.

"We had to build something from scratch at Newport. We're much more advanced than that here.

"I'll bring a lot of experience from those three years at Newport with me and they'll stand me in a great stead for it.

"We're going to do it together."

CHELMSFORD BOWLING CLUB claimed a top win in the England bowling competition.

Chelmsford A's first preliminary round match was at Burnham Hillside BC B.

In the Two Bowl Singles Chelmsford's Tony Collings was beaten 17-12 by Peter Whiting. Next to finish was the Four Bowl Singles, with Chelmsford's champion Graham Robson winning 21–10 in fine style against Brian Clayton. The Chelmsford win was followed by another excellent victory by Roger Jones, Barry Colbourne, Steve Edwards and skip Martyn Gardner in the fours, 26–10.

Fred Dowding skipped Chelmsford's Triples outfit to another win, 19–16, to clinch the match.

The pairs match involving Ray Walker and Terry Little ended at 20 ends, with the Chelmsford duo leading 21–18 over Sid Curtis and Greg Gladden.

Chelmsford now meet either Falcon A or Burnham Hillside A in the first round.

In the Over-55 Singles competition Gardner beat Joe Harris of Great Baddow BC 21–11.

Colbourne and Ray Keeble met Bob Pooley and Alan Hart of Stock & Buttsbury BC in the preliminary round of the over-55 Pairs and won 14–12.

Walker and Little travelled to Romford BC to meet Colin Morton and his partner, winning 20–15. Chelmsford met Bournemouth Park BC, Southend, in the first round of the L&SC BA Pairs competition at Southend. Walker and Little quickly got into their stride against Gary and Bob Telling. At ten ends the Chelmsford duo led 9–5, finishing at 18 ends with the Tellings conceding the match 21–10.

Graham Robson played Maldon's Geoff Gasson in the first round of the Two Bowl Singles with Gasson two shots up going into the last end but managing to restrict Robson to one shot to win 13-12.

Chelmsford A played Chelmsford B in a division two encounter in the Chelmsford and District Bowling Association (C&D BA) results.

The A's won by four shots to preserve an unbeaten league start to the season.

Chelmsford D beat Great Baddow D by a massive 25 shots overall, while PML A overcame Chelmsford C.