EIGHT students at St John Payne are beginning the Oxbridge application process in a bid to gain coveted places next year.

Joe Jefferies, 17, is aiming to study Economics and Management at Oxford.

"I first started to seriously consider this as an option after getting my AS results," he said.

"We have had a couple of assemblies about applying to Oxbridge so I decided to give it a go."

Claire White, 17, said: "I've been on the gifted and talented register since Year 10, and I also went on a day trip to Cambridge University early on with my sister who was thinking of applying.

"I want to do English Literature and as Cambridge is world renowned for the subject I thought why not give it a go."

Both Joe and Claire are making open applications to the respective universities. This is when you do not choose a specific college but allow the college which has spaces or is attracted by your application to pick you.

Joe said: "I decided this way I had the best chance. All our applications go in a large pool and staff from the colleges sift through and then decide who they like and want to interview."

In contrast 17-year-old Ellen Clark-Romain has applied to a specific Oxford college, Merton, to read law. She will have to take extra tests and undergo interviews to secure an offer.

She said: "Like Joe I was encouraged to apply after getting my AS results in January.

"I also attended a day at the Law Society and was told there that an Oxford degree may give me the edge when it comes to securing a training contract."

A ROMFORD firm has been named Responsible Small Business of the Year, an award for companies with a turnover of less than £300 million, at Business in the Community's annual Responsible Business Awards.

Lakehouse, a support services provider, was founded in 1988 by Chief Executive Steve Rawlings, and operated from a house in Wanstead, east London, during its early days.

It now employs over 600 people with its head office in Romford home to around 70 staff.

It specialises in construction and maintenance in the social housing, education, health and public buildings sectors.

Lakehouse received the award for its investment in sustainability, which has underpinned its growth in the past six years.

The company was recognised by judges for putting sustainability and responsibility at the core of how it approaches relationships with clients, its supply chain, and the local community.

Lakehouse has improved the employability of hundreds of young, homeless or unemployed people in London.

The awards ceremony, which was attended by Prime Minister David Cameron, included CEOs of some of the UK's biggest brands, and representatives from government, charity groups and community organisations.

Stephen Howard, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: "Lakehouse is a small company making a big impact in the community.

"In a relatively short time, Lakehouse founder Steve Rawlings has built a profitable, successful business with responsible practice at its core.

"From investing in community projects and providing training for hundreds of young people to helping some of our hardest to reach individuals into employment, Lakehouse is an inspiring example of responsible business in action.

"They are a deserving winner of the Santander Responsible Small Business of the Year and a great example to others of business as a force for good."

Jonathan Brookes, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Lakehouse, said: "Sustainability is key to our growth strategy and the way we work as an organisation.

"We recognise the importance of investing in the communities we work in and taking the time to support local people.

"This award is a fantastic recognition of our achievements."

TRAFFIC lights could be about to return to an infamous junction in Brentwood – more than 26 years after they were replaced by a dual mini-roundabout.

The staggered crossroads of Wilson's Corner at the juncture of Ingrave Road, the High Street, Ongar Road and Shenfield Road has been the bane of motorists' morning commute or afternoon school run for years.

The current system was installed in June 1987 after traffic signals were removed to improve traffic flow.

But despite there being more cars on the roads today, a Brentwood Borough Council highways panel has recommended the lights return at an estimated cost of £250,000.

Its report says improvements in technology and changes to traffic flow means "any proposal to reintroduce traffic signals at the junction should not be judged based on the efficiency of the previous system."

Funding for the £300,000 scheme would come from the planning deal struck over the new William Hunter Way development.

In a meeting at the town hall this month the panel agreed to a £5,000 traffic study.

A study of the Personal Injury Collision (PIC) data from June 2007 to the end of May last year revealed 18 personal injury collisions and 21 casualties, including one serious injury.

The report also showed:

33% of the PIC's occurred on a wet or damp road surface

38% happened at night

33% involved pedestrians

22% involved two-wheeled vehicles

Using these figures the panel used Department for Transport guidance to estimate that including "damage-only" bumps there had been around 320 collisions in the area – more than one a week.

Councillor Keith Parker is chair of Brentwood's Local Highways Panel which operates with an annual £449,876 budget. He said it was time Wilson's Corner was reviewed.

"There's always been things in the grapevine for Wilson's Corner. The prospect of doing something has been there for some time," he said.

"The main problem is there are so many people who don't understand roundabouts in general whether they are double or not.

"If no one gets in the wrong lane then there's no problem but people do make mistakes.

Mr Parker stressed the feasibility study regarding the return of the lights is part of a larger plan to garner information to enable improvements to roads across the county.

"There's going to be a lot of changes and Essex County Council know they've got a job on their hands," he added.

"I can't see any options other than three as far as I'm concerned: the status quo, traffic lights or a single roundabout.

"The money's there on paper but unless William Hunter Way moves forward it won't be released."

Liberal Democrat borough and county councillor David Kendall, who sits on the panel, said: "I've still some concerns as to whether the return of the traffic lights is the right solution and I'm waiting for all the options to come in."

An Essex County Council spokesman confirmed the site has been identified for a casualty reduction scheme.

He said: "The panel has approved the request from the Essex Highways Road Safety Team to commission a feasibility study at the junction of (Wilson's Corner) to assess if traffic signals could be re-introduced to improve road safety at this key junction.

"This junction was previously controlled by traffic signals but these were removed around 25 years ago with the intention of improving traffic flow."

"A RIVER of raw sewage" is how a dance teacher described an unwanted water feature in her garden after a sewer leak left foul-smelling fluid floating through her flower beds.

Nina Edwards, 31, and Chris Head, 52, were hoping to enjoy the sunny weather last weekend at their home in Western Road, Brentwood, but on Saturday night a leaking manhole put paid to their plans.

To make matters worse the couple say they were left unsure where to turn when water companies continually "passed the buck" and left the sewage to fester for 48 hours.

Miss Edwards says her frustrations peaked when employees of Thames Water and Anglian Water showed her contrasting maps putting the property outside of their patch.

"It was just raw sewage – toilet tissue and tampons – floating past our back door on to our patio," she said.

"The whole time they kept passing the buck while the sewage by the side of my house was getting worse."

Thames Water eventually agreed to clear the raw sewage and disinfect the patio, yet the sewer itself remains damaged with the waste being pumped away from residents' homes by a tanker.

"When they were clearing up the mess a lady from Thames drove past and noticed the trucks outside our house.

"The first thing she said to them was 'you guys shouldn't be working here' – right in front of me.

"So it's been cleared up but the job hasn't actually been completed. The blockage is still there.

"We've heard so many different stories I don't know what to believe from either company. The job keeps bouncing back between them."

A spokesman for Anglian Water apologised for the confusion and said: "Although people living in Western Road are Thames Water customers, the blockage that caused this problem is in the sewer under Ongar Road which is owned by us.

"The pipe under Ongar Road has become blocked by a build-up of fat as a result of people pouring fat and oil from cooking into the drains.

"We are working to clear the pipe and will put it on to a regular programme of jetting to try and prevent this happening again."

A spokesman for Thames Water added: "We are sorry for any confusion that was caused and will be working with Anglian Water to get this problem sorted."

YOUNG Tommy Mann's future was looking desperate just 12 months ago – unable to read and write at the age of 11, any chances of leading a fulfilled life were rapidly disappearing.

He had dropped so far behind at his school in Harlow that life beyond the school gates was looking bleak.

But Tommy, now 12, has discovered a new confidence and is blossoming in lessons thanks to a residential special school in Billericay that can trace its history back to Sir Francis Bacon.

The Essex County Council-run school caters for 72 boys, aged 11 to 16, who have exhibited severe behaviour and many of whom have been expelled from mainstream school.

Tommy is one of 37 weekly boarders at Ramsden Hall who are now being given a real chance to succeed thanks to a dedicated team of teachers led by Yvonne Gooudge, a former prison probation officer who before joining 17 years ago had been responsible for sex offenders and murderers.

Tommy, speaking quietly while clutching Yvonne's hand, said: "I couldn't read and write before I came here but now I'm doing much better.

"The teachers really help me a lot and there are lots of activities. I like it. I am doing a lot better here than I when I was in school.

"I am really excited about every time I leave home at the weekend, to go to board but I am excited about going home as well."

The school, set in 14.5 acres of grounds near Ramsden Heath, almost doubled its total capacity to 72 in 2009 following a £2.9 million expansion.

Among those who have left the school to plough their own furrow is 16-year-old Dan Swan.

After taking his GCSEs he is now furthering his education at an apprenticeship being run by Action Learning at a farm nearby.

Dan, originally from Benfleet, had his last day at the school last Wednesday when there was in inter-school sports day between Ramsden Hall, Cedar Hall in Benfleet, St Nicholas in Southend and Castledon in Wickford.

He said: "Ramsden Hall is so much better than normal mainstream school, it boosts confidence apart from anything else.

"The teachers here are completely different. They give you more time. The teachers in mainstream don't have time for everyone all the time. It can be really difficult."

Yvonne, 54, said: "That is one of the reasons behind their frustration and is where their challenging behaviour has come from.

"Understandably, those who have been thrown out of mainstream school feel they are failures.

"The challenge is that when they come here we need to tell them they are not failures, but they have many opportunities and they need to take responsibility for their own behaviour and learning and that we are here to support them.

"What happens quite often is that even when they leave us they maintain contact with us so they can talk through problems they may encounter later on.

"We base the ethos of the school on students and staff treating each other with a mutual respect.

"They are normal kids who have been given a label.

"They are very proud of this place because for the first time they are seriously achieving. They might arrive with behavioural issues but they leave here well-rounded individuals."

For just the third time since 1985 Ramsden Hall failed to win the overall prize at the sports day – that was taken by Cedar Hall, but it was the reaction from the Ramsden Hall boys that most pleased Yvonne.

She added: "They were very worthy winners and the boys from Ramsden Hall saw that and stood up and shook all their hands. We are very proud of them."

Yvonne's experience in the criminal justice system laid stark how a lack of education can lead to ruined lives.

She said: "I was dealing with people with life sentences for murder – a lot of the time they were victims of poor schooling and education.

"We are trying to change all that before it gets to that stage – I want to get them early.

"But it is so fulfilling – It's the best job in the world."

A CHURCH became a hub for model railway enthusiasts across the county last Saturday to raise funds for much-needed repairs.

Hobbyists from seven clubs came together at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Brentwood, to contribute to the exhibition of model layouts based on fictional, historical, and contemporary railway lines.

And with the church rooms full to capacity with nearly 20 meticulous displays, the event drew hundreds of fans, ranging from the lifetime enthusiast to the simply curious.

Father Colin Hewitt said: "It is hoped the event will raise funds to improve our stonework which desperately needs repair, and also pay for a new audio system, as the one we currently have keeps failing during visits, and we've been quoted £20,000 for a new one.

"That said this isn't just about the money but about bringing the community together, and allowing some people who haven't been inside the church before to have a look around."

The layouts on show for visitors to enjoy demonstrated painstaking work, with one member of the Epping Circle Model Railway Club taking years to ensure his layout of a line near the Surrey / Sussex border was perfectly to scale.

"When people ask how long it has taken I often say ten years with an eight and a half year gap," said creator Colin Wilson.

"You can't buy tracks to this scale so it all has to be done by hand, and the wheels re-gauged to ensure it can run along smoothly.

"But after I'd finished the track I couldn't decide on the setting until I was on a day trip somewhere and it suddenly came to me, and then I had to make sure every fence, and every building was just right."

Contributions were also made by clubs from Romford, Basildon, Burnham on Crouch, Epping, Mid-Essex, Shoeburyness and the event organisers from Chelmsford and District Model Railway Club who displayed their epic 'War and Peace', a full-scale model of Rolvenden Station as it would have been in the 1940s.

"We've had people come up and look at the display who would have seen or used the railway line at that time and say it brings back so many memories for them, which is the point of it all really," said club secretary, Robin French, whose wife Pat was responsible for much of the work behind the layout.

"I've been with the club for five or six years now, I'd said to my wife I was interested in looking round some of the different Essex groups but I got home one day to find she'd signed us up."

But for some enthusiasts the hobby was a little newer, with students from Moulsham High School in Chelmsford arriving with their own 'Moulsham Mill' layout, the result of many months of meetings at an after-school club each Wednesday.

"I've had a model railway in my bedroom since I was six years old so I thought joining a club would be a great idea," said 12-year-old, George Mayo.

"I really liked Design and Technology classes, and just having the chance to build things which is why I really enjoy model railways," added Jake Smith, also 12.

The students, who had been supported with donations and advice from members of the Chelmsford Model Club, were hailed by their teacher Steve Halls as "our future engineers" as they operated and checked their ongoing project.

And for those simply young at heart there was even a working scale model of a steam engine which puffed under the church pulpit along its tracks – a surprise addition to the popular event.

"All the clubs here today have agreed to waive their usual travel expenses to maximise the amount of money we've managed to raise which we are so grateful for," added Mr French.

"On top of that Dapol have contributed a model train worth around £117 for the raffle, Hornby has given us a complete train set, and two model railway magazines have donated a yearly subscription which I was just gobsmacked about.

"People have been so generous."

YARN bombing, poetry readings and live music are being enjoyed alongside the more traditional elements of the Billericay Art Trail and there is still lots to look forward to.

The town has been transformed into an exhibition once again and this time round there are a record number of artists, poets and performers taking part.

The trail has been running since Thursday and will continue until tomorrow. It is taking place in the town's shops and businesses and also in artists' homes.

To add to the celebrations there has been poetry and music as well as flags, bunting and giant cut-outs decorating the streets.

Chairman Harvey Bradley said: "It's been fantastic – the weather has helped too.

"We've had some really good pieces and lots of visitors, many more than last year.

"The yarn bombing, crochet and knitting around street furniture, has created quite a bit of interest."

Music from a New Orleans brass band and Creole food were enjoyed on Saturday at St Mary Magdalen Church triangle, the space between the High Street and Chapel Street.

Speaking of the music Mr Bradley said: "They were very good performing out in the street and it was quite unusual.

"There was a nice atmosphere as they played into the summer's night."

A Literary Arts Evening also took place on Saturday night with authors' readings, storytelling and poetry, featuring local author Elizabeth Lord amongst other celebrated artists.

"Those who attended were keen to come back again next year," added Mr Bradley.

Around 100 artists are taking part in the trail, across venues in the High Street and around town including at the cafe in Lake Meadows.

Mr Bradley said: "We have had more young artists this year and also some more established ones.

"Dezadie and Matt Humberstone have given a younger feel with their art."

Speaking of this year's festival he added: "We have had people from far afield as the trail has got a name for itself."

Wooden cut-outs of people advertising the trail in the triangle have also proved to be a very popular addition to the festival.

Mr Bradley, who is showcasing his own porcelain artwork, added: "We have had some people posing alongside each other and interacting with them.

"My work is in Masons the butchers and people have been enjoying it."

There is still more to come for the final days of the festival including a second Arts Evening on Saturday July 20 at 7:30pm and celebratory service on Sunday July 21 at 5:30pm. Both events will be held at St Mary Magdalen Church in the High Street.

On top of this, for the first year, wannabe artists will also be able to have a go at some art-related activities in a Big Draw with Mark Lewis and Peter Webb in Norsey Wood on Saturday July 20 from 10am.

For more information on additional events and attractions during the trail visit www.billericayarttrail.co.uk

A COMPETITION believed to be the first of its kind in the country, which tested pupils' abilities to be concise and informative, was held in Brentwood.

Teams of three to five youngsters aged 11 and 12 from six schools took up the challenge of the Pecha-Kucha contest which is a style of fast, precise electronic presentation.

Their theme was My First Year and in just under six minutes they had to present to the judges a précis of their experiences as new secondary school students.

Sponsored by a local business, the contest was won by the team from Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School who received a digital projector.

It was donated by Paul Rolison, chief executive officer of Yellowspring Business IT Solutions, who explained: "Pecha-Kucha is a presentation style that was invented in 2003 by a group of architects who believed that presenters were taking too long to talk about over-complicated slides.

"A Pecha-Kucha presentation consists of 20 images each of which automatically progresses to the next slide after 20 seconds. It is a real skill to be able to match your verbal presentation to the collection of images.

"It's a bit of fun which has really got the children thinking hard about the best images to use to describe their experiences during their first year of secondary school, as well as the speech that they will use on the night."

Organised by the Brentwood Curriculum Leaders Group and held at Becket Keys school, the contest saw teams from the host school being awarded second place and Shenfield High School third.

A team from St Martins, Brentwood County High and Beauchamps School in Wickford shared fourth place in the competition.

A NEWFOUND daredevil who took on a 13,000ft skydive is looking for her next hair-raising challenge to raise funds for a heartfelt cause.

Alice Hughes, who is an apprentice in the finance department of Basildon Council, leapt from the sky to raise money for a charity that provides wheelchairs and support for disabled children.

Miss Hughes, 21, of Stock Road, Billericay, took on the challenge to support Whizz-Kidz and raised nearly £1,000 for the charity in the five-month build-up to the sky-dive.

The former Billericay School pupil took on the feat on July 6 in Maidstone, Kent. She jumped from a plane at just under 13,000ft, free-fell to 5,000ft and then descended by parachute.

Miss Hughes said: "I wanted a new challenge and wanted to raise some money for a charity.

"I have never done anything like this before – I wanted to take it on. It was the biggest thing I've ever done."

She added: "I loved it – it was brilliant.

"Nothing can describe it and it was completely different to how I imagined it. I was nervous on the ground but in the plane the fear went away – I had to do it."

Miss Hughes, who enjoys running and yoga, also recently completed the Race for Life.

She contined: "I watched the ITV charity appeal Text Santa and saw Whizz-Kidz – I hadn't heard of them before but learnt they help disabled children get wheelchairs and give social support.

"I heard about a child who wanted to join in PE at school but couldn't – Whizz-Kidz helped him to go horse riding and encouraged him. So as well as wheelchairs they try to support children in other ways too."

She added: "I never realised how expensive specialised wheel chairs are – around £6,000 for one.

"I wanted to help in any way I could."

Miss Hughes now wishes to do more for the charity and explained that she hopes to do white water rafting next.

She added: "I didn't think I was a dare devil until I did the sky-dive."

To date, Miss Hughes has raised £902 for the charity and she explained that her family and friends have been very supportive helping her with her fundraising.

Her mother Elaine, father David, and brother Graham, 23, all came to watch her leap from the sky and Miss Hughes added that this support was very helpful.

Speaking of her daughter's brave deed, Elaine Hughes said: "She did so well with the amount she collected."

Donations can still be made to Whizz-Kidz on Alice Hughes' JustGiving page which can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/Alice-Hughes

CHELMSFORD Shotokan Karate Club has had a recent run of success competing in the Karate Union of Great Britain (KUGB) National and Regional Championships, competing in Birmingham, Reading and Chesterfield, with a number of individual successes.

Mia Hillsden is among the biggest success stories, enjoying success at all three events, but it was part of a real team effort.

First up was the KUGB National Championships at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, where the standard of competition was very high, but a number of the Chelmsford students managed to get through to the evening finals.

There, Jack Hillsden fought strong to gain a bronze medal in the Junior Men's Kumite 16-17. Next, in the Children's Blackbelt Kata, Mia Hillsden was placed second and Teah Pope came fourth.

In the Children's Team Kata, Aya Rainer, Mia Hillsden and Teah Pope produced a well-timed kata to come third.

For the Adult Team Kata, Jack Hillsden, Eric Austin-Coskry and Sharky Austin-Coskry, all of whom had been National Children Team Kata winners in the past, scored top marks to become Adult National Team Kata Champions.

A larger squad travelled to Reading and the club brought back 24 medals/trophies in both Kata and Kumite events, including nine golds.

There were so many good performances, both throughout the day and in the Finals, but special mention has to go to Mia Hillsden, who was awarded the Most Outstanding Competitor Trophy after winning both of her individual Kata and Kumite events and also won gold as part of Chelmsford's Children Team Kata.

The next road trip was to Chesterfield in July for the KUGB National Youth Championship, a competition for all students aged under 21.

Megan Naylor-Jones came third in the Girls Brown Belt Kata. In the Girls Black Belt Kata Final, Teah Pope took third and Mia Hillsden came top to win gold. Mia then made it a double gold with a win in the Girls 10-11 Kumite,

Chelmsford's final category was the Children's Team Kata. Back in May the team had been placed third at National level but this time Aya, Mia and Teah produced an outstanding performance to become National Youth Champions 2013.

Sensei Dot Naylor said: "The KUGB is the largest single style Karate Association in Great Britain so to do so well in these competitions has been a tremendous achievement for both the Club and our students."

Chelmsford Shotokan Karate Club have been established since 1967 and train at Dovedales Sports Centre and Anglia Ruskin University.

For more information please phone Jane on 07973 672663 or visit www.chelmsford- karate.co.uk

MALDON'S Museum of Power was overrun by classic camper vans and vintage stalls last Sunday, bringing together the essence of a family festival.

The museum, based in Langford, near Maldon, had a variety of trade stands, clothing and food stalls, live music and performances.

Up to 2,000 people turned up to see the unique camper vans and cars along with the museum's own crowd-pleaser, Marshall the Lilleshall triple expansion steam pump.

Manager of the museum, Susan Hastings-Herbert, said: "The day was a phenomenal success. We were glad to have hosted the day and we are hoping to add the event to our calendar next year.

"We hadn't planned for that many visitors so it was a nice surprise to see everyone turn up. The day offered something for everyone – that's why I think it was such a success."

But it wasn't all fun for Susan, the night before some food and drink stalls pulled out of the event which required her to roll up her sleeves and create her own tea stand.

"When we were stuck for refreshments I knew I could help out so I decided to do a tea stall – it's all part of the job.

"We do these events because they can benefit the museum, it's really hard to keep it running and we always need extra volunteers to help out. It's very satisfying work knowing that you're keeping history alive," said Susan.

Visitors enjoyed the beer tent and owners of some of the vintage camper vans gave impromptu talks about the mechanics of their retro vehicles.

Event organiser Steven Cooper said: "It was a fantastic day at one of the best venues in Essex.

"We like the idea that we are staying true to the original idea of a festival – which means people getting together to have a good time and make some friends. It was a great family day."

The Museum of Power is located in the former Southend Waterworks Langford Pumping Station in Langford, and has a collection which ranges from a working overhead machine shop to a petrol-powered iron.

THOUSANDS of people in Chelmsford will remember the day The Queen visited County Hall in July 1988.

But maybe none quite as distinctly as Chelmsford's town crier, Tony Appleton, who was guarded by a policewoman during the entire visit.

Tony, 76, who was renowned for gatecrashing events to get his picture taken with famous people, was on the force's radar as being a potential threat to The Queen's safety.

He said: "I remember the day all too well, crowds of people everywhere, and yes, I did get to see The Queen. The thing is, it is quite interesting, because she came whilst I was in my heyday.

"The police came round my house the day before, it was right over the top.

"They were worried I was going to jump out in front of The Queen to get her picture, but I would never have done a thing like that," added Tony, who has amassed pictures of himself with thousands of celebrities over the years.

"I remember when I got into town a policewoman was following me the whole day.

"I was standing next to The Wine Cellar on Duke Street when she came by, but the police hired a private detective to follow me the whole day.

"They even had a special police briefing and gave me the code name of "Alpha Man" so that people could be on the lookout for me. The Queen went by so quickly and left quickly but I still saw her walk past me."

It is 25 years since the Queen's visit to Chelmsford when she opened the extension of Essex County Council's main County Hall building on July 27, 1988.

Thousands lined the streets as she paraded through the city with the former Chelmsford Mayor Phillip Firth and the county council's chairman at the time, Councillor Bill Dixon Smith, before Her Majesty unveiled a plaque which is now on view on a wall in the County Hall atrium.

"It was very special – I will never forget it," said Mr Firth, 77, of Lucas Avenue, Chelmsford. "The Queen decided on the lunch menu and special wines for the menu, and I even sat next to the Duke for lunch. As we were about to go the Duke said 'where's my pint of ale'? – and he took it in with him.

"The Queen was very relaxed and I enjoyed her company. After lunch we went for a walk and there were lots of people, a lot of children with roses.

"She didn't miss a single one, she went to absolutely every child.

"I remember one little boy called out 'ere, you are Queenie'. He was so young he didn't know who he was speaking to.

"It was probably the best year one could possibly ever have – magic."

At the time of The Queen's visit, County Hall housed the Register Office as well as Chelmsford Library.

Her Majesty's visit that day also included a service in Chelmsford Cathedral to mark the centenary of the grant of Chelmsford Borough's Charter and lunch at Shire Hall.

The Queen, alluding to cricket, announced: "This year Chelmsford is celebrating the centenary of the granting of its borough charter and next year the county council, at present 99 not out, will enjoy its own centenary.

"Jointly you will have achieved a rare feat, a double-century partnership.

"What a happy coincidence that the completion of this elegant new extension should fall at such a time."

In the same week as the County Hall visit, Her Majesty also attended the wedding of her godson, and son of her cousin Princess Alexandra, James Ogilvy, to Julia Rawlinson, in Saffron Walden. They married at the Church of St Mary the Virgin on Saturday, July 30.

A COMMUNITY foundation is celebrating a milestone in its history after giving away £20million to worthy causes across Essex.

Essex Community Foundation (ECF) has been distributing grants from charitable people in Essex to voluntary and community organisations for the past 17 years.

ECF is now the second largest community foundation in the country, managing an endowed fund of around £25million, with 93 named charitable funds supporting more than 5,000 groups.

A Chelmsford-based group which has benefited from the money is Families InFocus (Essex).

The charity provides holistic support to 800 different families each year who have children up to 19-years-old with disabilities and special needs.

They were one of the first groups to receive an ECF grant back in 1996.

Rachel Ellis, CEO of Families InFocus (Essex), said: "We need £250,000 a year to keep going, so the money which has come to us through ECF makes a huge difference.

"If we were not here to provide services to the families who need our support, they would be devastated. We understand the distressing emotions, frustrations and challenges that parents and carers face when bringing up their special child."

The idea of the foundation came after co-founder Ian Marks, whose family own the Trebor sweet making business, heard of similar schemes in America, and he is now ECF's president.

ECF, based in New London Road, Chelmsford, celebrated with a small ceremony and cake, and are determined to continue to support Essex communities.

Remembering the early days, Mr Marks, said: "When we launched in 1996 most people had never heard of a community foundation, but their response was positive and this encouraged us to have big ambitions.

"In that first year we distributed £69,150 to 24 local voluntary organisations.

"To have now distributed £20million pounds is such an achievement and is thanks to everyone who has supported or worked with the foundation over the past 17 years.

"I am so proud, but there is still so much more to do."

Bob Reitemeier, chief executive of ECF, added: "We are truly delighted to have reached the remarkable milestone of £20million given in grants.

"This achievement has been made possible by the outstanding generosity of the people of Essex and the hard work and dedication of ECF's staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters.

"Individuals, families and businesses have, through ECF, discovered the feel-good factor involved in giving"

ABOUT 200 people braved the heatwave for a fundraising fun day at Shelley Primary School

A total of £529 was raised at the event on Sunday, which will go towards the school, pre-school and children's centre as well as funding a new barbecue to be used at future events.

The event was organised by the "Shelley Stars", a combination of Shelley Primary School, Bright Stars Preschool and Little Star Children Centre, who are all based at the school.

Claire Spearman, manager of Bright Stars, helped to organise the event. She said: "It was a good day and we were helped out by lots of volunteers this year.

"About 200 people turned up, which is a little less than usual, but it was still a good day. Maybe the hot weather meant people didn't have the energy.

"We had loads to offer and the barbecue food was excellent – it was supplied by the local Butchers Hockings.

"We had a sweet tree with hundreds of sweets on it and people had to guess how many sweets were on it.

"We also had lots of tombolas, and raffles with plenty of prizes and giveaways to be won.

"A lot of local businesses pitched in with coupons and prizes. The Epping Ongar Railway donated a free family day out."

The Shelley Funday was held between 12 and 3pm at the school playing fields, off Milton Crescent.

BUSINESS people from across Mid Essex celebrated the end of Farleigh Hospice's £50 challenge on Monday.

The challenge began back in February when 58 businesses received their crisp £50 notes and pledged to turn it into as much money as possible in aid of local families affected by life limiting illnesses.

Fundraising activities ranged from a nude calendar, an amateur boxing night, a roller skating marathon, and even a car wash by a guy in hot pants.

A total of six awards were given out at a prestigious presentation dinner at Boreham House on July 15.

Most Innovative Fundraising Activity went to Fisk Fire Group who used the £50 for a job advertisement. Their project was a restaurant in Billericay, materials and equipment were donated to them by their suppliers and they completed it and made £1,200.

Best Team Work went to Benton Hall Golf and Country Club, who raised £2,100, and activities included a Longest Day of Golf which started at 4am.

The Most Daring Challenge was awarded to Louise from Tambourine PR & Marketing who made £600 and went shark diving in South Africa.

Louise said: "I paid for the trip and dive myself, so all of the money raised could go to Farleigh Hospice.

"Apparently I was the best screamer of all the divers.

"The dive seems to have really captured everyone's imaginations and I have received so much generous support from clients, friends and family, my gym Xpect and Holmwood House School.

"I have even received anonymous donations from people who heard me on Chelmsford radio."

The £50 Challenge Award went to staff at RG Ford who compiled a company cookbook with recipes from all the staff and made £2,809.

Top Fundraiser went to Santander for raising £8,020, and The Boreham House Award went to Essex Business Womens Network for their nude calendar.

A HOSPICE for children will benefit from a year of fundraising from Sainsbury's in Brentwood after being chosen by its customers as its local charity.

Staff at Sainsbury's in William Hunter Way are now hoping to raise more than £7,000 for Little Havens Hospice throughout its year-long calendar of fundraising events, which starts with two fancy dress days on August 2 and 3.

In return for a donation to the hospice, which cares for children with life-limiting illnesses, the team will be swapping their usual Sainsbury's uniforms and coming to work in a variety of colourful costumes including Disney characters and super heroes.

Other fundraising ideas include a quiz night, additional in store collections, bag packing and four of the team are even planning on taking the plunge in a sponsored skydive.

Little Havens community fundraiser Peter Hall said: "We are delighted that Sainsbury's in Brentwood is supporting Little Havens as its Charity of the Year once again.

"The staff did an amazing job last time around which was matched by the overwhelming generosity of their customers.

"On behalf of all the children and their families that we care for, we would like to thank Darren and his team at the store for their support – and of course their customers who will also be helping to raise funds for Little Havens.

"We look forward to working with Sainsbury's in Brentwood over the coming year in support of their fundraising."

Little Havens Hospice relies on the support of the community to be able to provide respite breaks, symptom control and end-of-life care for children from across Essex living with a life-limiting illness and their families.

The Brentwood store, on William Hunter Way, has a history of successful fundraising for charities across Essex.

It has already raised £6,660 for Little Havens in 2011/12 and last year generated £4,381.96 for Saint Francis Hospice.

Sainsbury's manager Darren Scott said: "We are delighted to once again be able to raise funds for such a worthy local cause."

A BRENTWOOD school has raised more than £2,000 for charity after being inspired by one of its Year 6 pupils who has Type 1 diabetes.

St Thomas' of Canterbury Junior School adopted Diabetes UK as its charity for the school year after school house captain Joshua McCarthy, from Warley, made a presentation about his condition.

The 11-year-old Joshua was diagnosed when he was five and, along with others at the school, has spent the year fundraising, organising events such as fairs and collections.

On Monday the final total of £2,051.97 was unveiled and handed over by Joshua. He said: "I am so pleased that we have managed to raise so much money for a charity which does so much for people like me and my family.

"Although I do everything I want to, my dream would be for a cure to be found for diabetes. I really hope this money can help a little bit."

Head teacher Dean Moran said: "At the beginning of the school year the children voted for their preferred charity and we were very pleased to be supporting the fantastic work associated with Diabetes UK.

"I am very proud of how they have set about not only meeting their target but exceeding it as well. Whether it be planning to raise money or asking people to part with money, the children have done this with a sense of determination and a smile on their faces."

A BRAND new all-weather 3G football pitch which has been built on a school's grounds but will be open to the local community too is open for action.

Moulsham High School held a Football Tournament and Family Fun Day to celebrate the completion of its new £325,000 facility. And to add to the excitement the school has been given the go-ahead to build a new sports pavilion close to the pitch.

The Fun Day included tournaments between the school's partner club youth teams – Galleywood Youth FC, Writtle Minors and Springfield Juniors – as well as teams made up of former Moulsham students competing against the school's staff and partner club veterans versus celebrity ex-players from Chelsea.

Mark Farmer, head teacher, said: "We look forward to supporting the development of local talent and local clubs and building on our relationships with all our hirers. We would like to thank the Football Foundation, Essex FA, the local community and the local clubs that have supported the school from the initial planning stages through to the completion of the new pitches."

The flood-lit pitch is constructed from third generation synthetic grass composed of quartz sand and rubber granules. It has been scientifically developed to be durable, safe and impact absorbent.

The school's pupils are impressed. Imogen Riches, 15, said: "It's great. We can now train all year round and really improve as a team."

Classmate Hannah Mold, 15, said: "I think it is really nice to have something like this to use for training and matches."

The pitch's layout allows the full-size pitch to be utilised for 11- and 9-a-side matches or three smaller pitches that can be separated by netting for 7-a-side matches and training sessions.

A viewing area has been provided alongside the pitch and work on the new sports pavilion building is scheduled to start before the end of the year.

A SCULPTOR from Great Totham is immortalising a war hero who won a Victoria Cross to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

John Doubleday, 65, has undertaken a year-long project to create a life-size statue of Private Herbert Columbine, who won the highest decoration for military valour for the bravery he showed fighting off a German attack in Hervilly, France.

The bronze sculpture of Herbert will be erected in Walton-on-the-Naze on August 2, 2014, and his war medals, including the Victoria Cross, were handed over to Chelmsford Museum in Moulsham Street on Tuesday.

Mr Doubleday said: "These are the people that we should all remember. They gave the most any human can give. It thrills me to think that for years to come people will walk past this statue and they will see Herbert.

"It's a fitting way to remember someone that truly made a difference. I know it's been 100 years but he should never be forgotten."

The statue of Herbert George Columbine will be the only sculpture erected in 2014, and he is the only private being immortalised in this way.

"I wanted to represent Herbert the way that he should be remembered, standing valiantly.

"Although he was only a private he made the ultimate sacrifice, and these are the people that should be remembered," said Mr Doubleday.

Michael Turner, of the Columbine Statue fund, said: "It's the only statue to commemorate a soldier in this way, and the people of Essex should be proud.

" I've been campaigning for this for a long time and we should all be proud of a fantastic man."

Mr Doubleday has previously sculpted Nelson Mandela, The Beatles and has painted Lord Mountbatten, but the Herbert Columbine sculpture holds a special place in his heart because his uncle, Donald Dean, was in the very same regiment – the 9th Squadron, the Machine Gun Corps.

"My uncle fought alongside Herbert and they faced unimaginable horrors, knowing my uncle gave me a great insight into Herbert and the type of man that he was.

"To me it doesn't matter if I'm doing a very personal project like this one or any other project, I try to approach every sculpture the same way, you take people as you find them and you just try to be as accurate as possible.

"I try to get inside the character, and create a truly truthful resemblance," said John.

Herbert George Columbine was born on November 28, 1893 in Chelsea, London, son of Herbert and Emma Columbine. Herbert's father was killed in the Boer War leaving Emma alone after the war, and in 1900 Herbert moved to Walton and joined the army in 1911 aged just 14.

Alone, and from an exposed position, Columbine held off wave after wave of Germans in their last-ditch onslaught at Hervilly Wood, France, in March 1918, firing continuously for four hours before he was killed by an aircraft bomb.

During the action it is reported that Herbert acknowledged that defending the area was a job for one man.

He is said to have told the two remaining members of his unit to get away. Despite being bombed on either side, he kept firing his gun, inflicting losses, until he was killed by a bomb dropped from an enemy plane.

Dr PGC Atkinson, who was a witness to Herbert's bravery said at the time: "The heroic fight of Columbine was not without its value, for the way in which he delayed the enemy attack gave us time to consolidate our position in the immediate neighbourhood, and when the enemy attacked, they found that the four hours stand by this one man had put the German's plans hopelessly out of gear so far as capture of that series of positions was concerned.

"The comrades of the dead hero speak highly of him."

Captain MacAndrews, commanding 9th MG Squadron, wrote in a letter to Herbert's mother Emma: "In your loss of such a gallant son, you have the very deepest sympathy of everyone in this squadron, where he used to be so extremely popular.

"We all sincerely trust that your great sorrow may be to some extent lessened by your pride of his noble death, so noble that the King has honoured him with the very highest award."

Although £41,000 has been raised by the Columbine statue fund, it is still in need of a further £11,000 to complete the project, please contact the fund on 01255 677088 to donate.