As British troops leave Afghanistan and end their official involvement in the conflict, plans for remembrance ceremonies and poppy appeals are being finalised across the country.

Some say the poppy should be worn from November 1, others think it should be displayed as soon as the Poppy Appeal is launched, which was on October 24 with a vigil at the Cenotaph in London.

The history of the Poppy Appeal dates back to WWI and is used today to remembers those who died during that, and subsequent conflicts.

1. Moina Michael, who was working in the YMCA Overseas War Secretaries' headquarters in New York, was the first person to wear a poppy after reading McCrae's poem, and was so moved that she wore one in remembrance just two days before the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918.

2. The significance of the flower comes from a poem In Flanders Field, by Canadian doctor, Colonel John McCrae.

3. He wrote it as he looked out over a battle field in Ypres, Belgium, in 1915 where poppies were the first thing that begun to grow in the churned up soil after the fighting.

4. The first ever Poppy Appeal was held on November 11, 1921 after the French War Secretary, Madame Guerin, came up with the idea of selling poppies to raise money to help ex-serviceman injured in WWI.

5. Field Marshall Douglas Haig, a senior commander during WWI and a founder of the Royal British Legion, liked the idea and the newly-established group began selling poppies.

The Defence Secretary has rowed back on his comments that towns and cities along the east coast of England are being "swamped" with immigrants and their residents are "under siege".

Michael Fallon said yesterday (October 26) that migrant workers claiming benefits should be subject to some form of restrictions to stop them from dominating the local population.

With UKIP gaining its first MP in Clacton earlier this month following Douglas Carswell, David Cameron has indicated he wants to changes the principle of freedom of movement for workers within the EU as part of a renegotiation of terms.

But in a German newspaper, Chancellor Angela Merkel rejected any such move.

Tory Michael Fallon told Sky News on Sunday: "The Germans haven't seen our proposals yet and we haven't seen our proposals yet, and that's still being worked on at the moment to see what we can do to prevent whole towns and communities being swamped by huge numbers of migrants.

"In some areas of the UK, down the east coast, towns do feel under siege, with large numbers of migrant workers and people claiming benefits, and it's quite right we look at that."

Today he retracted the comments when he told Radio 5 live he "misspoke" and had "used words I wouldn't normally have used".

Chelmsford and Essex are largely beautiful places - but there are some locations which can let the side down.

With notable urban sprawl, the 60s appeared to bring about, although other decades can't be excused.

Take a look at our picks below and let us know if there are any other worthy entrants

Marrable House, Great Baddow

The five storey office block in Great Baddow was once labelled THE ugliest building in Essex, and no wonder why. The glass fronted exterior does nothing to lessen its reputation as an eyesore and it has lain derelict for almost a decade. Plans are afoot to tear it down and replace it with flats

Miami Hotel, Chelmsford

A cornerstone of the Miami Roundabout, the hotel looks as though it's seen better days, although it's location, set back from a busy roundabout, doesn't help.

Cater House, Chelmsford

The grey office block, above what now constitutes Morrisons, is currently undergoing conversion to flats, It stands tall over Chelmsford High Street, but the shoppers below it may not be as appreciative.

High Chelmer car park, Chelmsford

What it does it matter if a place meant for leaving your cars isn't exactly a gleaming palace? Well it does if its right at the front of the city centre, with a thriving market below and a popular shopping centre

Salvation Army building at the Odeon roundabout

Although not aesthetically ugly, the bright shiny metallic exterior can be off putting if you're headed around the roundabout on a particularly sunny day. It also seems to stretch on forever.

Terminus House, Harlow

Another concrete eyesore. The nine storey building sits above a car park in Terminus Street in Harlow and is available for commercial use. Its height means it can also be seen from space, apparently.

Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall, University of Essex

Prince Charles compared the £6m building as a 'dustbin' while speaking to soldiers inside the building during a visit in 2008. It's round stainless steel structure is thought to have attracted his opprobrium.

Any we've missed? Let us know in the comment box below or on Facebook and Twitter

A teenager's jaw was broken after he was attacked outside CTZN nightclub in Chelmsford city centre.

The 18-year-old, from Braintree, was punched in the face at 12.30am on October 18, while on the outside terraced smoking area of the nightclub at the bottom of Springfield Road. 

The victim was wearing a grey jumper draped over his shoulders at the time of the attack

The smoking area is believed to have been busy at the time. Police are looking for anyone who may have witnessed a disagreement or the assault itself to contact Dc Tim Ashworth at Chelmsford CID on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

TWO men have been arrested over a brawl in Braintree High Street earlier this month.

Both men are from Witham and were arrested on October 22 on suspicion of GBH with intent in connection with the fight which started inside newly opened Bar Sport and spilled out on to the High Street at around 12.40am on October 12.

The men, aged 20 and 27, have been released on bail pending further enquiries until January 8 and 9, 2015, respectively.

Braintree High Street was closed for most of the next day while forensic officers examined the area for clues.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Braintree CID on 101.

Police searching for missing 16-year-old girl Courtney Anderson have extended their hunt to also looking for a 24-year-old man.

Officers are also trying to find Luke Ratcliffe who has been found with Courtney on previous occasions.

Courtney has been missing from her home in Norfolk Drive, in the Melbourne area of Chelmsford, since Friday, October 17. She is described as white, around 5ft 2ins tall and has very long brown straight hair.

She has not been in contact with her family since leaving home.

Inspector Paul Morton, of Chelmsford Police, said: "We are concerned for Courtney 's safety and her family are worried about her.

"We believe she may be with Luke in the Barking or Forest Gate area.

"I would urge anyone who may have seen her or who knows where she is to get in contact with Essex Police on 101 as soon as possible."

Police were called to Duke Street in Chelmsford this afternoon over fears that a man might harm himself.

The Essex Police helicopter was also called above the scene at around 2.45pm to help in the search for the man, who is in his 40s.

27/10 1500hrs - #Chelmsford, #Essex - Search in relation to a concern for welfare. Identified areas cleared. Enquiries ongoing.

— NPAS_Boreham (@NPAS_Boreham) October 27, 2014

Enquiries are ongoing.

CHELMSFORD RFC returned to winning ways at the weekend with a hard fought 33-26 win over a committed and strong running Saffron Walden side in London Two North East.

There was a lot more urgency about Chelmsford's play, especially around the base of the scrum and with an impressive set piece display in both the scrummage and line out they dominated the first half to take a 28 – 6 lead, scoring 4 tries, however, the visitors applied the pressure themselves in the 2^nd half and the home side were thankful to hang on at the end after some shaky moments.

Fly half Simon Hoult had a chance to put Chelmsford ahead in the first minute when Walden were penalised, but he narrowly missed from 45 metres out, however, several minutes later, centre, Craig Wooldridge, who was a threat all game with some telling runs, made a great break and flanker Chris Hoult was on hand to score wide out and with Simon Hoult converting the try, Chelmsford took a 7 – 0 lead. 

Five minutes later Chelmsford were penalised for not rolling away from a tackle near to their line and the Saffron Walden full back reduced the arrears to 7 – 3.

With the slope and wind in their favour Chelmsford began to exert pressure on their opponents, particularly in the scrums and constantly drove the opposition pack backwards. A series of scrums near to Walden's line resulted in a penalty try to Chelmsford and with Hoult converting, Chelmsford increased their lead to 14 – 3. Just minutes later, Chelmsford were on the score sheet again when Walden lost possession from their own lineout and second row Nick Sany was on hand to pick up the loose ball and score a further try, converted once again by Hoult. With Chelmsford leading by 21 – 3, Saffron Walden then kicked a further penalty goal to make it 21 – 6 after the home side were caught offside in the centre.

Saffron Walden's cause was not helped as they lost both their No 8 and one of their second rows to injury and then Chelmsford suffered a blow when hooker Seth Robinson who had been playing exceptionally well, had to be helped from the field with a calf injury. This resulted in Matt Lincoln coming on and skipper Paul Redford going to hooker. Just before half time, Chelmsford scored their crucial 4^th try when Walden were penalised for being offside near to their line and pressure from the scrum, saw number 8, Simon Quinn, score a try, which was duly converted by Hoult.

Whilst a 28 – 6 half time lead appeared to be a comfortable margin, Chelmsford knew they could not take anything for granted and this proved to be the case. Two early penalties for holding on in the tackle and for off side saw the deficit cut to 28 – 12, but Chelmsford then increased their lead once again following a poor clearance kick from Walden after the restart following the second penalty. The ball went straight to wing Jamie Morrish and he broke through the central midfield defence to fall just short of the line, but with substitute prop Dean Lester in support, he pounced on the ball to score an uncoverted try to take the home side into a 33 – 12 lead.

With Saffron Walden being one of the best attacking sides in this league, orchestrated by their talented full back and fly half, they gradually applied some pressure on Chelmsford, even though for the majority of the game Chelmsford's defence held firm and they put in some strong tackles, they seemed vulnerable to the counter attack when Walden ran the ball from deep and it came as no surprise when the visitors scored after 15 minutes when they put together some good phases after a clearance kick from the home side failed to find touch. The score was now 33 – 19 and shortly afterwards Chelmsford could count themselves lucky when a certain try seemed on the cards, but number 8, Simon Quinn somehow wrestled the ball from the opposition's hands to relieve the pressure. 

The visitors were now throwing caution to the wind and running the ball at every opportunity stretching the home side's cover defence to the limit. With the clock ticking down Walden ran the ball from their own 22 metre line and scored a great try with some good inter passing amongst their backs and this was converted to bring the score to 33 – 26. The final two minutes saw Chelmsford close out the game, much to the relief of coach Eddie Gooby and the sizeable home crowd, to gain a valuable bonus point victory to take them to within two points of the leaders, Norwich.

Eddie Gooby praised both sides after the game by saying: "this was a game for the supporters and not the coaches. It had everything, pace, power, skill and intensity in the contact area by two teams that wanted to play rugby. My reaction at full time was one of relief and frustration with the team leading at half time 28-6. We knew that Saffron Walden would throw the ball around and play loose rugby, and that all we had to do was play tight rugby and stick to our patterns of play. 

"We talked about this at half time and then went against everything that we were doing on the training pitch. Saffron Walden are the best counter attacking team in the league and we tried to play them at their own game and came off second best and as a result nearly lost the game. If we are serious about staying in the top 3 this year, we have to become more ruthless when we have teams on the back foot instead of allowing them back into game."

This coming weekend sees Chelmsford travel to bottom of the table, Old Cooperians, the kick off is at 2.30pm.

Emergency services rushed to the city council car park in Parkway today in a bid to free a pensioner, who became trapped between two parked cars.

The victim, in his 70s appeared to have encountered the sticky situation while trying to leave his car at the facility, close to Moulsham Street, at about 11am today (October 27).

Two fire engines, three ambulances and an ambulance response car were called to the scene. Firefighters used airbags and he was eventually freed by 11.40am.

An ambulance spokesman said: "The patient was stuck trying to get out of the car with his leg stuck and the car door open.

"It appears he tried to get out and has fallen over."

He said he did not need hospital treatment.

A Writtle man has appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court charged with the robbery of a taxi driver in Chelmsford.

Billy Leftwich, of Ongar Road, is accused of taking money and a sat nav during the incident, alleged to have taken place in Writtle Road on April 19 this year.

He pleaded not guilty at today's hearing.

The 29-year-old was unreleased on unconditional bail ahead of a trial on March 2 next year.

CHELMSFORD City will host Sky Bet League Two side Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup first round proper if they get past Barnet in tomorrow night's (Tuesday's) fourth round qualifying replay.

The Clarets put in a fantastic performance at Melbourne Park on Saturday to draw 0-0 with the Conference Premier's Bees, and now know their potential opponents in the next round in Wanderers, a side with plenty of FA Cup history.

A BODYBUILDER who was told she might never lift a weight again after nearly dying in childbirth has won an international fitness trophy.

Jenna Thompson's journey from emergency hospital theatre bed to the podium is largely down to trainer Anita Albrecht, herself no stranger to the world of strict diets, podium posing and fake tan.

The 33-year-old, from Great Totham, picked up third place in the Yummy Mummy class at the Miami Pro UK Championships, held last week in St Albans.

Jenna's ambition to pick up one of the major prizes in the international bodybuilding and fitness circuit was almost over when she suffered a horrific injury while giving birth to her first daughter, Emilia, in September last year.

"Basically I had a fourth degree tear along my perineum, there was a hell of a lot of blood," said Jenna, who has been training with Anita at A.P.T Studio in Warley for three years.

"The first thing I remember was that there were five doctors around in a panic. I don't remember much after that; I just went into shock and had to be operated on straight away.

"I don't know how much blood I lost but it was pints. I was in labour for two days.

"They rushed me to theatre and after that I was put in the hands of a colorectal specialist. I was really lucky that he was there at the time."

'Absolutely devastated'

Jenna was told not to even lift Emilia, who weighed eight-pounds, for at least three months and was kept at Broomfield Hospital for four days before being allowed to go home.

The half-Irish and half-Egyptian hairdresser was then given even more heart-breaking news when doctors told her that her dream of competitive bodybuilding was never likely ro come true.

She said: "I was absolutely devastated when I was told I wouldn't be able to lift weights again but if anything, it made me even more determined.

"I thought there is no way I'm not going to compete again. I was determined I was going to do it – even if it killed me."

Between February and April, Jenna started on the long road to being able to lift even small weights and spent regular sessions at Anita's gym in Firsgrove Road.

Jenna said: "There were times when I thought I couldn't do it, and there were times that I cried thinking I was never going to get there.

"But I did everything Anita told me to do; I just believed I was going to get a trophy but there is no way I could have done it without her."

It was when she was called in third place that both her relief – and Anita's – became evident. She said: "It was the number one best thing I have ever experienced apart from seeing my baby for the first time.

"My dad and family struggled to understand at the beginning because you have got to be obsessed and absolutely dedicated otherwise it is not worth it. But when I won I was just so proud. My dad was there when I was rushed into the hospital theatre. He was concerned he might lose me."

A man has been fined after attempting to steal an expensive bicycle from outside Tesco in Chelmsford.

Lee Owen, 35, of Hazebrouck Road, Faversham, Kent, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court charged with stealing two bicycles, where he was fined £100, ordered to pay £10 compensation, a £20 victim surcharge and £50 costs.

It came after a suspect, dressed in a tracksuit and baseball cap, was pictured being escorted into a police car in Victoria Road outside Chelmsford Cathedral School at about 3pm on Thursday (October 16).

The suspect was seen and followed as he took a bike from outside Tesco supermarket.

CROWDS of shoppers were treated to a taste of Chinese culture when they visited Chelmsford this weekend.

High Chelmer Shopping Centre was the location for the first-ever Symbols of Jiangsu Cultural Bazaar, which saw beautiful works of oriental art on display.

The exhibition showcased the incredible skills of Chinese craftsmen, including masters of gold foil, brocade, red porcelain and lacquer techniques, just a week after politicians signed an historic trade deal with the province.

Mick McDonagh, centre manager at High Chelmer, said: "It was a beautiful spectacle, an incredible visual spectacle, the artistry and the skills associated with all the artisans was exceptional.

"It was absolutely fantastic and a true union of culture and commercial interest.

"The hope is that this partnership will lead to a greater synergy between Essex and Jiangsu in terms of creativity and international trade and personally I would love it to be a catalyst for us to review our own cultural traditions and celebrate them to a similar standard."

The artists showcased their skills from a specially commissioned traditional stage in the Central Square in High Chelmer.

Hundreds of people stopped over the three-day festival to see the artwork and watch demonstrations of calligraphy, Chinese painting and even a silk weaving presentation from the designer responsible for the ceremonial robes worn by China's Emperor.

And those shoppers particularly taken with the displays could even purchase one of the unique pieces of artistry, with prices ranging from a bargain £9, to a rather eye-watering £9,000.

For Mr McDonagh, who is also president of the Chelmsford Town Twinning Association, the cementing of the two cultures was something he has been aspiring to for some time.

"We wouldn't hesitate to want to hold it again, it was fantastic. My objective was to try and get a commercial aspect of the twinning relationship, with the cultural relationship; it's been an aspiration of mine for many years," he added.

The bazaar was a joint venture between Jiangsu Provincial People's Government in partnership with Essex County Council, and co-hosted by Phoenix Publishing & Media Group, China's biggest publishing company, which has set up a UK HQ in Basildon.

Cultural bazaars are popular in China and often held on market days. The locals will come together to trade or enjoy the rich culture and creativity of artists.

It comes a week after the Chronicle reported the historic partnership officially reached between the Chinese province, and Essex, after a visit from the governor of Jiangsu, Li Xueyong.

The East of England Jiangsu Joint Committee Agreement will see members meeting once a year to arrange joint projects between Jiangsu and Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk, focusing on trade, investment, education, culture and tourism.

A WOMAN appointed MBE for her tireless devotion to charity said she had "a huge fuss made of her" as she celebrated hitting triple figures.

Friends, family and even pupils and the head teacher of Chelmsford County High School for Girls were at Lawns Nursing Home, in Springfield, to wish 100-year-old Phyllis Cass a happy birthday.

Born in Chelmsford on September 29, 1914, the youngest of four girls, Phyllis was educated at the girls' grammar school on Broomfield Road and remains one of their most notable alumni.

Head teacher Nicole Chapman said: "It was a delight to see Phyllis' reaction when she met our students, as she was genuinely interested in talking to them and seemed to have such fond memories of her own school days."

"It was an honour for the school to be able to join in the celebrations."

Just 24 when war broke out over Europe for the second time, Phyllis joined the Women's Royal Naval Service during the conflict, helping bring those injured or at risk on the continent to the UK.

"The things I saw during the war were awful," said Phyllis. "They did, however, make me appreciate everything I had."

Later dedicating herself to the Essex branch of the Red Cross and becoming county secretary, she was awarded the MBE in 1974 for her services to charity.

After her birthday celebrations, where she received a telegram from the Queen, Ms Cass said: "I had a huge fuss made of me all day long. The best thing of all was my delicious birthday cake, which was a fruit cake with a cream layer on top.

"I've been very lucky to have had such a happy life. I went to a lovely school and had a great career.

"And I'll never forget the brilliant friends I made over the years."

Also joining Phyllis, who has never married or had children, at her birthday celebrations were her nephew George Lyall, from Danbury, and his son Malcolm.

He told the Chronicle: "Whenever anybody meets Phyllis, they always tell me about what a great woman she is. She's got a brilliant sense of humour and doesn't ever have a bad word to say about anyone.

"When my son told her that we were celebrating her 100th birthday, she refused to believe him. She's definitely still young at heart."

Chocolate superpower Cadbury has announced that they will no longer be making their famous chocolate coins wrapped in gold or silver foil.

The bombshell was dropped when the company responded to a customer enquiry on Twitter by saying: "Chocolate coins have been discontinued however we have lots of other chocolatey treats to try."

The news was met with shock and outrage on social media. It is trending on Facebook and an online petition was even launched to reverse the confectionary company's decision.

Cadbury have said that the decision has been made because the coins were not as profitable as other products because they could not market them in the Cadbury purple.

A spokesperson for the company also told the Telegraph that shoppers have switched to cheaper, own-branded versions that are available at low-cost supermarkets such as Aldi and Lidl, causing sales to decline.

The spokesperson added: "We are sorry to see the coins go, but that's business."

Cadbury was established in Birmingham in 1824 but was bought by US company Kraft Foods for £11.5 billion in 2010.

The acquisition faced widespread disapproval from the UK public who were dismayed at the prospect of an iconic British institution falling into American hands.

Last year Kraft split into two companies, with the confectionery business taking the name of Mondelēz International, of which Cadbury is now a subsidiary.

Motorists are advised to avoid the A130 junction with the A127 at Rettendon as police have closed all approaches.

Police were contacted at 7.50am by a passing motorist who reported seeing the object.

Officers attended and have closed all approaching roads as a precaution while they wait for experts from Colchester Army barracks to attend.

Road closures: A127 at jct A129, Sadlers Farm to A130, A13 underpass to Sadlers Farm, A130 Southend bound at #Rettendon

— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) October 28, 2014

A new thriller series starring James Nesbitt, Frances O'Connor and Tcheky Karyo is set to come to our screens tonight

The Missing will comprise eight hour-long episodes and be aired on BBC One.

The series will follow Tony, played by James Nesbitt, on his search to find his missing child, which threatens his marriage to Emily, played by Frances O'Connor.

Julien, a French police detective played by Tcheky Karyo (Goldeneye, The Patriot), who launched the initial search for the child, also cannot shake the small belief that he may still be alive.

Nesbitt, O'Connor and Karyo are joined by an international cast including Jason Flemyng (Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button), Ken Stott (The Hobbit trilogy, Rebus), Arsher Ali (Four Lions, The Guilty) and Titus De Voogd (Steve + Sky, Any Way The Wind Blows).

The drama was written by Harry and Jack Williams and is being directed by Tom Shankland (Ripper Street).

Charlie Pattinson, Executive Producer for New Pictures, said: "Harry and Jack Williams have created a wonderfully complex and mature emotional thriller and I am delighted that New Pictures' first series highlights their work. It's great that two writers who are new to long-form drama have attracted such an exciting, high-calibre cast."

Polly Hill, BBC Head of Independent Drama, said: "We are pleased to announce such an exciting cast that brings together the best of British and French actors, led by James Nesbitt, Frances O'Connor and Tcheky Karyo, in this powerful new drama for BBC One." 

Police are lifting the road closures to the A130 southbound as it has been established that a suspected grenade is in fact an imitation. 

Experts from the Colchester Army barracks were called to the scene after a member of the public spotted the suspicious object during the rush hour this morning (October 28).

Motorists had been advised to avoid the A130 junction with the A127 at Rettendon as police had closed all approaches.

Congestion should start to ease.