Glasses raised at the annual Maldon Beer Festival

April 15, 2013, 3:41 am

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For the eleventh year running the Maldon Beer Festival was another great success. The four-day event attracted a crowd of 1,500 people who drank their way through more than 4,000 pints of beer. The annual festival, organised by CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale), ended at the Town Hall on Saturday. SEE PICTURES FROM THE EVENT HERE On offer to its eager visitors was a range of more than 50 different real ales, ciders and perry, many of which had not featured in Maldon previously. The festival attracts suppliers from all over the UK as well as having a strong local presence. Maldon MP John Whittingdale attended the event and said that the festival is always popular in the area, which is home to three independent breweries. Organiser Rob Longley described the three-day event as a "total sell-out". On Saturday evening the festival also provided its visitors with some live music. While pint glasses were raised the crowd was kept entertained by Medicine, an Essex-based Celtic rock group. Mr Longley was very impressed with the "brilliant band that held the crowd together" and he is already looking forward to next year when the Maldon Beer Festival will once again take place in April.

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Rumours of new Ingatestone Tesco are quashed

April 15, 2013, 5:40 am

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TESCO have denied bidding for a pub situated in the conservation area of Ingatestone despite recent rumours.

Talk had been spreading that the supermarket had bid for the Crown pub, owned by the Enterprise Inn Brewery.

But it is now understood the former boozer is not expected to become a supermarket in the near future.

Teen left shaken following Clacton knife-point robbery

April 15, 2013, 6:54 am

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Police are appealing for witnesses after an 18-year-old teen was held at knife point and robbed on Sunday night in Clacton.

At about 10.25pm, in the area of Thomas Road and Coppins Green School, the shocked victim was ordered to hand over his wallet containing his bank card, loyalty cards, his driving licence and his mobile phone - a white Blackberry Curve.

The suspect is described as a white man, as 6 foot and 2-4 inches tall and of skinny build.

He was wearing a cap with a capital letter "A" on the front and a dark jacket.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have any information in relation to this incident.

They are urged to contact Clacton CID on 101 ext 440030 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cat shot in Wickford was 'in the wrong place at the wrong time'

April 15, 2013, 6:58 am

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A POLICE investigation is under way after a cat died hours after he was shot with what is believed to be an air rifle. Ernie, an 11-year-old ginger pet, was hit at close range last Thursday. He returned home badly injured and had to be put to sleep later that day. Owner Kelley Giddy, 36, lives with her husband Daniel, 38, and two children aged five and two, in Seven Acres. The stay-at-home mum said: "I can't imagine why anyone would do it and why it would even enter your head. "I don't know how anyone could hurt an animal. I don't think he was targeted he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time." Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything or who has any other information to contact PC Steve Miller at Basildon Police Station on 101.For more on this story, see this week's Billericay and Wickford Gazette, out on Wednesday.

Eric Pickles hails Brentwood Gazette and TOWIE during speech

April 15, 2013, 8:02 am

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Eric Pickles has praised the Brentwood Gazette just days after it was nominated for a top industry award. In a speech to the Society of Editors in Birmingham today, the Brentwood and Ongar MP said he could think of "no better barometer of local opinion" than your local newspaper. It comes in the same week the Gazette was shortlisted in the Society of Editors' Regional Press Awards weekly newspaper of the year category (under 20,000), and one month after it was crowned best paid for weekly newspaper in the EDF East of England Media Awards 2012. Mr Pickles, the communities secretary, spoke of the importance of the local press amid the Leveson Report and the ongoing threat of council publications. "I'm a big advocate of a vibrant local press," he said. "As a politician I find there is no better barometer of local opinion than the Brentwood Gazette. Except, perhaps, TOWIE. "But local news organisations offer more than just a temperature check." He described the papers such as the Gazette as "an essential cog in the democratic wheel". But he added: "You've also had to face another problem. The sinister spread of the Town Hall Pravda. "Like a knock-off Rolex, this expensive imitation, flattered to deceive. "No wonder local newspapers are feeling out of pocket - literally and metaphorically. "That's why we're putting the kibosh on unfair competition, we're opening more doors for you and all I ask in return is that you continue to do what you best. "Because strong local newspapers are the very bulwark on which our daily life depends, and when you flourish, democracy succeeds."

Controversial drinking hours approved for Maldon Wetherspoons

April 15, 2013, 9:43 am

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Controversial proposals to allow Wetherspoons in Maldon to serve alcohol until 1am Thursday to Saturday have been approved by members of Maldon District Council's sub-licensing committee. 

At a meeting this afternoon councillors approved the plans, which will allow up to 250 customers to drink at the establishment until the early hours over weekends, two months after planning approval was granted for the pub giant to take over the old Post Office building on Maldon high street. 

The decision has left objectors disappointed. "I wasn't really expecting anything different. We just have to see now how the pub performs," said Kevin Jennings, a resident who spoke against the proposals at the afternoon meeting. 

Nigel Connor, head of Wetherspoons Legal Department, said he was pleased with the outcome and looked forward to working with locals in the future. 

Brentwood mechanics restore Dirk Bogarde's Rolls-Royce

April 15, 2013, 8:00 pm

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A CAR in which British film legend Sir Dirk Bogarde was nearly killed has been discovered and lovingly restored by two mechanics in Brentwood.

The vehicle, a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III, was involved in a near fatal accident just hours after Sir Dirk picked it up in 1964.

It eventually made its way to Chicago before ending up in a garage in Chingford – until brothers Brian and Graham Webb came along, that is.

The pair were taken aback when they pulled back the dust covers that had been the car's shroud for more than seven years to find one of the best models that Rolls-Royce has ever built.

The brakes had seized up and the vehicle was covered with mildew but, importantly, the 6.25 litre V8 engine, with only 83,000 miles on the clock, was still running smoothly.

Brian, 58, who has worked on Rolls-Royces since the age of 14, said: "It needed some work on the brakes, exhaust and, although the bodywork was OK, it was given new trim and the woodwork inside needed attention and replacing.

"Overall it was in fantastic condition.

"After we fixed it we asked the owner what he wanted to do and he suggested we just put it back.

"I said 'you can't do that'.

"'If you want to sell it just leave it to me' so I found someone in Chelmsford who collects Rolls-Royces."

The vehicle was sold to its sixth owner for "a modest" £25,000.

Sir Dirk, the star of such films as Death In Venice and A Bridge Too Far, died in 1999 aged 78.

He had bought the Rolls-Royce in October 1964 and he kept it for two years under the registration BH5.

On the day it was delivered from Jack Barclay he was almost killed when his long-term companion, Tony Forwood, nearly wrote it off as the pair drove it in the South Downs.

Brian, who lives in Willingdale, said: "The car was a pleasure to work on because it was in such good condition."

Shortage of first responders 'putting lives at risk'

April 15, 2013, 8:00 pm

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A SHORTAGE of lifesaving volunteer responders in the Dengie is threatening their ability to provide the 24-hour cover needed.

Community first responders in the peninsula, who often arrive at emergencies before trained paramedics, are struggling to recruit more members to their team, leaving just four volunteers to attend 999 calls in the rural area.

"We tell people that they can help people in their own community," said Matt Hine, who co-ordinates the responders in the North Dengie area.

"It has been shown that a collapsed patient's chances of survival will increase by ten per cent for every minute that the community first responder is there prior to the arrival of the ambulance crew.

"The problem is we receive no funding. We have to raise the money for all our own equipment and fuel, so as soon as people hear that they aren't interested.

"Our group provides as much cover as possible but we're really struggling to find people in the area."

The 30-year-old, who works as a communications supervisor for Essex Police, became involved with community responders after coming across an emergency where he was helpless to assist.

"I came across a fatal road traffic accident and I just didn't have a clue what to do," he said.

"I just ran straight to the person making the most noise, which I now know was completely the wrong thing to do.

"I decided to enrol in a first aid course and my involvement went from there," he added.

Volunteers will be put on call and respond to life-threatening emergencies in the Dengie using their own vehicles. The incidents they can be called to vary from cardiac arrest, to diabetics going into shock to those suffering chest pains.

But Matt, who lives in St Lawrence Bay, believes with the proper training anyone can help to save their neighbour's life.

"I've worked with people from all walks of life, the opportunity is open to anyone between the ages of 18 and 70.

"I was at a cardiac arrest just the other day and we were there for a while before the ambulance arrived but the patient survived – there are patients all over Essex that wouldn't have survived were it not for us," said Matt.

If you feel you could become a community first responder or a supporter, contact the team on 01954 712400 (9am to 5pm) or 01603 481220 out of hours, or e-mail responderadmin@eastamb.nhs. uk

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Chelmsford cyclist in bid to beat around the world record

April 15, 2013, 8:00 pm

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A CYCLING fanatic who learnt to ride just four years ago is preparing to help smash a world record by riding around the globe in 80 days.

Steve Collins, director at Chelmsford's Athlon Sport, will support professional cyclist James Golding as he attempts to cycle 18,500 miles around the world next spring and beat the world record which stands at 105 days, one hour and 44 minutes.

"I will put my body through torture for him – it's going to be mental," said Steve, 37, of Goldhanger.

"The hard bit is getting through Russia. I think we have to skirt around Iraq – it's going to be mentally hard, day-in, day-out, for 80 days.

"It's proper mad."

Steve will cycle much of the route in front of James to give him a vital "slipstream," which although he says will take 34 per cent more effort it will make James' ride much easier.

He will also offer tyre maintenance and energy drinks.

Yet before next spring, Steve will ride with James as they attempt to break the world record for the most miles cycled in seven days.

They aim to smash the current record of 1,546.8 miles, set by Pat Hawkins in 1940, by cycling 1,568 miles through the Australian desert.

The two must cycle for about 14 hours a day, averaging 224 miles at an average speed of 16 miles per hour, to break the record.

The East London-born athlete discovered his love for cycling when he and his brothers completed a duathlon around Loch Ness in Scotland in aid of Macmillan after their aunt contracted breast cancer.

Shirley Persall sadly died last year, but Steve has now raised £30,000 for various cancer trusts.

He has also completed the 109km Cape Argus race in 21st place for his age group – out of 37,500 competitors.

His triathlon shop, which he opened with his brothers Tony and Jeff on Navigation Road last summer, boasts sponsorships with the biggest names in cycling.

As well as James', the jerseys of Sky Team cyclists Ben Swift and Great Baddow's Alex Dowsett line the walls.

Brentwood Theatre to go dark for 'quirky' Macbeth production

April 15, 2013, 11:30 pm

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"IS THIS a dagger which I see before me?

"I'm not sure, can someone get the lights?"

This could be how the scene from Shakespeare's famous tragedy Macbeth plays out when the Brentwood Theatre stages 'the Scottish play' – in complete darkness.

The hour-long production, entitled Macbeth In Pitch Black, is the brainchild of the London Contemporary Theatre group and, according to theatre administrator Mark Reed, it promises to be a unique experience.

Mr Reed said: "It's certainly something different and I am definitely looking forward to it – it's going to be all about the words.

"It's a fascinating opportunity and the hour-long performance allows us to get all the juicy bits in.

"Everyone knows they should see a Shakespeare play and this quirky performance will hopefully entice them along.

"It's really good for schools as it's a great introduction to the works of Shakespeare and we already have some school groups booked."

He added: "The audience will be focused on the words.

"The wonderful lines of Shakespeare will be brought to life by the five voices."

Jonathan Ashby-Rock, director at the London Contemporary Theatre, said: "We originally did radio plays and we wanted a way of getting all the emphasis on the words, especially with the deceit, lies and intrigue that feature in Macbeth."

The play will be acted out by five cast members and every light in the theatre will be turned off.

The intention is to immerse the audience in the one of the Bard's paciest and most devilish plays.

Often referred to as 'the Scottish play', it has become synonymous with superstition, with actors refusing to utter Macbeth's name for fear of bad luck.

According to the organisers, the darkness will intensify and heighten the audience's sense of hearing and leave the imagination free to focus on the words.

The play will be showing twice a day, at 1 and 4pm, on May 23 and 24.

Tickets cost £10 and are available by calling the box office on 01277 200305.

Victim Support in Ingatestone shortlisted for Heart of Essex awards

April 15, 2013, 11:37 pm

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A CHARITY is hoping to win readers' votes in this year's Heart of Essex awards to help it to support more victims of crime.

Victim Support, based in High Street, Ingatestone, has been nominated for the chance to win a share of £8,000 worth of funding.

The charity's West Essex manager Allegra Scott said: "The effects of crime can be devastating. We do the best with the funds we have got but I think we could reach more people if we had more backing."

The charity is run by around 50 volunteers from across Essex who give up their time free of charge to help victims.

Mrs Scott added: "We're training members of the Essex community to give back to the Essex community. We're here to support victims of crime.

"That can vary right across the spectrum, from serious crime to minor crime. We're offering support to young people, the elderly, and all aspects of society."

Should the charity receive enough funds it hopes to provide door and window alarms for victims of crime to offer them more peace of mind.

Mrs Scott added: "It's emotional support where we enable people to get back on their own two feet.

"After a time we can point them in the direction of others who can offer them further help or, on some serious occasions, help to provide them with professional counselling."

The deadline for nominations is Sunday.

Travel: Chelmsford's Army and Navy flyover re-opened after earlier closure

April 16, 2013, 12:49 am

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Motorists in Chelmsford city centre have been delayed this morning after a brief closure of the Army and Navy flyover

The incident resulted in tailbacks on the A1114 Baddow bypass heading towards the roundabout. But queues have eased since the flyover was reopened a short while ago.

Slabber strikes seal Chelmsford City win

April 16, 2013, 12:51 am

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Two well-taken goals from Jamie Slabber were the difference as Chelmsford City moved back up to fourth in the Blue Square Bet South with a 2-1 win over Tonbridge Angels. Slabber headed in Aiden Palmer's cross to open the scoring before a blistering volley in off the underside of the crossbar doubled the score as the Clarets threatened to run riot. But the visitors changed their shape after the break and nullified the attacking threat of the home side – and with it created a host of chances for themselves. But they took just one of them – through Mikel Suarez – and slipped to a defeat which means they are not quite safe from the drop yet. Tonbridge kicked off, but it was Chelmsford who were almost in with less than a minute on the clock when Michael Bakare sprinted down the left but both of his cross attempts were blocked – and from the resulting corner Jamie Slabber volleyed over the top. But the Angels had an even better chance of their own five minutes in when Nathan Green's corner was cleared back out to him and his volleyed cross in found Mark Lovell, but he blasted over from seven yards out. Bakare was always lively down the left-hand side, and drilled a low cross across the face of goal just before the opener came. Again it was down the left, this time Palmer's cross taking a slight nick off Sonny Miles and Slabber deftly headed into the far corner. It should have been two a couple of minutes later when Max Cornhill burst through from midfield and played in Anthony Cook, but his first touch was poor, meaning his second ballooned over the top. Tonbridge were not without their threats and another Green cross found Suarez, but he headed over the top. Palmer and Slabber almost combined again to double the score when Palmer showed great trickery to beat his man and stood up a fine cross for Slabber at the back post, but he headed over from the angle. The game became scrappy as the half-hour approached, although Angels did string together one lovely passing move involving Frannie Collin, Henry Muggeridge, Nathan Green and Suarez, but it came to nothing. Chelmsford were lucky when some defensive uncertainty ended with Suarez nodding down to Collin but Mark Haines blocked him off. And moments later it was 2-0 when Justin Miller ran through and hit a long-range shot which spun up off a defender, and it fell nicely for Slabber and he fired an unstoppable half-volley in off the bar. Angels' biggest threat remained their set-pieces and Danzelle St Louis Hamilton did very well to punch another Green delivery clear from under his own crossbar. The keeper had a moment of panic when David Ijaha tried his luck from fully 40 yards but it fizzed just over the top. There was a moment of comedy soon after when a long ball sought out Green but St Louis Hamilton got there first and Green clattered into him, conceding a free-kick, but the Clarets keeper was completely unmoved while Green ended up on the floor. Tonbridge made a change at the break, with Chris Piper on for Muggeridge and that led to a change in shape, with Angels going three at the back, sparing Miles from any more punishment down the Chelmsford left by moving him back into the middle of defence. The first half-chance of the second half fell to the men in blue, but Lovell's 25-yarder was deflected behind – and from the corner Gary Elphick headed straight at St Louis Hamilton. The keeper's long kick completely outfoxed his opposite number Worgan, who leapt under it outside his box and was relieved to see the speedy Bakare just fall short of keeping it in. Slabber had a shot deflected wide and the attempted clever corner didn't come off, although it did fall to Jack Ainsley, but his shot on his weaker left-foot was always going wide of Worgan's goal. Angels really should have got one back when Piper chased down a ball over the top and got round St Louis Hamilton, but his touch took him away from goal and left him with a bit to do, and he fired over the top. The visitors were causing problems again when Danny Walder's long throw was only cleared to Schulz ten yards out, but his shot was straight at St Louis Hamilton. And they were to spurn their best chance on 70 minutes when Green got clear down the left and sent a great cross for Lovell six yards out, but he headed wide from six yards. Chelmsford had been little of an attacking threat, but Cook did force Worgan into a regulation save from 25 yards. Green tested St Louis Hamilton with a free-kick from 35 yards, before Piper drilled a shot just wide of the target after Lovell's long-ranger was blocked back out to him. It was all Angels and Suarez forced a full-stretch save from St Louis Hamilton with a half-volley from 20 yards, but they did get the goal they deserved a minute from time when Walder's cross found Suarez and he fired in with the slight help of a deflection. But Chelmsford held on for a win that moves them up to fourth, and leaves Angels still looking over their shoulders at the drop zone.

It's official - Purple Flag comes to Chelmsford

April 16, 2013, 1:30 am

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Residents and councillors have been left rejoicing after Chelmsford was awarded Purple Flag status - a prize which recognises the city's management of the night time economy.

The international prize-giving body - who have awarded such other cities as Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham - announced Chelmsford's victory yesterday.

Chelmsford City Council leader Roy Whitehead said the news was another "feather-in-cap for Chelmsford".

"We are pleased we can add it to our other achievements.

"It reassures the public that we are doing our best and we will carry on what we are doing because we know that what we do satisfies the public. We continue to reinforce Chelmsford as the place to be."
he said.Action taken to cut antisocial behaviour at Chelmsford nightspots
The Purple Flag scheme is an accredited award which launched in 2009.

It judges a town or city between the hours of 5pm and 6am.

The criteria are: people's wellbeing, the safety of the town, the ease in getting revellers home safely, the diversity of nightspots on offer and the strength of the partnership between the police, the council, nightclubs and other organisations to deal with possible problems.

Purple Flag say the benefits include: a raised profile and an improved public image, increased visitors, increased expenditure, lower crime and antisocial behaviour and a more successful mixed-use economy.

Election 2013 MAP: Essex County Council election candidates

April 16, 2013, 2:12 am

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The final list of candidates battling it out to be elected to Essex County Council has been published. A total of 75 seats will be contested by 408 candidates as voters go to the polls on May 2. The Conservatives and the UK Independence Party will each field a total of 75 candidates in all of the seats. Labour and the Liberal Democrats will field 73 and 72 candididates respectively, the Green Party has 66 candidates, while the British National Party is represented by 13 candidates. Seven independents are also listed, along with four English Democrats, and three candidates each from the National Front and the Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts. The deadline to register to vote and to apply for a postal vote is on April 17. The count will take place on May 2 and will be administered by the individual borough and district councils.

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Chelmsford's Amanda Macleod wins contest with her Marie Antoinette cake

April 16, 2013, 3:44 am

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CHELMSFORD'S Amanda Macleod has wowed judges with this Marie Antoinette cake at a prestigious competition. Amanda, who set up her own cake business in 2008 having previously worked as a graphic designer, impressed at the Cake International contest where she won the decorative exhibit category. The highly detailed cake featured Marie Antoinette's head and a very extravagant hairstyle fit for the queen, who once reportedly said "let them eat cake". The piece, which took around 150 hours to complete beat 500 other entries to be crowned this year's winner. Amanda, whose talent has also seen her feature on TV, said: "This piece has to be my favourite cake design of all time. I did appear on TV a couple of years ago and did an amazing 'steampunk' cake that many people still consider their favourite but Marie Antoinette is certainly my favourite."

Election 2013: Essex Green Party manifesto

April 16, 2013, 5:51 am

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GREEN PARTY MANIFESTO THE Green Party is standing in 88 per cent of seats in the Essex County Council (ECC) area. Many voters are looking for a good alternative to the "main three" parties. In 2009 the Greens were second in Witham Northern and are well placed to win this time. Other parties may want to talk about national or even European issues. But this is a local election. ECC deals with social care, education, highways and other local services. ECC is seen by many as a remote organisation. There has been widespread criticism of slowness in dealing with potholes and damaged paths. When ECC consults over major planning issues, such as the Rivenhall Airfield waste site and proposed quarries in Braintree District, its default position appears to be to ignore local views. Yet this is an authority that prevents the public from even asking questions at most of its meetings and pays senior councillors the highest allowances in East Anglia - in excess of £50,000 each. Priorities for Green County Councillors will be to get a better service for taxpayers and to reform County Hall. Greens will work across party lines to achieve a 5 point plan of reform: Cut the perks – corporate credit cards, chauffeur driven cars, no more 'trips' abroad. Reduce excessive allowances – capped at average full time wage. Become more accountable – open up all meetings to public participation. Work with local communities, not against them – no waste incinerator at Rivenhall Airfield. Get back to basics – fix potholes, sort out parking problems. Listen to local communities.

Brentwood man left with head injuries after attack in King George's playing fields

April 16, 2013, 5:58 am

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A man has been attacked in broad daylight leaving him with a head injury that required hospital treatment.

The 20-year-old from Brentwood was attacked by a man in King King George's playing fields on April 14 at around 5pm.

Police say he was assaulted by another man who himself was part of a much larger group of men.

Police are looking for a mixed-raced man aged between 16 and 20 who was wearing sunglasses and an Adidas tracksuit.

A police spokesman said: Police investigating a an assault on a 20-year-old old man from Brentwood  which happened at King George's playing fields in Brentwood.

"The man was assaulted by another man who was part of a larger group of men

"He was struck to the head which caused an injury requiring hospital treatment.

The man responsible was aged between 16 and 20 wore sunglasses and an Adidas tracksuit and was of mixed race appearance."

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101.

County Championship: Injury rules Masters out of Northamptonshire clash

April 16, 2013, 9:08 am

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ESSEX will be without bowler David Masters when they meet Northamptonshire at Wantage Road tomorrow. While ten of the players who played in last week's drawn match with Gloucestershire are named again, seamer Masters is suffering with a slight side strain picked up in that match. Reece Topley is named as a replacement in the 12-man squad together with leg-spinner Tom Craddock. Head coach Paul Grayson said: "It's not a tear and by leaving him out against Northamptonshire, it gives him a couple of weeks to recover before we play Hampshire in our next home game, which is followed by Lancashire at Old Trafford. "We are looking forward to the Northamptonshire match and it's good to be able to get Reece back into the squad as well. "We need good back-up players and competition for places so it's good to be able to bring a quality bowler into the squad."

Margaret Thatcher: Brentwood students protested at plan to ban milk

April 16, 2013, 11:30 pm

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THERE were many who objected to the then Education Secretary Margaret Thatcher's decision to withdraw free milk from schoolchildren in 1971 – and in Brentwood, students took to the streets in protest.

Youngsters who attended Brentwood College of Education, in Sawyers Hall Lane, demonstrated by marching from the institution to the Town Hall in Ingrave Road where they handed in a petition signed by 150 people opposed to Mrs Thatcher's policy.

David Bryant, the social secretary of the student union, was holding the megaphone that day.

He said this week: "In hindsight it seems a bit silly to us all now because most of the children didn't like milk anyway.

"But at the time we didn't see it that way.

"It seemed like a callous attack on children."

The march took place in January 1971 as hundreds of students marched to the Town Hall and gave speeches outside with many concerned that their union could be under threat from the then Education Secretary.

Mr Bryant recalled: "It was a big protest and it jammed up the High Street.

"Looking back it was not anything I'm ashamed of.

"It did achieve something."

He added: "I'm sure for many it was a defining moment that people were first aware they had a political voice.

"It was the first time many felt listened to."

Mr Bryant lived in Hutton at the time and went on to teach at Mayflower High School in Billericay.

His political stance has changed over time but he says the recent protests against Baroness Thatcher did not impress him.

"I think it was ridiculous," he said.

"I would have more sympathy for them if they knew anything about it.

"She was from a very ordinary background and she managed the Falklands crisis with incredible dignity.

"For me she was the first and only Prime Minister of Britain who understood Britain needed to change.

"If she hadn't done what she did Britain would have slipped into a Third World country.

"She was an ordinary woman who achieved remarkable things."