A WOMAN in her 40s has been taken to hospital after receiving a severe injury following a serious assault.

Police and ambulance crews were called to Barnstaple Road in the Harold Hill estate at around 4pm today. The London Air Ambulance was called and landed in a nearby field but was stood down, taking off shortly after 5pm.

Witness Bill Swain, who lives close by to where the incident happened, said: "It looked like a very severe head injury. She was a black woman in her 40s. Her head was well wrapped up in padding.

The police had done a very efficient job to clear the street and had erected sheets so onlookers couldn't see what was going on.

"She was obviously in a very bad way. She was unconscious when she was brought out of ther house."

THE father of a Brentwood School pupil who died from cancer at the age of 13 has donated £2,500 to a charity which helps special needs children.

Peter Cordery, the dad of the late Georgia Cordery, handed the cheque to Hilary Needham, the manager of Warley-based SNAP (Special Needs and Parents).

The money was raised by Georgia's Teenage Cancer Appeal, a charity founded by the girl before her death in May 2010.

A SCHEME has been launched to protect vulnerable adults in the Maldon district.

The 'Keep Safe' campaign brings together local businesses, police and school pupils to ensure that good Samaritans in Maldon make themselves known to vulnerable adults in the community.

Tony Morrell, from Maldon Pioneers, a group for those suffering from disabilities, said: "In an ideal world, anyone feeling vulnerable will be helped regardless.

"However, this simple idea just means that in this far from ideal world, people like the Pioneers, who have learning difficulties, can be empowered, can feel safer in their community, and be reassured that if push comes to shove there are good Samaritans in Maldon, prepared to reach out and help.

"Although we are a group catering for adults with learning difficulties we always aim to engage in activities which don't single our members out as having a disability. But its not always possible to integrate and there will always be times when integration is difficult. 'Keep Safe' offers a framework to allow Pioneers to feel free to go out and about their business with heightened confidence."

The scheme asks premises to sign up to display the 'Keep Safe' sticker in their window which allows a person who feels threatened to approach them for help.

Adults who sign up will also carry a key ring with some personal details and telephone numbers to enable the shop staff to help them contact a friend, trusted person or in more serious circumstances the Police.

Spencer Clarke, manager of the Chelmsford and Maldon Community Safety Partnerships, said: "This is a simple scheme but an effective one. It's already in place in Braintree, and the Maldon scheme will be closely followed by schemes in Chelmsford, Tendring and Colchester. Safety of vulnerable people is a key part of the work of Community Safety Partnerships."

Members of the Maldon Pioneers have been given responsibility for designing the badges that will be worn by those who have signed up to the scheme, a job that Tony Morrell believes is a vital aspect of their integration.

He said: "Rather than just having activities laid on for the Pioneers, 'Keep Safe' empowers the Pioneers with the responsibility to lead the way in Maldon. Our members get the chance to be part of something worthwhile which will benefit other adults with learning difficulties.

"We can also possibly iron out any teething problems for the scheme and be a kind of advanced party demonstrating the scheme's effectiveness to those who join the scheme later.

"We can inspire non-Pioneers with a disability to have courage and show, by example, how it's possible to live a more independent and active life in Maldon."

BLASTED by biting sub-zero winds, thousands of shivering petrol heads lined the bends of the world-famous Brands Hatch over the Easter weekend.

Yet while others stood shuddering, 20 spectators admired the first day of the British Touring Car Championships on Saturday in the warmth – and members of the Chronicle team were among them.

"If you can't motivate someone with a position opposite the podium and opposite the finish line, then I don't know what you can do," said Keith Playell, gazing out across the track.

The Brentwood-based tyre specialist, co-owner of Hutton's Skidmarques, and his daughter Kirstin Green, were the hosts.

After revamping the highly sought-after A1 suite in February, their new company, Straight Talking Events, of which Mrs Green is general operations director, had its debut in hospitality.

"I want people just to have a good time and to feel well looked after," said Mrs Green.

Of her new role, the former charity events manager said: "It was time to do something different. It was a great opportunity to have a business with the family after seeing how it was done."

With a never-ending supply of coffee, burgers, buffet food and cakes – no one was left wanting.

All the while, guests were surrounded by the interior works of Hutton-based designer Claire Edwards.

The refurbishment cost £11,000, yet the family are already looking to the future.

"In the short term we want to create a bigger suite, move into unit two and perhaps be three times the size.

"Further down the road we want to do a small thing in Silverstone – and then world domination," Mr Playell joked.

The 56-year-old, of Hunter Avenue, has already added Skidmarques' name to various sponsorship deals.

Mr Playell also leads a presentation, and workshop, for women to get them involved in tyre and car maintenance.

"One of them is based on the worst things to say to a lady in a garage – you only have to watch their faces.

"I've seen them shake their heads because they don't believe these anecdotes," he said.

Mr Playell has three stories he has picked up on from years in the trade. In the first, he describes a woman who goes into a garage to use the toilet. Yet the staff tell her "I wouldn't go in there love – the lads went out for a ruby (rhyming slang for curry) last night."

In the second, a female customer is told by staff she has a "pretty little touche" that wouldn't look out of place sitting next to their "huge" page three calendar.

In the third, a guy gives a female customer her bill, before taking it back off her saying "I won't explain it because you won't understand."

The proceeds of the £10 ticket for the ladies' night go towards St Francis Hospice.

Another charity, chosen for Saturday's event, was Little Haven's Hospice.

A "sweepstake", asking for a £5 donation, which gave guests the opportunity to guess the finish time of the winner of the final race on the Sunday, was set up on the white board.

The correct guesser, Mark Patterson, won an "ostrich" sized Easter egg. The collection raised £250 for the charity.

Guest and motoring enthusiast Richard Karn, managing director of Local World South East, of which the Chronicle is a part, said: "It's been fantastic.

"It just goes to show that opportunities are out there, you just have to look."

He added: "My normal place is the south bank where I sit in the car with a flask full of coffee – but it's a lot better here."

Essex Chronicle Media Group senior editor, and Gazette editor, Neville Wilson said: "It's been a fantastic day, not least because we've been able to enjoy the drama from within the comfort of Keith's hospitality box."

He added: "The food was very tasty too."

Sussex-based self-storage expert Adam Lacey said: "It's very nice, very pleasant and a nice location, although the weather has been a bit sketchy.

"We have been in the boxes above but you can't get in the action like you can here."

Mr Lacey's son Jack, who turned 16 on Monday, said: "It's the highlight of my birthday."

Julie Robinson, 53, spectating with her husband and Gazette advertising rep Duncan Robinson, said: "This is the way to see hospitality. It's fabulous, you couldn't ask for more."

WHEN THIS team of high-flying pupils want a break from their A-level studies they wander down to their school's henhouse to check up on their new feathered friends.

Four chickens, with their own run and secure home, are the latest addition to the King Edward VI Grammar School community.

A team of six sixth-formers are in charge of caring for the coop, making sure they have enough food and water and are locked up safely at night.

They also collect the eggs which are sold in school with all cash going towards the hens' upkeep.

Adam Kania, 17, who keeps chickens at home, approached head Tom Sherrington with the idea when he was in Year 10 and was given the thumbs-up – but told to wait until he was in the sixth form.

He recruited friends Jaimie Clifford, Fred Forsey, Edward Friel, Deelan Vadher, and Josh Watts, and earlier this term they saw their dream come true.

Adam said: "We organised everything ourselves, from agreeing the site and making sure it was the right size and fit for purpose, and then sourcing the chickens and the hen house.

Turn to go! to see how the Chronicle's chicks at Barleylands are doing and how you can adopt them.

THE father of a Brentwood School pupil who died from cancer at the age of 13 has donated £2,500 to a charity which helps special needs children.

Peter Cordery, the dad of the late Georgia Cordery, handed the cheque to Hilary Needham, the manager of Warley-based SNAP (Special Needs and Parents).

The money was raised by Georgia's Teenage Cancer Appeal, a charity founded by the girl before her death in May 2010.

A SCHEME has been launched to protect vulnerable adults in the Maldon district.

The 'Keep Safe' campaign brings together local businesses, police and school pupils to ensure that good Samaritans in Maldon make themselves known to vulnerable adults in the community.

Tony Morrell, from Maldon Pioneers, a group for those suffering from disabilities, said: "In an ideal world, anyone feeling vulnerable will be helped regardless.

"However, this simple idea just means that in this far from ideal world, people like the Pioneers, who have learning difficulties, can be empowered, can feel safer in their community, and be reassured that if push comes to shove there are good Samaritans in Maldon, prepared to reach out and help.

"Although we are a group catering for adults with learning difficulties we always aim to engage in activities which don't single our members out as having a disability. But its not always possible to integrate and there will always be times when integration is difficult. 'Keep Safe' offers a framework to allow Pioneers to feel free to go out and about their business with heightened confidence."

The scheme asks premises to sign up to display the 'Keep Safe' sticker in their window which allows a person who feels threatened to approach them for help.

Adults who sign up will also carry a key ring with some personal details and telephone numbers to enable the shop staff to help them contact a friend, trusted person or in more serious circumstances the Police.

Spencer Clarke, manager of the Chelmsford and Maldon Community Safety Partnerships, said: "This is a simple scheme but an effective one. It's already in place in Braintree, and the Maldon scheme will be closely followed by schemes in Chelmsford, Tendring and Colchester. Safety of vulnerable people is a key part of the work of Community Safety Partnerships."

Members of the Maldon Pioneers have been given responsibility for designing the badges that will be worn by those who have signed up to the scheme, a job that Tony Morrell believes is a vital aspect of their integration.

He said: "Rather than just having activities laid on for the Pioneers, 'Keep Safe' empowers the Pioneers with the responsibility to lead the way in Maldon. Our members get the chance to be part of something worthwhile which will benefit other adults with learning difficulties.

"We can also possibly iron out any teething problems for the scheme and be a kind of advanced party demonstrating the scheme's effectiveness to those who join the scheme later.

"We can inspire non-Pioneers with a disability to have courage and show, by example, how it's possible to live a more independent and active life in Maldon."

Residents and shop keepers are being warned about two thieves who stole a china dog from an antique shop in Petersfield Lane, Gosfield.
Police have released CCTV images of the suspected thieves and are keen to speak to anyone with information about the theft.

PC Michelle Brown, said: "We believe this couple live locally and possibly in the Gosfield to Colchester strip in the north of the county as they were recently spotted acting suspiciously in a department store in Colchester.

"We think they are professional thieves so are warning retailers to be wary of them while at the same time asking people to contact us if they know who they are. We are hoping this will trigger someone's memory."

The man is described as white, 6ft tall, in his early-mid 40s, with short dark, greying hair, and a local accent. At the time he was wearing a leather jacket and heeled boots. The woman is described as white, is in her mid 40s, has shoulder-length dark brown hair and was wearing a three-quater-length quilted jacket.

Anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officers at Braintree police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555111.

BILLERICAY'S chances of survival in the Blue Square Bet South were dealt a huge blow as they lost at Sutton United on Saturday.

The hosts netted just 11 minutes into the match when Marvin Williams scuffed his volley into the ground, which looped over Kevin Scriven. This came after the Blues defence failed to deal with Sam Rents' cross.

The U's went on to score twice in three second half minutes to secure a comfortable win and heap more pressure on the Blues who are four points adrift of AFC Hornchurch in 19th with six matches remaining.

The first half was end-to-end with both sides fashioning opportunities.

The visitors had the first chance of the match when captain Glenn Poole's corner was headed straight at Sutton keeper Tom Lovelock by defender Rob Swaine.

The Blues continued positively despite conceding an early goal and should have levelled the scores before half-time. Excellent play from Poole and top scorer Jay May put Sam Lechmere away, but he wastefully blasted his shot over the bar from the edge of the box when he should have done better.

The away side continued to press and nearly scored after 30 minutes. Poole continued to provide the openings and saw his free-kick met once more by the head of Swaine who skimmed the crossbar.

However, the Blues' best chance came five minutes before the break when May's drilled cross to the near post found Alex Osborn who flicked his shot straight at Lovelock from six yards out.

For all of Billericay's creativity in the first half, they failed to gain any real momentum in the second and were overrun. Former Football League midfielders Ali Fuseini and Dean Sinclair controlled the game for the hosts who doubled their advantage on the hour mark.

Hesitation once more at the back gave James Folkes the chance to score but his shot was well-saved by Scriven, but the keeper – who recently joined Craig Edwards' side from Sutton – was powerless to prevent Harry Beautyman tucking home the rebound on his 100th appearance for the home side.

The Surrey outfit sensed blood and three minutes later they had their third.

A quick free-kick from Sinclair was played neatly into Folkes and he comfortably slotted home from just inside the box.

Poole and May were taken off shortly after the third goal as manager Craig Edwards began to think about the games to come.

They were due to play the first of three home games in a row last night (Tuesday) when they were set to host Eastbourne.

High-flying Salisbury are the visitors on Saturday, before Tuesday night sees Staines Town arrive at the New Lodge.

Billericay: Scriven, Wild, Ashton, Hudson, Swaine, Lette-Jallow (Luke 70), Lechmore, Poole (Collis 70), May (Onwubiko 58), Osborn, Beckles. Unused subs: Semakula, Beasant.

A FORMER Shenfield High School pupil shone with the ball against Essex as the county cricket season began in earnest last weekend.

Matt Salisbury, who turns 20 later this month, took four wickets for Cambridge UCCE in Essex's opening first-class game of the season.

He opened the bowling in both innings, and in the first claimed the scalp of Australian batsman Rob Quiney for just five, before also removing Tom Westley (58) and Ravi Bopara (four) on his way to figures of 3-64.

Essex racked up 328-5 in their first innings, thanks to a hundred from Mark Pettini, before skittling Cambridge UCCE for 99, with Salisbury scoring five batting at number eight.

The professionals put the University side's bowlers to the sword in the second innings, scoring 420-3, with Westley, Quiney and Ben Foakes all scoring tons, and James Foster adding 67 before becoming Salisbury's third victim with Test match experience.

Salisbury finished with 1-58 second time around, before putting his feet up in the pavilion as the game finished in a draw.

Salisbury – who also plays for Essex 2nd XI – said: "I wouldn't say we had any particularly special plans with the new ball.

"We know that the new ball is always key at Fenner's and the pitch really flattens out later in the day.

"We just had to make sure that we got the ball in the right area and we would be able to cause problems.

"My main target for the season is to play a lot of second team cricket with Essex and put in good consistent performances, as well as having a successful year with Cambridge and defending our one day and two day titles."

Salisbury will be hoping to be in the wickets next when Cambridge UCCE play Middlesex at Fenner's on April 24-26.