AFTER her mum was told she had two months to find a new job, young Ella Few decided to take matters into her own hands.

Armed with just a pen and paper, the 14-year-old drew up a petition to stop the closure of the care home where her mum works, Middleton Manor in Maldon, and has collected nearly 150 signatures to present to the owners.

Ella, who attends Plume School, said: "My mum came home one evening really upset and I wanted to do something to help.

"I love the care home too as I've visited the residents and helped out with the parties they run, so I want it to stay open.

"I started to collect people's signatures in school and when I showed my mum it brought a tear to her eye.

"My teachers are really proud of me too and I want to present it to the managers in the future."

The schoolgirl has collected 137 signatures in two weeks and also directed fellow protesters to a Facebook page where they can find more information.

Mum Debbie, who works as a care assistant at the residential home, said: "There aren't many young people who would go out of their way to help with an issue such as this, I'm so proud of Ella.

"All the staff at the home are just gutted about the planned closure. It isn't just a job to me, it's a family and I absolutely love it."

The declaration by owners Larchwood Care at the beginning of Februrary, that the care home was no longer commercially viable and would have to close, has been met with fierce protests. Up to 40 jobs are understood to be at risk.

A group of residents and relatives came together for their second emergency meeting last Thursday to discuss a plan of action, but resident Michael McArdell fears it may be too late.

"Since the announcement 15 of our residents have already taken fright and moved somewhere else.

"I'm worried now that they'll claim there are too few of us in the home to keep it running so they've won by stealth."

However Michael, 83, maintains he is yet to receive formal notification that he must leave and will keep fighting against the proposed closure.

"Until I've received something on paper then I'm not shifting, I plan to be as awkward as possible."

A SOLICITOR is in training to raise money for a bereavement service after first losing her grandmother and now her uncle to dementia.

Clare Reed, who grew up in Brentwood and Ingatestone, said she wanted to run the Half Marathon for Havering and Brentwood Bereavement Service because it was the sort of charity she could relate her own personal experiences to.

Since 1989, the service, which has premises in Hornchurch and Brentwood, has been offering professional and confidential counselling to those struggling to come to terms with bereavement or loss.

Ms Reed's grandmother Kitty Reed died in 2003 aged 91 after suffering from Alzheimer's for a number of years, leaving behind her son John, who had always lived with her at their home in Goodmayes.

Now John, 75, is also suffering from the disease and is becoming increasingly dependent on carers.

Ms Reed, 34, who attended the Anglo European School, said: "I could tell instantly that HBBS was a unique charity, with the insight to provide a service that is a little bit different. I saw the great loss that this caused to the family and particularly to my dad and his three brothers.

"My Uncle John now has dementia and my dad and my other uncles are experiencing the same sense of loss.

"Dementia takes away the person that was once there and leaves a shell.

"As long as I can raise some money to help those suffering from this terrible disease, I will be very happy."

"The training has been pretty tough but I am really enjoying it."

THE family of a kayaker who was struck by lightning while out at sea believe that he died during a brief but violent storm off the Essex coast.

Keith Kirkum, 59, of Regents Court, Burnham, loved the outdoors and was an experienced kayaker.

On August 6, 2012, he left home between 2.30pm and 4pm with the intention of going kayaking.

But when he had not returned by 3.30am the following day, his worried partner, Charlotte Kelly, 61, phoned the police.

After a search by the coastguard, the RNLI, Essex Police and the ambulance service, a jogger came across Mr Kirkum's body on the beach at Bradwell at 5.30am.

He had suffered a heart attack after being hit by lightning.

Ms Kelly, his partner of 25 years, attended the inquest at New Bridge House in Chelmsford on Tuesday.

She told the court that the family wanted to find out if Mr Kirkum was struck by lightning during a squall.

"The squall, a sudden storm, was found to have fallen on August 6 and I was interested to see if his time of death was during this half hour," she said.

After the inquest, Ms Kelly added: "The key thing is this is part curiosity. The loss of Keith to me is more important than anything else."

Mr Kirkum's cousin, Howard, who flew from Jersey to attend the hearing, said: "I definitely will be in touch with the coastguard.

"I have to know in my own mind what the conditions were like at the time."

Ms Kelly paid tribute to her partner and said that Mr Kirkum, who helped her with her book business, was somebody with a very inquiring mind.

She said: "For me he was an absolute soulmate. That says it in one. Life has been very flat but steady. I continue to miss Keith but I'm forging ahead with life as he would have wanted."

Howard, 53, said: "Keith was like a brother to me. When I was nine I spent three years living with him and his family. They brought me up.

"Even now I can't take it in."

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said that Mr Kirkum had suffered a heart attack as a result of electrocution.

"This was a sudden and unexpected death," she said.

"It was a tragic and one-off accident."

CHELMSFORD'S oldest business has gone into administration following a downturn in trading.

Moores Jewellers, based in the Meadows Shopping Centre, called in administrators last Friday and is currently up for sale.

The business was founded in 1835 as H Chapman but was bought by the Moore family in 1996.

It will continue to trade until a new owner is found.

Administrators FRP Advisory believe the history of Moores will work in its advantage and claim that there is already a high level of interest in the business, which employs 10 people.

Joint administrator Glyn Mummery, a partner at FRP Advisory, said: "Moores Jewellers is one of the oldest local businesses in Essex.

"It has operated on the high street in Chelmsford for just shy of two centuries and enjoys a tremendous amount of goodwill and support from the local community.

"Firms with such a long tradition and distinct market position are very rare and we anticipate strong interest from prospective buyers who want to acquire a very singular business with excellent potential to capitalise on the expected turnaround in the economy."

The 178-year-old business is an authorised dealer for leading brands such as Calvin Klein, Seiko, Ted Baker, Rotary, Briel and Sekonda, and has created a good online presence for itself.

The firm moved from the High Street to the Meadows in 2011.

Owner Ken Moore, who runs the business with his two sons, did not want to comment.

According to Chelmsford City Council leader Roy Whitehead, the loss of such an established business is a "real worry".

"I think what does worry us all is the number of shops that have gone into administration in the recent months," said Mr Whitehead.

"It is something we are trying to do something about, to make Chelmsford prosperous.

"But it is very difficult for any organisation to make a difference in this economic climate.

"Chelmsford is in a better condition than most, so goodness knows what other areas are doing."

Contact FRP Advisory on 01708 458 211 or email glyn.mummery@frpadvisory.com.

A SPOKESMAN for Chelmsford City Council said: "When the courtyard area was originally opened it was intended as a dog-free space for visitors and diners.

"The council accepts that this policy has not been rigorously enforced. However, the justification for returning to its original purpose is due to a number of issues over time which have involved dogs disrupting visitors in that area."

But despite the council's claims that the cafe has always had a dog-free policy, the Huttons Courtyard Cafe website clearly states that well-behaved dogs are welcome in the courtyard on a short lead.

The spokesman continued: "Dog owners are a valued group of park users and it is for this reason that we wanted to provide a specific additional new space with seating, where pets and their owners can enjoy the facilities.

"We will monitor usage of the new area to ensure high levels of customer service are maintained."

He added that the council has received a number of positive comments regarding the new arrangements from customers saying that they liked the fact that they could now walk through to the cafe area without being pestered by dogs.

August 2012

The judge spoke out when sentencing Jason Young, 21, and Tyrell O'Donnell, 20, who stole a Fiat Stilo from a caravan park in Suffolk. During a high-speed police chase they crashed into another driver, Jackie Stretton, 25, who was left with life-changing injuries.

Young was sentenced to 16 months in prison for aggravated vehicle-taking and O'Donnell given 18 months because of a previous community order.

He said: "You will get out of prison and will get your life back but Jackie Stretton will never get over this, physically or mentally.

"It is absurd – if I just pass sentence and allow credit for your guilty pleas, because I have to – it will not be enough. It is awful. I am stuck with it because of what the law says, and I can't abide it.

"Jackie Stretton has suffered a very great deal and both defendants are in their twenties with appalling previous records.

"You deserve, both of you, to go to prison for a very long time and I greatly regret that I am restricted in what sentence I can give you because of what Parliament has decided.

"You say you are sorry and I hope that you are because the sentence I have passed is nothing like enough."

Sentencing Barry Smith, 31, a prolific burglar, to 12 months in prison. Smith escaped a four-year jail term when he plea-bargained with lawyers.

"I regard the sentence as verging on the absurd but my hands have been tied by decisions taken by the CPS with which I wholly disagree," he said at the trial's conclusion.

Sentencing Richard Heeps to four years and nine months in jail. He was found guilty of causing death by careless driving after crashing into and killing nine-year-old Michael Gibson.

Judge Hayward Smith QC said: "In my judgement this was not a case of momentary inattention – you were lucky to be charged only with causing death by careless driving."

THE Union flag flew over Chelmsford Crown Court for the first time in 20 years to celebrate the retirement of a long-serving judge.

Judge Rodger Hayward Smith QC, 70, who was known for his occasionally cutting comments, hung up his wig for the last time on Friday.

To the tune of Blaze Away, humorously reflecting the tone of comments made by him at times, Chelmsford's senior judge, Judge Charles Gratwicke, led his fellow colleagues into Court One to say farewell to Judge Hayward Smith, along with advocates, court and legal staff.

Judge Gratwicke said: "What does society hope from its criminal justice system and its judges? Justice for all, with each individual being treated equally and fairly by his fellow man. Each person entitled to expect dignity and a voice.

"And that's not dried or pedantic, it's the stuff of life and Rodger has kept those ideals close at hand in all his work both at the Bar and on the Bench."

Judge Gratwicke added that Judge Hayward Smith had always been a man of courage, compassion, honesty and justice throughout his career.

After being "called to the Bar" at Gray's Inn, London, in 1967 having officially passed his training, Judge Hayward Smith was appointed to the South East Circuit in 2002 and has been on the bench at Chelmsford for the past decade.

He also sat as a judge in the High Court's Family Division.

Peter Clark spoke on behalf of the barristers and described Judge Hayward Smith as "a proper judge".

He said: "The respect and esteem in which your honour has been held over all these years is matched by the true warmth and affection with which you are remembered as well."

Anthony Kirk QC, from 1 King's Bench Walk Chambers, referred to his friend's specialist fields of crime and family work which had encompassed his time from a junior barrister to a judge.

Mr Kirk also talked about Judge Hayward Smith's involvement with the implementation of the 1991 Children's Act – his published articles and legal publications, including Jackson's Matrimonial Finance and Taxation, which has become a standard legal text book, describing it as "a significant legacy".

He added that Judge Hayward Smith's 23 years as a judge in the Family Division was "an unrivalled record".

Chelmsford Crown Court delivery manager Susan Murphy then spoke on behalf of court staff and wished Judge Hayward Smith a happy and relaxing retirement.

In reply he spoke of his 35 happy years at the Bar and ten years on the Bench, mainly at Chelmsford.

"Chelmsford has been the icing on the cake. It's been a pleasure to work with everybody here," he said.

MUSLIMS who pledged thousands of pounds for a mosque in Brentwood are to get their money back from the pair who promised to build it.

Imam Miah Rahman and accomplice Mohammed Edoo assured donors their cash would be used to construct a Muslim temple so they would no longer have to worship in a community centre.

The duo denied breach of trust, but a judge at Central London County Court ruled against them and ordered they pay back £32,415.73 with 5 per cent compound interest to be applied from July 2008.

At the trial, which ended on Thursday, the duo were also told to pay £55,000 in costs and had their assets frozen pending repayment.

Angry donors had been left empty-handed when the proposals for the mosque were shelved two years after Rahman and Edoo had received the money, which later mysteriously vanished.

One woman had helped to collect more than £84,000 – the total donations for the project – while two doctors handed over more than £15,000. Yet when they demanded their money back, Rahman argued that the cash was intended as "gifts" and had been used for other Islamic purposes, the court heard.

The Brentwood and South East Cultural Association currently occupies a community hut owned by Brentwood Army Cadets.

Its members, mainly disaffected Muslims, still aspire to have their own place of worship.

This week, a 63-year-old known as Abdool, who helped establish the group, told the Gazette: "This pair brought darkness into the light. We are relieved that justice has been established and that something has been done so they can't con other people.

"Now we have to have time to grieve and get some closure on the matter."

The court heard that Rahman said the cash was for general work supporting Islam in and around Brentwood.

However, Judge Nigel Gerald found that Rahman and Edoo had never had the intention or ability to set up a mosque in the town.

He said: "It seems to me quite clear that these defendants hoped the claimants would cower, rather than face an imam in court.

"But the claimants were made of sterner stuff, being truly committed to the fulfilment of their article of faith."

He added that money had been donated for a specific purpose and that had not materialised.

Judge Gerald said: "It failed some time before July 14, 2008. There was no intention to successfully bid at the auction, because the money had already been spent.

"Money was raised for a specific purpose and it has been misapplied. It was a game of roulette they were playing – they lost."

A total of 13 claimants brought the case against Rahman and Edoo. All were practising Muslims living in and around Brentwood. and Billericay.

Rahman had begun campaigning to have the mosque built in October 2005, encouraging Muslims to donate money in a series of lectures and leaflets.

Worshippers were initially enthusiastic and began digging deep to contribute.

By summer of 2007, a 1.4 acre former garden centre in Pilgrims Hatch had been found as a possible location, but Mr Edoo was outbid at auction the following year.

Following a complaint by Dr Reshma Rasheed, a GP who had given £1,500, police investigated both Rahman and Edoo on suspicion of fraud, but decided against a criminal prosecution.

POLICE are hunting for the serial arsonists who set fire to five cars in a Chelmsford street over two days.

Matthew Bishop, 21, was among the victims whose cars were targeted in Thames Avenue on the Chignal estate overnight on February 19 and 20.

The postal worker from Braintree was visiting a friend in nearby Tyne Way because they planned to go into the city for a pal's 21st birthday celebrations at 8pm on Wednesday, February 20.

But 20 minutes later he noticed a bright orange light through the window and stepped outside to find his Volkswagen Golf ablaze.

He told the Chronicle: "There was a small explosion when the engine blew up which scared everyone. The car is a write-off. I am devastated to be honest.

"My car is my livelihood, I work as a supervisor in McColl's Post Office in Colchester and I need my car to take me to work every day.

"From what I heard from people around the street the arsonist was looking for someone with a Golf so I have obviously been caught up in the cross fire of something big.

"But even so, if there is something going on, it does not warrant someone's car being set on fire.

"I don't know what I am going to do now. I will probably have to take a bus to work or stay at a friend's house in Colchester."

The fire also caused damage to a VW Polo parked next to Matthew's motor.

Matthew said that there were a few people walking along the road that evening, and one man witnessed the attack.

He stayed round his friend's house, on Tyne Way, while he waited for his dad to pick him up the next day to take him back to Braintree.

The first attack was reported to police shortly before 10pm on February 19 after a silver Ford Mondeo and a black VW Golf were set alight. Firefighters attended and both vehicles were extinguished with minor damage.

The following day, after Matthew's VW Golf was set alight, causing damage to a VW Polo parked nearby, a further attempt was also made to set fire to the silver Ford Mondeo from the previous day, but the blaze failed to take hold.

Witnesses reported two men dressed in black clothing running out of the road towards the Melbourne area.

Following initial enquiries into the attack police arrested an 18-year-old Chelmsford man on suspicion of arson.

He was interviewed and released on police bail pending further enquiries to report back to officers on March 7.

Sgt Barry Atkinson said: "We have made one arrest but we believe more than one individual has been involved and would like to hear from anyone with information which might help us identify further suspects.

"We will also be carrying out further patrols in the area."

Anyone with information can contact Essex Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A DRUNK man who stole a pet chicken from a primary school as a "prank" has been ordered to pay £130 compensation because of the distress he caused the children.

Anthony Campen was caught after he posted a bleary-eyed photograph on Facebook of him and a friend clutching the bird.

The 29-year-old pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Wednesday to stealing the chicken some time between January 26 and 28 from The Bishops' C of E & RC Primary School in Beardsley Drive, Chelmsford.

Campen, of Vermeer Ride, Chelmsford, took the chicken home, stuffed it in a rucksack to take to a house party, posed for photographs with it and fed it human food, before releasing it into a field.

He was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £20 victim surcharge, but a charge of causing the chicken, which has never been found, unnecessary suffering was dropped.

After the court case Campen tweeted: "£235 for a chicken. Right, I'm off for a KFC!"

The court was told the brown chicken was stolen from the primary school where seven and eight-year-old children were looking after it for a class project about caring for animals.

The children were deeply distressed by the disappearance of the chicken, which they named Olympia because it was hatched on the first day of London 2012.

Head teacher Greg Waters told the Chronicle: "In my ten years of being a head I've never seen an issue generate so much anger.

"The children just loved that chicken and they feel violated."

A school newsletter on February 1 read: "We are very sad this week as one of our chickens has gone missing.

"If you see Olympia, please bring her back to us. She is quite tame and the children are missing her."

The school also asked parents to give money to build a more secure pen for their chickens.

A cake sale raised £100 and the children also wrote angry letters addressed to Campen.

Chairman of the magistrates, Walter Hall, told him: "Although at the time it may have been amusing to you, we've got to take into account the fact the chicken disappeared forever and the distress to the children."

Outside court Campen said: "It was a drunken prank."

He claimed he found the chicken wandering in the road and took it to a friend's house, but that later it got away and was never seen again.

He was caught after he posted a picture of the chicken in his grasp on Facebook, alongside a smiling friend.

"Why do you have a chicken?" one friend asked on the social networking site.

"We found it running down the road. Haha x," replied Campen.

Prosecutor Sharon Hall told the court that the theft had deeply distressed the children who had been caring for it.

"The children couldn't understand why someone had taken it," she said.

"It was a school project about caring for animals, looking after them and the 'needs of others' and after it was discovered missing from the coop they searched the local area."

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "Caring properly for animals is a serious issue, and failing to do so because of drunken behaviour is no excuse."

An Essex Police spokesperson added: "We are pleased that Campen has admitted this offence and that he has been ordered to pay compensation. This chicken had originally belonged to a primary school in Chelmsford and the loss of the bird caused great distress to the children.

"The chicken has never been found and it is highly unlikely it would have survived in the wild.

"Campen's actions were totally unacceptable and we hope he thinks long and hard about the upset and distress his loutish behaviour has caused."

Emma Davenport, mitigating, said Campen was "ashamed".

But on the morning of the court case, Campen tweeted: "I'm in court for theft of a protected animal – a live chicken. Can you believe that? Protected? Have you been down Tesco lately?"

The school now has a replacement for Olympia, called Cleopatra Willow Bishop, which is keeping their other chicken Pandora company.

A LIVE hand grenade which someone tried to detonate in a public park had to be blown up by bomb disposal experts.

Chelmsford City Council wardens found the device on Thursday afternoon half-a-mile into Admirals Park, Chelmsford.

The Bomb Disposal Unit from the Royal Logistics Corps sealed off the area and carried out a controlled explosion to make the grenade safe.

A resident of Beachs Drive, which is near the park, said that there had been a "terrific bang".

She said: "I did not know what it was. At first I thought that it was a gas explosion. Then I saw the bomb disposal unit and all the emergency services on my road."

The hand grenade, which was lying on the grass, was found by staff from Chelmsford City Council's park services department shortly before 2pm.

Inspector Cheryl Hayes, of Essex Police, said: "It would appear that an attempt had been made to set off the grenade but that it had failed to detonate.

"It was discovered by a council employee, lying approximately 10 feet away from a pathway in the park.

"He immediately recognised it for what it was and called the police, and we attended to then put in place cordons and await the arrival of the MOD's expert Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

"They confirmed that the device was live and carried out a controlled explosion to make it safe."

She believed the grenade had not been there for a long time as it was easy to see from the path.

"It is obviously very fortunate that the device did not explode as if it had detonated then clearly there would have been a danger to anyone who may have been at the location, including the person who tried to set it off," the inspector added.

One resident said: "It's pretty shocking to think a grenade has been found in a popular park."

Another, Sophie Anderton, tweeted: "Seeing a bomb disposal van flying through Chelmsford with its sirens going isn't what I expected to see today."

A controlled explosion was carried out at 4.20pm, but the type of grenade could not be determined and the police say they have no idea where it came from.

"At this point in time we don't know where this grenade came from," said Inspector Hayes

"But this appears to be an isolated occurrence and we have no knowledge of any similar incidents in Essex nor do we have any information on any thefts of such items.

"We do not believe there is any on-going risk to members of the public, but we obviously want to trace the person or persons who were involved in this incident as soon as possible."

Call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

HISTORY came alive at the weekend during an exhibition documenting Ramsden Bellhouse since the Roman ages.

The display, at the village hall in Church Road, has been exhibited annually for 25 years but began in the spare room of organiser Isabel Johnson, who has lived in the village all her life.

Photographs, maps, and newspaper cuttings were laid out across tables in the main hall, where visitors flicked through books about Ramsden Bellhouse, Ramsden Heath and Wickford.

"I think I have found the earliest record of the area, which was a Roman coffin – I found it in one of the reference books," said Ms Johnson, 86, of Orchard Avenue.

"I even managed to locate exactly where it was by asking a local farmer what field would have been known as Stoney Field.

"My father used to have a history book about Ramsden Bellhouse on our bookcase and because I read every book on there, even the things I shouldn't have, I became fascinated by our village's history.

"I think it is the people that fascinate me the most – I like to learn about how people used to live.

"I only wanted to show a few members of the Women's Institute the photos because they came to my house for a coffee morning, and it just grew from there.

"In the past there have been people coming from Bristol and Hastings who have connections with the village – this event used to be like a reunion for people around the country."

Ms Johnson said that one man had come to this year's exhibition on both Saturday and Sunday in the hope of meeting someone from his old school in Ramsden Bellhouse.

"He came on the first day and sat here the whole day hoping to see someone he knew, but no one came," said Ms Johnson, a former teacher at Wickford C of E Infant School.

"The next morning he came and waited a few hours and he finally saw someone he knew – it was such an emotional moment, he clutched my hands and had tears down his face.

"It makes all my hard work worthwhile for that moment.

"I only started doing all this research when I retired at 55. I have visited the Essex Record Office, people's houses and gone through the parish records to collect all this information.

"Ramsden Bellhouse nowadays is probably known for being an expensive place to live, but years ago it was full of farms – there were chicken farms, pig farms, all through the Second World War."

On the refreshment stall was Pat Sparke, 77, who moved to Ramsden Bellhouse with her husband in 1960.

She said: "My children were both born here – our whole lives have been here and looking through the photos is surreal because you suddenly see everything like it was before.

"A man I haven't seen in 18 years walked in and it took us a second to recognise each other but that is why these events are so important, it helps maintain a connection to your home."

A NIGERIAN father-of-three is opening Chelmsford's first African restaurant.

Peter Alegeh, 37, owner of Lekki Restaurant & Bar, on Railway Street, hopes to impress food enthusiasts with traditional Nigerian soups and 'moin moin' steamed puddings.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Peter explained his love of Nigerian cuisine came at a very early age in his home city of Lagos in west Nigeria.

"I started learning to cook traditional Nigerian recipes when I was nine-years-old from my mum; she was always so good at cooking," he said.

The new restaurant owner, who first came to England in 2007 after working as a contractor, continued working in the UK in PR.

He set up home with newly married Nigerian wife Amaka and kids Otse and Ayenoya in Chelmsford in 2008.

But despite living in Chelmsford, the family was forced to make regular commutes to central London to get their fix of African cuisine.

Peter said: "Going to London was the best way me and my family could experience any type of African-style atmosphere.

"So we thought that instead of travelling to London we should open an African restaurant in Chelmsford. Then people from the African community and members of the public could try a Nigerian cuisine without spending the money to get to London."

With a cuisine that differs from the national trend of Italian, American and Asian restaurants, Peter explained how he came up with the name of the restaurant.

"On the outskirts of my hometown in Lagos there is a place called Lekki. It's a very affluent and popular area for families and young people.

"I decided to name my restaurant after this because it is easily recognisable to the African community and easy to pronounce for Chelmsford residents."

The restaurant is set to open tomorrow (Friday).

Felsted Toddler Group Nearly New Sale
Foakes Hall, Great Dunmow
Sat 16 March 2013 10.30 - 12 noon

With the cost of raising children soaring and parents spending up to 58% more than a decade ago (1) it's no wonder that Mums and Dads are looking to make their pound stretch that little bit further. Essex based Felsted Toddler Group is hoping to help local parents to do just that with their Spring Nearly New Sale, being held to raise funds for the playgroup.

The twice yearly sales are great for the large community of young families in Uttlesford. Passing on items that children don't need any more helps declutter while raising some extra cash and by recycling the sellers are helping the planet too. Layla Andrews, Nearly New Sale Co-ordinator says "There is always something for sale that you need and in these times of austerity it's a great way to make the pennies go further. Volunteers who help out on the day get an even better deal with pre-sale shopping and a reduced seller rate."

This year the Mums have been busy baking and there will be a cafe to raise extra funds for the playgroup too. Homemade cakes and tea and coffee will be available to eat in or take away. Jayne Reeve who is helping with the sale this year says "Our cafe will give Dads and children somewhere to sit while Mum has a good look round all the great quality nearly new children's clothes, toys, books and nursery equipment we sell for children age 0-8yrs".

Felsted Toddler Group is also doing its bit to protect the environment by not sending paper-heavy vendors packs out to potential sellers but instead enabling people to download the information pack from its website at www.felstedtoddlergroup.co.uk. Volunteers interested in helping out on the day can contact Layla Andrews at nns@felstedtoddlergroup.co.uk or call 07948 050993.

Felsted Toddler Group is a volunteer run playgroup held on Thursday and Friday mornings throughout the year from 9.30 - 11am, in the United Reform Church on Stebbing Road in the picturesque village of Felsted. Parents and carers can come along and take time out for a chat with other grown ups while their little ones have a play. Layla Andrews continues "We are a small but friendly group, always happy to welcome new people and make friends. We are also looking for people to join our committee and really get involved too." The group's Nearly New Sales raise money to support the running of the playgroup and fund new toys, outings and events for the many local families who come along.

(1) According to the 2013 annual 'cost of a child: from cradle to college' report by insurer LV= 

THE women of Brentwood can now glam up, shake and shimmy in sultry fashion at the town's very own burlesque classes.

Getting fit and improving one's confidence are among the benefits of the risqué art form, according to Jem Ayres, who started up Burlesque Jems dance classes 18 months ago.

Miss Ayres also runs courses in Chelmsford, Basildon, Harlow and Bishop's Stortford.

The hour-long classes take place between 7.30 and 8.30pm on Fridays at the Brentwood Centre in Doddinghurst Road.

Women are invited to take part in an eight-week course where they will build confidence and their dancing skills.

Miss Ayres, 30, who has 20 years of dance experience, said: "My classes are aimed at all ages, abilities, shapes and sizes. It's a great option for women who don't want to get sweaty in the gym but want to enjoy themselves and tone up.

"However, it's more than just a dance class – in my burlesque classes women flourish."

She added: "My company is the only one that offers burlesque residential weekends in Ongar, for women who live further away. These offer a weekend of training plus food and accommodation."

Miss Ayres said that women often feel nervous before the classes but these feelings soon go away.

She added: "It gives them a chance to feel fabulous about themselves. I have over 100 women across Essex and we perform at charity events to showcase our students. On March 9 we will be performing in Harlow for International Women's Day."

Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and range in age from 18 to 72.

Miss Ayres said: "People think it's just for the young or slim, but I champion all ages and sizes.

"Lots of women say they want to try burlesque but don't want to wear certain outfits or be asked to be sexy, but I want them to be comfortable and they can wear whatever they like – most woman are in corsets and frilly knickers sooner than they expect."

The next course starts on April 5 and women can sign up at www.burlesquebelle.co.uk.

A COMMUNITY is divided over plans to build a footbridge across a section of railway where a woman was killed by a train.

Network Rail has confirmed it wants to build a bridge along footpath 89, which crosses two lengths of track running behind Shaw Crescent in Hutton.

Its aim is to install the footbridge by early 2014. The scheme is at an early stage and it plans to share the proposals with residents at a later date.

It was at the same point on the footpath, which is used by dog walkers to reach Arnold's Woods, that a 26-year-old woman was killed after being struck by a train on November 19.

Officers from British Transport Police say the incident was not treated as suspicious.

Currently the line running between Shenfield and Southend is easily accessible, with just a simple kissing gate and stile inhibiting direct access.

People walk over rubber blocks at ground level.

The plans, which have not been officially announced, have met mixed reactions from people living close by.

Nicola Smollett, 47, who has lived just a few yards from the footpath in Shaw Crescent for the past 18 years, said: "I don't have a problem with it. It seems sensible really.

"My daughter goes jogging down there. Some people wonder if it's safe, but I don't have a problem with her going over the tracks as long as she takes care. Trains are easy to spot."

However, one resident who walks her dog along the footpath believes it should be blocked off altogether.

She said: "I know of a few other dog owners, walkers and joggers who use this path, but as it leads to the River Wid and then the busy Wash Road, it is not used very often.

"The financial effect this monstrosity will have on the neighbouring home owners, should they wish to ever sell their homes, would be enormous; let alone the noise and inconvenience encountered whilst the work is being carried out.

"Surely it would be much more cost effective to just block this pathway. There are other ways to get to Wash Road on foot – not in the countryside I know – but still possible.

"There are also other local walks where we can exercise ourselves and our dogs.

"I realise British Rail have to keep the footpath safe as it currently crosses the lines and there have been a couple of unfortunate incidents along this line, but most people are sensible and heed the train signals."

It is not the first time that Network Rail's plans to improve safety on its pedestrian crossing points have angered residents.

Footpath 37 over the main Chelmsford to London line was closed at the insistence of Network Rail in 2011, to the chagrin of walkers in Ingatestone who could no longer walk from Heybridge Road to Ingatestone Hall.

Since 2009, Network Rail has closed more than 600 level crossings across the UK.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Our plan to replace this level crossing at Shaw Crescent with a footbridge is part of a nationwide programme to improve safety at level crossings.

"Reviewing safety at level crossings is an ongoing process and the bridge will provide a safer route across the railway."

If residents have any questions about the proposed footbridge they should contact Network Rail via its 24-hour helpline on 08457 11 41 41.

THE Territorial Army in Chelmsford has opened its doors to new recruits.

The 3 Royal Anglian, based in Colchester Road, wanted to showcase the range of employment opportunities as part of a big recruitment drive.

Careers as chefs, drivers, medics, caterers, infantrymen, engineers and signallers are just some of the 200 roles available for people interested in joining the part-time Army.

One budding soldier was Jake Henderson, 18, who handed in his application form at the open day last Wednesday.

Jake, who works as a banqueting waiter, said: "I wasn't really that interested in my A-levels, and I was offered NVQs at school. I have just gone on from there looking at my other options. I just wanted to join the TA. I was at the careers office and they advised me this was the way to go.

"I was interested in seeing everything that was there but I was mainly drawn to the infantry soldier gear. I nearly joined the RAF and I did some tests, but then I thought that I could not commit as a full-time soldier in the Army, so joining the TA is the best of both worlds.

"I am really excited. I'm not nervous at all. I'm sure I will pass all my fitness tests, health tests and problem-solving tests with no problems."

Visitors to the event were able to see and try out the kit and weaponry for themselves as well as talk to TA soldiers.

Another man who handed in his application form on the day was Kieron Woodcock, 21, from South Woodham Ferrers.

Kieron, currently unemployed, said now is the perfect time to focus on a career in the Army, but is not fazed by being called upon to go into a battle zone.

He said: "The Infantry is something in which I have always been interested because I am an adrenaline junkie.

"The careers office advised that I come down to the open day. It is good to see the weapons face to face because I want eventually to become a weapons specialist. The soldiers who were there explained the different functions of the weapons, and told us how you can move to different units.

"I was restricted by my former job in a scuba diving company, but since being made redundant, I can focus all my attention on this now.

"My family has a military history so now it seems only right that I carry it on."

Colonel Kevin Halus said: "We think this is a great way to demonstrate and educate people in Essex about the opportunities available with the TA and its contribution to the defence and security of the nation.

"There has never been a better time to be a TA soldier and we have so much to offer potential candidates – an active lifestyle, the opportunity for travel and adventure, as well as first-class training and access to further skills and qualifications. No matter what your talents, you can get involved."

For more information about the career opportunities available in the Army, visit www.army.mod.uk/join or call 0845 600 8080.

A HOMELESS man has been ousted from a village after the bus shelter he sleeps in was boarded up.

The presence of 29-year-old Bobby Andrews, who escaped Chelmsford to avoid the "nasty people", has divided opinion in Roxwell. Some residents supplied him with Thermos flasks of tea and lunchboxes of chilli but others claimed he needed a "tough love" approach to overcome his addiction to drugs and alcohol.

But it appears those pushing for stricter measures have won the day, as "planned refurbishments" of the bus shelter forced Bobby from his temporary home.

His fate appears to have been sealed at an emergency meeting held at St Michael and All Angels Church in the village on Sunday, February 17.

Resident Steve Hanson, whose wife attended the meeting, told the Chronicle that the village had decided to board up the bus shelter to "force him to go elsewhere".

He said: "Although I didn't manage to attend the meeting myself I did hear that they're blocking up the bus stop to force him to go elsewhere."

Bobby arrived in Roxwell last February when Steve and his wife Debbie, a Christian couple, took him into their home after he walked into their church in the city centre during last winter's snowfall.

But the father-of-three was forced to tell him to leave when he brought drugs into the home he shares with his wife and young daughters.

Mr Hanson said: "We've spent the last year trying to provide for him but it hasn't worked, even now I think some people are bringing him food and he'll never leave if that carries on.

"He needs the challenge of looking after himself, so I think tough love may be the answer."

Around 70 residents attended the emergency meeting at the parish church to work out the best way to help the young addict.

Rev Karen Best, who has previously allowed Bobby to sleep in the church, said: "The meeting was a means of discussing his situation but also that of a wider problem with homelessness and how to help.

"Some people feel a real empathy for him and others are concerned about youngsters or elderly people.

"It is ultimately Bobby's choice whether he decides to move on or not and we're praying he makes the right one."

But she denied that the boarding up of the bus shelter on The Street, Roxwell, was to encourage Bobby to move on.

"The refurbishment to the bus stop has been planned for a while and it isn't anything to do with Bobby," she said. "It's just a coincidence that this is all going on."

But some residents have been incensed at the "eye-sore" on the village's main street, reportedly littered with rubbish, pills, cigarettes and alcohol.

One woman, who lives on the main road but did not want to be named, said: "It's getting to the point where people aren't using the buses and children are standing at a distance to keep away from him.

"He leaves his rubbish everywhere and the smell is terrible."

Dennis Revell, head of the Neighbourhood Watch, disagreed: "If Bobby was abusive it would be a different matter.

"But as far as I know he hasn't done anything of the sort, although I know him being there makes people awkward.

"It's a difficult call what the best thing to do is. If staying longer would help him then I'm fine with it, but it isn't clear what's best."

Roxwell Parish Council chairman Chris Pavitt was asked several times for a comment on the situation but refused.

Bobby, who has always refused assistance from the authorities, has now accepted help from charity CHESS, which supports homeless people in Chelmsford.

It was somewhere he told the Chronicle he vowed to stay away from because he had been bullied and was worried about the temptation of drugs and alcohol from others in similar situations.

But he has now been allocated a temporary room.

CHESS operations manager Rob Saggs said: "Rooms are allocated on a daily basis but for now Bobby is staying in a facility in the city.

"I think the Roxwell predicament has been so interesting and I think with benefits being cut it may be a dilemma faced by far more villages in the future.

"The best thing however is always to let professionals deal with the issue."

CHELMSFORD Amateur Boxing Club continues to impress after three more notable victories this week – leaving trainer Albie Smith confident of the city soon being able to boast a champion.

The club sent Lenny Prudence and Jen Davis down to Barnstaple on Saturday for a promised rematch with the Devon outfit.

Prudence was up first and took on Tiverton's Alex Jones, and he dominated all three rounds of the contest, using his reach and speed to combat the threat of the aggressive Jones, winning with a majority verdict.

Davis was up against home favourite Steph Ward, but in front of a hostile home crowd, she made a good start, with fast combinations putting Ward up against the ropes.

However, the Barnstaple fighter rallied and after three high quality rounds, it could have gone either way, but it was Davis who was given the decision on a majority verdict.

Chief coach Danny Thompson said: "Lenny is improving at the right time of the season. He is showing great maturity and I am expecting him to do well in the Junior ABA's.

"It is never easy travelling a long distance to compete but both Lenny and Jen did our club proud.

"They are both listening to my instructions well and I hope they will be future champions in the making."

Smith, who travelled with the team down to Barnstaple, added: "I am very proud of our club. It is getting stronger in talent by the month and I am sure the city of Chelmsford will see a champion in the colours of claret and white in the not too distant future."

On Monday Tommy Lee was in action, taking on Billy McCarthy of Marsden in Bedford.

After a tentative first round, Lee responded well to the instructions of his corner and kept a high guard and counter punched well to secure a unanimous victory against a very tough opponent.

Thompson said: "If Tommy continues to improve as he has done in his last few bouts I am sure he can become a Schoolboy Champion next season."

WORK has begun to build a charity's first dog rehoming centre in Essex – more than five years after its plans to come to Brentwood were scuppered.

VIPs of all shapes and sizes came out in force last week to celebrate the commencement of construction work on the Dogs Trust's state-of-the-art new facility in Nevendon Road, Wickford.

Managers at the charity had previously attempted to open a rehoming centre at Putwell Bridge Farm, near Brentwood's Brook Street roundabout, although that plan was turned down by Brentwood Borough Council due to its size and impact on the Green Belt.

Former The Only Way Is Essex star and dog lover Amy Childs was the most high-profile of around 100 guests at Wednesday's sod-turning ceremony.

She was joined by Basildon Borough Council leader Tony Ball, Wickord and Rayleigh MP Mark Francois, and Dogs Trust chairman Philip Daubeny – and rescue dogs Basil, a five-month-old Akita cross, Don, a five-month-old Labrador cross and Lionel, a two-year-old lurcher cross.

The rehoming centre is set to open in 2014 and will care for around 1,000 stray and abandoned dogs every year.

Mr Daubeny said: "We hope that this is the beginning of a long relationship with Essex .

"We have been looking for a site for ten to 12 years and it has been a long slog. Basildon planning has been superb and the site is excellent with great visibility."

The rehoming centre will have 69 class kennels, a dedicated training and rehabilitation area, exercise paddocks and runs, a training barn and a grooming suite.

Brentwood beautician Miss Childs, 22, told the Gazette: "It's great news that Dogs Trust is coming to Essex as it's such a good charity and one which I want to support. I have three dogs and they're my life – they are like my babies and I wanted to bring them along today.

"I'm completely behind this project and want to be involved as much as I can.

"I'm an animal lover and have always been around dogs since I can remember."

The centre, which will be the Dogs Trust's 21st facility, will create 30 new jobs such as managers, canine-carers, training and behavioural staff and maintenance workers.

Dogs Trust chief executive Clarissa Baldwin said: "This is a very exciting event and this fabulous site has been a long time coming.

"Over the next few years we hope to get to know the people of Essex better.

"On September 14 next year we will be holding an information day in Basildon where we will talk about job opportunities and hope to employ 30 people, as well as finding volunteers."

Mrs Baldwin added: "Last year, there were nearly 8,000 stray dogs collected by local authorities in the Anglia area, so our new centre is very much needed.

"We hope to be able to rehome 1,000 dogs a year at Dogs Trust Essex, so the future is looking brighter for dogs in the region."

Mr Francois said: "This is a day for celebration – what attracts me to this charity is its firm policy that they never put down a healthy dog.

"Lots of constituents are interested in animal welfare and this is a considerable investment in the area."

Kirsty Nunn, Louis Lee, Olivia Church and Tom Morris from West Horndon Primary School joined in the celebrations wearing hard hats and wellies.

Teacher Julia Bolton said: "The children are very excited and I think there are lots of dogs that need homes and this place will make sure that they get those homes.

"Our school had a charities enterprise scheme and this year they chose the Dogs Trust, who gave an assembly at the school."

Davis Harrison, the chairman of Shotgate Parish Council, added: "People in my area are very pleased.

"I have dogs myself so I'm very happy. It's much better than having another boot sale"