BRENTWOOD'S specialist bookshop that caters for younger readers has been marking the start of the biggest ever campaign for bookshops with a launch party.

Books Are My Bag was celebrated at the Chicken and Frog bookshop in Ongar Road on Saturday, September 14, and is a nationwide campaign to celebrate bookshops.

The event is a collaboration between publishers, bookshops and authors and is the biggest ever promotion of bookshops.

Even now 56 per cent of all book buying decisions are made by consumers in a bookshop and high street bookshops – 40 per cent of books are bought in bookshops

Natasha Radford, owner of Chicken and Frog, said: "It went really well, we were very busy throughout the day. There were lots of kids and there was lots of cake and jelly."

Natasha said that some of the old favourites, including Enid Blyton, are still pulling in young readers

She said: We are getting busier and we have lots of regulars."

FAMILIES flocked to Wickford to revel in the colourful displays and informative tutorials of the annual kite festival.

Children made their own kites on Sunday at Wick County Park, off Tresco Way, and enjoyed watching professionals launch their craft in to the air at the free event.

About 200 people attended the seventh kite festival organised by The Friends of the Wick Country Park, who served up refreshments and held a tombola with all proceeds going towards further events at the park.

There were also classic cars on display as well as a doughnut wagon serving up fresh hot pastries.

Christine Lee, Friends of Wick Country Park secretary, said: "The day went very well – we were very surprised we had so many people as the weather forecast wasn't good and we had competition from other events.

"We had a steady flow of people coming through all afternoon and we held a competition for the best flying kite and the best decorated kite. The festival has grown each year and this has become one of our most popular events along with Paws in the Park.

"We had younger and older children and their families – they all seemed to enjoy making the kites."

For information on the many events held at Wick Country Park, visit www.friendsofthewickcountry park.co.uk

THE ukulele has not always been the most popular instrument of choice but with folk bands like Mumford and Sons topping the charts it is perhaps little surprise it has seen a resurgence of interest among pupils at Shenfield High School.

A 20-strong ukulele orchestra plays at all school concerts and at some events in the community, while a practice group of 40 beginners meets once a week to learn the basics of the instrument.

Jonathan Sands, head of music at the Alexander Lane school, explained: "The ukulele is the modern day recorder as it's an ideal first instrument. You can pick one up very cheaply – they start at around £13. As it has only four strings, after a few lessons you can pick out a few tunes so feel as you have made progress.

"The group began at Shenfield about two years ago when two sixth formers came to see me after the summer holiday saying they had started playing ukulele and would like to set up a band. I put in some practising at home and we began the orchestra."

Sixth former Ciara Crane, 16, is equally enthusiastic. She said: "As soon as I heard the ukulele orchestra I knew I had to be a part of it. I went out and bought myself a ukulele and learnt the basics. It was so much easier than I thought it would be."

Charlotte O'Toole, 17, agrees: "Being part of the orchestra has given me so much confidence to perform as part of a group and as a soloist. I really enjoy the fact that we can make ukulele arrangements of any style, from pop to rock to reggae."

Such is the growing popularity of the four-stringed instrument, staff at the Alexander Lane have purchased a set of 30 so this year's intake can have whole-class lessons as part of the curriculum.

The school's orchestra plays at all the school's concerts, open evenings, and has been invited to events including a pensioners' Christmas party. It was also part of a school music tour to Paris last year.

Basing their playing on that of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, the group performs a range of modern songs with ukulele arrangements.

Mr Sands added: "The ukulele is losing its uncool image. It's a lot of fun to play."

A LOT has changed in 40 years and one Ongar Rotarian has seen it all – from allowing female members to join to ditching the dress code and allowing shorts.

Tony Moore, 80, a retired youth worker, made it a key priority to get more young members in the club, and he has just been made its president for the second time.

He told the Gazette about how it all started. He said: "I was working as a warden at Budworth Hall when I was recommended to Rotary by the treasurer.

"He told me about it and it seemed a really good thing to get involved with. Now it is nearly 40 years later and here I am.

"Rotary does so much for the community on a local and worldwide basis. We get involved with everything from local events to efforts to eradicate polio.

"The thing about being a Rotarian is that the moment you join you are part of a global community. You are automatically welcome to any Rotary meeting anywhere in the world.

"It is a very special thing to be part of something this big. We try and do as much as we can for charity but there is also the social side of things.

"We meet every Thursday at the Two Brewers in Ongar. We have a meal and a drink and it is a really sociable club.

"We have modernised over the years. The biggest change was when we allowed women to join Rotary.

"I think this was a really good thing. You get much more diversity and you can get many more members.

"We have changed a lot about what we do at meetings as well. We have a lot less speakers coming in and do far more social things.

"What I would really like is to get younger members involved. We have a reputation of being just for old people but we are far more than that.

"Having spent all of my working life as a youth worker I would really like to use my presidency to get some more members through the door.

"We have relaxed the dress code in recent years – we aren't as stuffy as some people might presume, although I am one of the dinosaurs at the club.

"The recent hot weather has led to some of us even wearing shorts," Mr Moore joked.

The Ongar Rotary Club has a busy calendar of local events, many of which aim to raise money for charity.

Mr Moore, who lives in Harlow, said: "Arthritis Research UK is my chosen charity this year. Many, many people suffer the severe pain of arthritis themselves, or have a relative who is so disabled by it that it interferes with their full enjoyment of life.

"We have lots of events coming up to raise money for this cause. A Sponsored Swim is being held at Ongar Leisure Pool on October 27 as part of Arthritis Awareness Week.

"We also have an evening with Eric Pickles coming up on November 8. We are looking forward to meeting him and it is great that a cabinet member has agreed to it."

Anyone who would like to join the Rotary Club of Ongar can call Tony Moore on 01279 415563.

A MAN who has survived two heart attacks is now leading the way to transform the NHS as a patient representative.

Trevor Fernandes, 59, of Maritime Avenue in Heybridge Basin, suffered his first heart attack in 2006 and a second in 2010.

The Harley-Davidson enthusiast has been involved with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) since 2010 and after recently attending NHS England's first annual meeting, he now aims to educate children about heart attacks and promote a seven-day-a-week NHS.

"I think that it's important that people using the NHS realise that there is someone like me out there representing their interests," he told the Chronicle.

"I've learned about what people think of the NHS and I know I can help.

"My motivation comes from the fantastic care that I received and the very possible idea that we could eradicate heart disease completely in the very near future.

"There is a fair amount of scepticism about the changes to our NHS, but I believe the Government is serious about making sure we have better outcomes by involving patients.

"Here in Essex, the Clinical Commissioning Groups have been set up to include three members of the public that will have a say and influence the range of health services delivered, and I am one of those."

A review of deaths in 14 failing hospitals this year by Sir Bruce Keogh has led to the decision that the health service must listen more to patients' views.

Mr Fernandes said: "I have spoken to Bruce Keogh and I am reassured that he wants to change the NHS for the better using patient and public engagement.

"He has some good ideas like the seven-day-a-week NHS that I will be trying to push for – this could really improve patient care and is feasible. Just think of all the expensive equipment that remains idle."

Mr Fernandes used to be an IT manager for British Airways before his retirement and thinks that education on the subject starts at school.

He said: "I'm trying to get local schools to deliver basic health education on heart attacks – speedy care can save lives and I'm engaging with a number of schools to see if the BHF can come to help educate."

He admits that his jetset lifestyle contributed to the state of his health. Late-night drinking sessions were followed by intense workouts in the gym.

Mr Fernandes suffered his first heart attack in 2006 as he left the gym, collapsing at the wheel after managing to call 999. The ambulance was able to locate his car from his phone signal.

"It was a scary time for me and my wife. I've learned to control my life now with balance and knowledge and I understand living with a heart condition thanks to the care I received," he said.

His second attack occurred in 2010 when his heart stopped while he was asleep.

Luckily, the sound of his agonal breaths – strange, gasping sounds that sometimes occur during a cardiac arrest – woke his wife Jackie. She called 999 and performed CPR until the ambulance came.

"I know that I could use the skills I learned in my career so after the fantastic advice and help I received from the BHF I thought I could help. I help organise a support group and give the people the chance to help themselves get the same solace and support," he said.

In November Trevor will be involved as a lay rep for the Care Quality Commission to review how hospitals are inspected, having previously inspected the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.

In 2010 the keen sailor embarked on a campaign to raise awareness of the lack of uptake for cardiac rehabilitation and an experienced Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse was appointed to lead developments in the service.

"The Mid Essex Trust increased funding for cardiac rehabilitation by £100,000, to develop and expand services within the district. It's fantastic that we were able to appoint a new nurse to help out in Essex," said Mr Fernandes.

In July last year, he attended a reception in Parliament to present a new report to Government, aimed at reducing the impact of cardiovascular diseases, with support from Maldon MP John Whittingdale.

ALMOST 200 vicarages throughout Essex are set to go green this month, thanks to the installation of solar panels.

The 185 vicarages have been asked to go solar to save the vicars of the Diocese of Chelmsford a total of about £35,000 a year on energy bills and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 337 tonnes.

The diocese has an extra 52 vicarages having solar panels installed in East London, which it is also responsible for, bringing the total up to 237.

One vicar who has welcomed the installation of the panels, which cost about £4,000 each, is The Rev Canon Dr Graham Hamborg, who helps train clergy and assists the vicar of St Mary's Church in Great Baddow.

Mr Hamborg, who lives in his vicarage with his wife in Colam Lane in Little Baddow, is one of the first to benefit from the renewable energy panels.

The 61-year-old said: "I welcome any attempts to use alternative energy for the environment and for economic reasons.

"I think they should save us about £300 to £400 a year.

"The residents win, the diocese wins and the environment wins."

It is not only his own vicarage in which he is happy to see solar panels, but also he hopes it will be extended further, on to churches if permission could be sought.

He said: "I would like to see all new houses have solar panels – it would put up the cost initially but it will be good if all new houses had them."

He added: "Being green is close to my heart."

The solar panel installation initiative, which was pioneered and set up by the diocese, is also part of the Church of England's Fifth Mark of Mission, to "safeguard the integrity of creation and to sustain and renew the life of the Earth".

The Diocese of Chelmsford hopes that its solar-panel-fitted vicarages' roofs will put about 0.65 megawatts of electricity back into the National Grid each year.

This is– enough to power 10,833 light bulbs which are shining at the same time, or to boil 260 kettles simultaneously.

Homes with four kilowatts' worth of solar panels on them are expected to generate a total of about 3,600 kilowatt hours of electricity a year – with the average house using around 4,800 kilowatt hours of energy a year.

In the future, it is hoped that the project could be expanded to include looking at energy-efficient lighting and panels being fitted to church halls, schools and some churches.

VOLUNTEERS came in around the clock for the annual Big Bedrock 24-hour marathon broadcast at Queen's Hospital, Romford, raising £700.

Bedrock broadcast the marathon live from their in-house studio, which has recently been modernised with the latest radio software and new mixing desks.

Bedrock is a registered charity which transmits free radio to the hospital's patients.

It receives no funding from the NHS or Government, relying entirely on fundraising to cover all costs.

Bedrock is on air 24 hours a day, providing a mix of live and pre-recorded shows throughout the week to entertain patients.

The aim is to help to relieve the effects of pain and illness and to help rehabilitate patients, and and the radio station is run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers.

Bedrock's chairman, Mathew Watson, said: "This year's Broadcast Marathon has been all about raising awareness and much-needed funds for our hospital radio service.

"We are very grateful for the support we have received from local companies and many members of the public."

For further information, call 01708 503113 or e-mail fundraising@bedrockradio.org.uk

A FORMER star of the West End musical Les Misérables is set to take centre stage at Stock Village Hall.

Gary Tushaw starred as Marius Pontmercy in 2005 and will make a special guest appearance at a musical workshop of the show on September 28.

Although he now lives in London, where he has appeared in many other mainstream productions including The Mousetrap, he hails from Billericay and is a former pupil of the Mayflower School.

The actor, who trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, has been lined up to sing hits including Marius's main song Empty Chairs At Empty Tables, talk about his time in Les Misérables and take questions from participants.

Mr Tushaw began acting at school before joining local amateur groups like the Brentwood Shakespeare Company, who perform regularly at the Brentwood Theatre.

He said: "It's great to come back home to Essex again and get involved in a show that brings me a lot of cherished memories.

"Since leaving drama school I've been lucky enough to perform in a number of wonderful productions, and many in London, and Les Misérables certainly has a special place in my heart.

"Once you've performed in a production like that, it never completely leaves you, and I'm really looking forward to sharing my experiences with people on the day.

"Currently I'm playing the role of Ted Hinton at London's oldest pub theatre, the King's Head, in a new adaptation of the Bonnie and Clyde story.

"He is the Deputy Sheriff who formed part of the posse that was on the hunt for the notorious couple, but in our version he acts as a kind of narrator and you see his journey from early affection of Bonnie in her youth to the dawning realisation that he must destroy her beauty to liberate her from the life of crime in which she has become embroiled. The production closes on September 21."

The workshop, run by Essex-based Arbutus Music, will offer people of all abilities the chance to perform many of the show's anthems including Do You Hear The People Sing?, I Dreamed A Dream and Master Of The House.

People who attend will also enjoy vocal training from Arbutus Music's experienced vocal coaches Christine Gwynn and Frances Quintrell.

Mrs Quintrell, of Jacksons Lane, Billericay, said: "We're so excited about having a true West End star in Gary joining us for part of the day.

"He brings with him a beautiful voice and the experience of playing one of the lead roles in one of the greatest musicals of all time.

"It's going to be a very special day," added Ms Gwynn, from Stapleford Tawney, near Ongar.

"Gary singing two or three songs will add a sprinkle of stardust to what's already going to be a fun-packed occasion."

Tickets cost £30, which includes tea coffee and sheet music.

The workshop is open from 10am until 4pm and booking is essential.

To book, call 01277 651970 or visit www.arbutusmusic.net

THERE'S no business like showbusiness for Brentwood's theatrical glitterati, who celebrated the 17th annual Brents in style.

The gongs are a nod to the town's actors, directors and people behind the scenes of stage comedies, dramas, musicals and tragedies over the past 12 months.

If Hollywood has its Oscars and London the Baftas, then for Brentwood the spotlight firmly shone on the town last Thursday when scores of am-dram addicts packed Brentwood Theatre for the awards.

The ceremony was compered by chairman of Brentwood Theatre Trust and Brentwood School head teacher, Ian Davies and trust president Lord Petre.

The evening began on a subdued note as the audience reflected on the life of Barrie Logan, a long-time member of the board, who died from a brain tumour in May this year.

The awards were well split this year with Shenfield Operatic Society taking three gongs, Kytes Theatre Group taking three and Brentwood Operatic Society taking two.

All three have put on regular productions over the past years and were given standout mentions for their work.

Shenfield Operatic Society's Sweeney Todd claimed best design of a musical and its cast member Louisa Byrne won best supporting actress in a musical for her role of the beggar woman in the same production.

Kerry Cooke won best performance by an actress in a musical for her role of Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd.

The best performance by an actress in a play was picked up by Kytes's Claire Hilder, for her role as Mavis in Stepping Out.

The judges said of her: "Not only could she choreograph, but she could act and dance too and the judges loved her energy in the classic dance comedy."

The best performance by an actor in a play was picked up jointly by Heads First Theatre Company's Paul Sparrowham for his role of Father Brendan Flynn in Doubt: A Parable, and Norman Arbuthnot for his part in The Last Supper performed by The College Players.

Billericay Operatic Society's Ian Southgate won best actor in a musical for his role in The Drowsy Chaperone.

The play also won the best production of a musical with the judges saying: "The Drowsy Chaperone was not a very well known show but Brentwood Operatic made it their own with a camp, witty, sparkling, fun, non-politically correct production that even had ukuleles."

The best production of a play went to The Flint Street Nativity performed by Kytes Theatre Group. "One of the funniest plays I have seen at Brentwood," said one judge. Another added: "Every cast member was believable, authentic, and understood how to combine humour and pathos."

Mark Reed, Brentwood Theatre administrator, said: "It was a wonderfully glitzy evening when all the hard work over the past 12 months was acknowledged.

"We have had so much feedback from our supporters of the awards. They had not realised what an amazing community the Brentwood Theatre is."

NOT CONTENT with spending the next year working hard on their A-level studies, a group of sixth formers wants to earn some extra cash by setting up and running their own company.

Fired up after landing an order from ferry company DFDS for their first French activity book, Horizon Languages, as the fledgling company is known, is looking to expand its range and bring out e-books and apps too.

This week the six students are taking time out of lessons at Moulsham High School in Chelmsford to talk to business advisers so they can sort out the paperwork involved with becoming a proper company.

"We were pleased by working as a Young Enterprise company last year," explained managing director David Eastham, 16.

"We were thrilled to get the support of DFDS. We did not want to just give it up as our as Young Enterprise time is over, so we decided to carry on and invest our time and energy in increasing sales and producing a wider range of products."

Young Enterprise is an annual contest in which budding entrepreneurs at schools across the county set up their own businesses to see which can turn the most profit and be crowned the winners.

Tayla Morhall, 16, came up with the idea of Pierre's Week – an A5-sized reading and activity book aimed at helping youngsters aged five-plus learn basic French vocabulary – during last year's summer holiday when she spent time helping keep her younger siblings and cousins amused.

"I came back to school with this idea and we had a brainstorming session and decided it was the best," she said.

"We each wrote a section of the book and then handed it all over to Tom, who put the design of the book together."

Tom Reader, 16, explained: "I used Microsoft Publisher to come up with cartoon animal designs which I thought would appeal to children and then designed each page based on the characters."

The company found publishers who made 250 copies and they also successfully applied for an ISBN number – an essential for any 'real' book.

Out of 50 e-mails sent out by David to various booksellers and travel companies – one responded – DFDS. He said: "I had to read the e-mail a few times before it sank in. The lady at DFDS had been part of Young Enterprise herself so understood what we were trying to do."

A CHELMSFORD man who is scared of heights and flying has raised more than £600 for an autism charity by completing a skydive.

Dave Todd, 29, and his 25-year-old fiancée Kayleigh Dean, who live in central Chelmsford, both jumped for Autism Anglia last Monday at Beccles Airfield near Lowestoft.

Mr Todd, who currently works for Essex Cares looking after vulnerable people at home, used to work for the autism charity, which provides information and support to those with autism and their families, several years ago.

While it was the first skydive for both of them, it was Mr Todd who was the most nervous.

He said: "I was really, really worried. I had to look out the window trying not to think about what I was about to do. I just sat there with my eyes shut and waited to begin falling.

"I was the first one out of the plane.

"As you begin falling, you are a bit wobbly – you start falling feet first, but then you level out.

"Your stomach goes at first when you fall out of the plane.

"It was an amazing feeling – it's not like a rollercoaster – there's nothing that can compare to that really," he said.

His fear of flying did not put him off as he only felt sick once the parachute opened.

However, while he enjoyed it, it has not banished his fear completely.

"I'm not sure I will be doing it again," he admitted.

The couple managed to raise £640 – beating their target of £600, but the pair "want to raise as much money as possible".

Mr Todd explained why he chose Autism Anglia as his chosen charity to donate to: "It's really worthy. Money is difficult to come by – they do not have many facilities. I wanted to put a little bit back."

Anna Rogers, fundraising officer for Autism Anglia, said: "We all think it's absolutely brilliant that Dave and Kayleigh completed this challenge in aid of Autism Anglia.

"For Dave to even think about doing a skydive when he's scared of even getting into an aeroplane is such an achievement.

"It wasn't the best weather conditions for them but they still did it and raised an amazing amount of money for Autism Anglia.

"We are always grateful to anyone who undertakes such a challenge to help support our work with people in our region who are affected by autism."

To donate to Dave and Kayleigh in aid of Autism Anglia, visit: www.justgiving.com/Dave AndKayleigh

KEEP off our green belt land – this is the message coming from Ongar residents who are protecting the town from a potential development of hundreds of homes.

Residents of the Shelley estate are coming together to show the town and district council that keeping Ongar green is the top of their agenda.

Paul Mendel, of Fyfield Road, said: "It could be 600 homes or so, imagine what that would do to a town this size.

"The worst of it all is that Ongar Town Council is recommending areas that are green belt. The land behind my house is fields as far as you can see.

"We need to keep Ongar green for not just our kids, but our kids' kids. They haven't given any thought, not just to the environmental damage, but the impact that many people living there will have.

"The areas that the town council are proposing to go forward for development are to either end of the High Street.

"The High Street is busy enough as it is but these new houses would put a huge strain on the infrastructure of the town."

The 47-year-old added: "I know I don't own the view behind my house, we all know that. We are just protecting land that is not right for development."

One 66-year-old Ongar resident, who lives in the house he was born in on Fyfield Road, said the development does not make sense.

John Barker said: "I am a retired geography teacher and I have lived here for decades. The areas the town council are recommending will destroy the nature of the town.

"It would create a dumbbell shaped development – two large areas of population linked by a single road through the middle.

"They have protected the areas nearer the High Street when it is these areas that make more logical sense to develop. Development is inevitable – we know that houses need to be built, but building them on the proposed areas would cripple the town.

"Ongar is a one road town, all the traffic has to go down the High Street.

"If they built parallel relief roads and houses along them you would have the infrastructure problem solved.

"The town council is recommending the worst development options possible.

"If I walk due north from my garden gate the first town I would come to is Saffron Walden – that is how green it is."

Mr Mendel is the founder member of a Facebook group called Keep Ongar Green. The group has seen a surge in popularity in recent weeks, now with nearly 400 members.

Mr Mendel said: "People in the town don't even know about this threat. We want to tell everyone and get as many people involved as possible."

A spokesman for the council said: "EFDC is working towards a new Local Plan which will guide development in Epping Forest District for the next 20 years.

"The first full consultation, called Community Choices, took place in 2012 and collected the views of almost 6,000 people and organisations.

"At least 70 per cent of respondents objected to all of the potential development sites in and around Ongar. There was slightly less objection for potential sites to the north of the A414 than there was for potential sites to the south.

"The potential options within Community Choices were not planning applications, or even pre-applications, they were only options on which the council sought the opinions

"For this reason it is highly unlikely that all of the potential options consulted on for Ongar would go forward to the next round of consultation."

Aimi Middlehurst, Ongar Town Council clerk, said: "When considering its responses to the Local Plan consultation, the council was careful to listen to all the views put to it as well as those expressed by members representing all the wards in the Ongar Town Council area."

If you wish to join Keep Ongar Green go to www.facebook.com/groups/391816714222638/ or use the short link http://bit.ly/OGKOG

FOR two days Wickford High Street will be transformed into a bustling market place with traders from France, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Holland.

The Continental Market will return to the town for the third time at the end of September.

Stall holders will be wearing traditional costumes and selling a variety of foods including Brittany biscuits, olives, Italian nougat, cheese, sausages, tartiflette, charcuterie, fresh bread, croissants and crepes.

The market will also offer a wide range of European items including hand bags and leather items, Marseille soaps, lavender, children's toys and pashminas.

The Continental Market is operated by Traditional Markets Ltd and the event is organised and funded by Basildon Council.

Olivier Simonin, market operator for Traditional Markets, said: "Most of the products on sale will come from each stall holder's region where they are produced by small organisations such as family businesses, farms or small factories using traditional methods, maintaining a high standard of quality.

"We look forward to coming back to Wickford," he added.

Dawn Warwick, owner of Bake n Cake on the High Street welcomed the new customers the market would attract but was concerned that the extra traders could provide unwelcome competition in challenging times.

She said: "The markets are good for bringing people in but I will be worried if they are selling cupcakes as they will take my business away.

"They pay a small amount to have a stall and we are struggling – they should sell different things to the shops. There are too many food places in the town and, although I sell different things to the other shops, last year the market sold cupcakes."

Tony Ball, leader of Basildon Council, was positive that the markets would improve trade in town.

He said: "We are committed to regenerating Wickford town centre and attracting more visitors and businesses into the area and this is an important part of that.

"We want Wickford to be more vibrant and to encourage new people to visit the town to do their shopping and one-off markets can help to do that. The last two markets have been magnificent, very well attended and popular with local traders.

"We had local residents, young and old, attending and it gave a genuine boost to the town centre."

Mr Ball added: "I am delighted that we can repeat the event, and on a weekend too so even more people can attend this time."

The Continental Market will be taking place on Friday, September 27 and Saturday, September 28 from 9am to 5pm. There will be free parking on the day.

For more information and a video of the markets visit www.traditionalmarket.co.uk and www.facebook.com/traditionalmarket

ONLY six months after completing its acquisition of Stansted Airport, Manchester Airports Group has announced a new agreement which will see the number of passengers increase by more than 50 per cent over the next decade.

The owners have teamed up with budget airline Ryanair to plan a long-term growth agreement which will boost passenger figures from just over 13 million a year, to nearly 21 million by 2023, with a number of new routes also being announced for summer 2014.

The substantial expansion comes just months after MAG officially took over ownership of the airport in February this year.

Ken O'Toole, MAG's chief commercial officer, said: "The new long term agreement between Ryanair and MAG at Stansted shows that competition really does work, and it represents great news for both passengers and UK businesses. The deal secures a new and exciting era for both Ryanair and Stansted, and we're delighted to be supporting the airline's growth.

"We acquired Stansted in February this year believing we could significantly expand the services on offer by competing more effectively to make the most of the airport's untapped potential and spare capacity.

"We were confident Stansted would grow if we offered great value to airlines, increased passenger choice and better services and facilities.

"This announcement, coupled with our £80m investment in the terminal, confirms that Ryanair shares our confidence, and shows how we are succeeding in transforming Stansted under new ownership. Stansted has a really bright future in providing international connectivity for the UK."

Already the airports' biggest airline, Ryanair, which flies to more than 140 destinations from Stansted, is also hoping to boost jobs and traffic at the site through a number of new routes to be added by next year.

Tickets are already on sale for flights operating in summer 2014 including to the four new destinations of Bordeaux, Dortmund, Lisbon and Rabat.

Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's chief executive, added: "Ryanair is pleased to have agreed a new ten-year growth deal at London Stansted with MAG. This deal will see our Stansted traffic grow by over 50 per cent, from 13.2m in 2012 to over 20m per annum, in return for lower costs and more efficient facilities at Stansted.

"This agreement proves how UK airports can flourish when released from the dead hand of the BAA (now Heathrow Airport Holdings) monopoly and is the first dramatic initiative by MAG to reverse seven years of decline, during which Stansted's traffic fell from 23.8m to 17.5m."

The Government's Competition Commission ruled in 2009 that BAA had to sell Stansted and two of its other UK airports and, following lengthy appeals against the decision, Manchester Airports Group acquired the site in February.

The announcement of a 50 per cent increase in through traffic does not however mean that the Stansted owners will be reconsidering plans for a second runway, as the decline in numbers under BAA has left the airport under-using its potential capacity of 35 million.

A LOVING husband who lost his wife to cancer has written a book about her journey in the hope of inspiring others.

Irene Yarrow died in March last year aged 65 after 12 years battling bowel cancer. She stayed positive against all odds.

She lived in Grange Road with her husband, John, who has published a book about her enduring positivity called Inspirational Irene from the Heart.

All proceeds will go towards Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

Mr Yarrow, 66, said: "I want to carry her inspiration on as she was totally unique – she had her cancer second and put everything and everyone else first.

"Irene was not special in the sense of being a celebrity, just a normal good-natured loving person, mother and wife.

"Irene showed us that even when confronted with the adversity of cancer, and its associated chemotherapy and drug-related side effects, she would always continue taking her medication alongside being proactive and trying anything she could to prolong her life and beat the odds.

"Irene did not let the cancer beat her; she battled for almost 13 years, which is totally unprecedented and probably a record for the UK and possibly the world."

Mrs Yarrow was first diagnosed in late 2000 with Dukes' stage B bowel cancer and later that year had surgery to remove the cancerous tissue from her colon at Basildon Hospital. She received radiotherapy and chemotherapy to try and stop the cancer returning.

The mother of one reacted badly to the treatment and her bowel began to cease working.

She was transferred to Southend Hospital Cancer Unit.

Mr Yarrow was called to the hospital in the middle of the night and advised to recall their daughter from Southampton University because Irene was deteriorating rapidly.

Mr Yarrow said: "Against all the odds Irene began to rally and her bowel function started to improve.

"She later said that it was due to her survival 'mind over matter' attitude because she wanted to see her daughter graduate in July."

Mr Yarrow said that Irene was an excellent mother to their now 32-year-old daughter, Elise.

After five years of treatment and recovery Mrs Yarrow was told she was in remission but in 2007, while in Italy on holiday with her husband, she complained of abdominal pain.

She found the cancer had spread to the opposite side of her bowel and due to the position of the tumour operating was not possible.

However, she continued with chemotherapy and radiotherapy but in 2010 tests showed the cancer had started to spread.

Mrs Yarrow died on March 9, 2012, due to heart failure as a result of the cancer.

Professor Neville Davidson, who treated Mrs Yarrow at Nuffield Hospital, Brentwood, said: "What struck me about Irene was her positive outlook throughout.

"She visited the hospital thirteen times in four years and, despite the pain and discomfort that she had to cope with, she never complained."

Mr Yarrow said his wife had an impressive job working on the London Stock Exchange Floor as a dealer for stockbrokers Rowe and Pitman and Pike and Bryant in the 1970s.

Irene was presented to the Queen because she was only one of two females allowed on the Stock Exchange Floor at that time.

She married John in 1975 in Wanstead, London, then after four years of marriage she became pregnant in 1979.

The family settled in Billericay 30 years ago.

Mrs Yarrow became involved in the Catholic Playgroup.

"She had an immense love for children and was always laughing and encouraging them," Mr Yarrow explained.

She also did charity work while she had cancer including running in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life several times. Irene also helped out at St Peter's Primary School as a teaching assistant.

Mr Yarrow will be holding a book signing with his novel at The Reading Rooms in Billericay High Street on September 28 from 9am until 5.30pm.

All proceeds of the book, priced £5.99, will go towards Helen Rollason Cancer Charity and HSBC will be matching all funds raised.

There will also be a second signing at Asda in Pipps Hill Retail Park, Miles Gray Road, Basildon, on October 26.

For more information, visit www.ireneyarrow inspirationalcancer journey.com

A LOVING husband who lost his wife to cancer has written a book about her journey in the hope of inspiring others.

Irene Yarrow died last March aged 65 after 12 years battling against bowel cancer and remained positive against all the odds.

She lived in Grange Road, Billericay, with her husband, John, who has been inspired to publish a story about her enduring positivity through the hard times called Inspirational Irene: From The Heart.

All proceeds from sales of the book will go towards the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

Mr Yarrow, 66, said: "I want to carry her inspiration on as she was totally unique – she had her cancer second and put everything else first.

"She battled for almost 13 years, which is totally unprecedented and probably a record for the UK and possibly the world."

Mrs Yarrow died on March 9, 2012, due to heart failure as a result of the cancer.

Professor Neville Davidson, who treated Mrs Yarrow at Nuffield Hospital, Brentwood, said: "What struck me about Irene was her positive outlook throughout.

"She visited the hospital thirteen times in four years and, despite the pain and discomfort that she had to cope with, she never complained."

Mr Yarrow will be holding a book signing with his novel at The Reading Rooms in Billericay High Street on September 28 from 9am until 5.30pm.

The book costs £5.99 and HSBC has agreed to match the funds raised to give to Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.

There will also be a second signing at ASDA on the Pipps Hill Retail Park in Miles Gray Road, Basildon, on October 26.

AFTER nearly 35 years of lobbying, believing and putting the work in, parish councillor Colin Thompson has seen a landfill site transformed into a beautiful nature reserve.

On Wednesday, the Moreton resident was given special recognition for his work with the renaming of the viewing mound.

The unveiling of "Colin's View" came as a complete surprise to Cllr Thompson who was attending a ceremony celebrating the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge Award.

He said: "I didn't expect it – I was dumbstruck. I knew there might be a little something but to have the plaque and a view named after me, it is amazing.

"I have been campaigning and working for this since 1979.

"It has been a long time coming. It started with a parish council meeting, discussing what to do with the site.

"Since then I have pushed and pushed, as a member of the council and as a clerk to the council, to get something done.

"When I first went down there it was so bad you could kick away the soil with your foot and find bin bags poking through.

"Eventually, Epping Forest District Council realised something had to be done and here we are today. I think it is beautiful.

"After everything has grown up and nature has taken its course it will look even better. We have got it this far, nature will do the rest of the work."

Over 5,000 trees have been planted on the site, including a Dutch Elm disease-resistant tree on the viewing mound.

The nature reserve was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge Award and the Essex Wildlife Trust (EWT) Living Landscapes Award.

Councillor Will Breare-Hall, portfolio holder for environment, and Councillor Mary Sartin, chairman of the council, revealed the plaque to residents, staff and contractors who worked on the former landfill site.

The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge award demonstrates a clear commitment to protect public access to outdoor space and to safeguard opportunities for outdoor recreation, now and forever.

It also serves to raise awareness of the importance of public open spaces for the quality of life, health, the environment and amenity.

The EWT award is given to sites which enhance wildlife and create a landscape that enables species and people to move through.

The criteria are whether the project is good for wildlife, good for people, and good for the local economy. The award was presented to Epping Forest District Council's Countrycare team.

TITLES are ten a penny these days. Any Tom, Dick or Harry can pop online and, for the price of a week's shopping, become a Lord or Lady.

The buying of titles is nothing new – however, before the invention of the internet, they were rather more expensive and were often sold at auction.

Back in October 1965, one man bought a title that would eventually absorb five years of his life. The Stanford Rivers Lord of the Manor, Harold Scott, was not a resident of the spread-out village, nor had he been there. However, he was now linked with the Essex parish in a way that would pass on through the generations.

Fast forward 48 years and the current Lord of the Manor, Mr Scott's grandson Joel Goldman, met parishioners in Stanford Rivers for the first time.

The recent meeting at the Village Hall in Toot Hill was well attended with the car park fit to burst.

Stanford Rivers Parish Councillor John Glover explained how it got to this point. He said: "In 2012 I was handed a tatty, falling apart book.

"The book was a history of Stanford Rivers and it was in much need of repair. I was fascinated by it – I set about having it reproduced for the locals.

"The book was written by the then Lord of the Manor, Harold Scott. From this point I decided to try and track down our current Lord.

"It was a chance encounter at St Margaret's Church that put me in touch with Alix Tystad, daughter of Harold Scott, and subsequently with her son Joel Goldman, the current Lord of the Manor."

When it came to the history book, published in 1974, Cllr Glover deemed it very important for the people of Stanford Rivers parish.

"It is an incredible piece of our history in itself and sheds a lot of light on our community. That is why I had it reproduced, I knew people would love a copy," he said.

Joel Goldman, who lives in London, spoke of how he was happy to be invited to the parish officially, and to meet the residents. He said: "I have been here a few times before, just passing through if I have time before getting a plane at Stansted.

"I have never really spoken to anyone here before. My grandfather was someone who definitely felt he had to work for the title, not just buy it and forget about it.

"I believe he went round to every house in the village while researching his book. He was very dedicated.

"It is a great community in Stanford Rivers and it is good to finally meet them."

Alix Tystad, Harold Scott's daughter, was also at the reception.

She said: "He felt he had to do something to deserve his title. He was an amateur historian and he spent five years of his life researching the book. I remember coming with him on a few trips."

During the reception last Thursday, the idea of creating an archive of the history of Stanford Rivers came about.

Mr Goldman offered the original research papers that his grandfather had made when he was writing the book.

The idea was met with enthusiasm from residents.

Copies of the history book can be bought from the parish council for £25.

THE Maldon Carnival organisers are already looking to the community for some new volunteers to help safeguard the event's successful return next August.

This year's carnival was a huge success drawing in crowds of up to 3,000 from far and wide, and the committee behind the biggest event in the town's calendar is urging people to come forward to make next year's even better.

Carnival chairman Simon Watkins, who is stepping down, said: "We love working for the carnival, it's a great honour for us but we do need some help.

"I think we need some new blood with a fresh view on things with new ideas that can take the carnival forwards.

"It is a fantastic, rewarding feeling to know that you can put on an event like the carnival and to see people smiling at the end can really make your day – this year I was inundated with well-wishers saying what a good job we'd done."

Back in March 2012 the Chronicle started a campaign to attract eight new volunteers, and our coverage eventually convinced people to step forward and rescue the event.

Because some committee members have left, the vacancies include chairman, chaperone, programme and sponsorship manager, procession manager and event administrator, while other volunteers are needed on the day too.

But Mr Watkins said: "We are all willing to help again with the organisation, so no-one will be left on their own, but it's important that we do attract a new crowd.

"The positions available would be best filled by enthusiastic people who want to promote the carnival.

"It's a great opportunity to meet people and see what goes into arranging an event like the famous Maldon Carnival."

The chaperone position covers the organisation of the carnival queen and her court on the day and when she visits other towns throughout the year.

A programme and sponsorship manager is needed to liaise with advertisers and produce the printed schedule.

A procession manager's role would be to arrange the route and timings whilst the event admin organiser would deal with the associated paperwork and liaising with the appropriate authorities.

"The admin role would be best filled by a dynamic young graduate who wants some first-hand experience organising events and dealing with all the things an event organiser would deal with. It would be a great achievement to stick on their CV," said Mr Watkins.

Last year's procession manager Rob Slight said: "We do have a great time working for the carnival, it's a laugh and we will all be here next year but we need some extra assistance in some areas.

"Even though it is a big event there are only a few of us that help organise it."

The role would mean attending the monthly committee meetings which start this autumn and the organisers are keen to hear from as many people as possible.

For more details, contact Rob Slight on 07929 857723 or rob@maldoncarni val.co.uk. Anyone interested should attend a meeting with the committee on Wednesday, October 9, at 7pm at the Constitutional Club, in Fambridge Road, Maldon.