I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!!!

GUEST: Alan Osborn, Chairman of the Classic Vehicle Club

The prime movers for the formation of the Charity Classic Vehicle Club were originally involved in the organisation of a very successful fund raising event in July 2000. This project was a combined effort between an established classic car club and The Rotary Club of Billericay Mayflower. Including the income from the raffle of a 1925 Ford Model T, the event raised over £26,500 for charities.The success of this event led the main organisers to consider the potential benefits of establishing a classic car club with the prime objective of fund-raising for charities. The conclusion of their research was that with only one other club in existence in the UK with a similar objective, there was room for a new club. Thus on January 1, 2001, the Charity Classic Vehicle Club was born.

Alan is currently accepting applications for the next Rally which follows the route of the old A12 starting off at the Bull at 8.30am and finishing at Dedham with a stop off at various points of interest on the way. Alan has received over 60 applications already and as it coincides with the National Drive it Day why not hop in your classic vehicle and raise some money for a deserving charity, which this year will be Headway Essex http://www.headwayessex.org.uk/

The Club is a multi-make car club and aims to provide a series of quality events throughout the year.

For more information go to: http://www.ccvcuk.co.uk/default.asp?page_id=56
OR call Alan at work on: 01268 727603

GUEST: Members of the Billericay Operatic Society popped in for a chat about their forthcoming Show We'll Meet Again which is heart warming show taking you through people's experiences of World War II from outbreak to the declaration of peace. Poetry, Songs and stories will be told with ample opportunity for you to join in with the songs along the way. It is being performed at 8pm from Tuesday 2nd March to Saturday 6th March and there is a 3pm Matinee on the Saturday.

Tickets can be bought from the Brentwood Theatre Box Office 01277 200305

For more information on the Society go to: http://billericayoperaticsociety.co.uk/


LOCAL SPORT

BRENTWOOD Rugby Club have changed this weekend's fixture. They had been scheduled to entertain Chingford this Saturday in the league, but will instead travel to Westcliff for a league and cup match (kick-off 2.30pm).

Last night was a wash-out again. Looking forward to the weekend, it will be weather dependent again.

Blue Square South
Maidenhead v Chelmsford
Newport v Braintree.
Ryman League Premier
Afc Hornchurch v Hastings
Billericay v Aveley
Carshalton v Canvey

Division 1 north
Concord Rangers v Brentwood
East Thurrock v Ware
Harlow v VCD Athletic
Heybridge Swifts v Potters
BarIlford v Tilbury
Redbridge v Leyton
Romford v Great Wakering
Thamesmead v Maldon

MY MATE PETE

Winter Olympics:
In the women's ice hockey final Canada won gold beating USA 2-0
The men's semi final is tonight, and it won't be quite so sporting if it's Canada vs USA in the men's final, which takes place on Sunday night and is the final event of the 2010 Winter Olympics from VancouverAlso this weekend, we've got the finals of the curling, Canada also in both of those (and look out for the Norwegian men's slightly odd trousers). And the 4 man bobsleigh coming up, which is the fastest and most difficult of the bobsleigh events, and there's already been loads of crashes in the 2man event, including 2 nasty ones for the Brits

Looks like we'll only end up with the one medal, but what a sensational performance from Amy Williams to win gold last Friday night in the skeleton. It's an improvement on Turin 4 years ago when we won 1 silver, and with the funding issues prior to the Games, I think our athletes have performed really well.

Finally, spare a thought for one of the Nordic Combined competitors (that's ski jump and then a cross country race!!!), who was in the lead with just 15 competitors left in the ski-jump section, when high winds forced the competition to be delayed - and when they restarted it, they reset all the scores so it all started again from scratch...and the guy who was first eventually finished 2nd last! Harsh!

In football this weekend:
On Saturday at 12:45, it's Chelsea vs Man City, where John Terry could face Wayne Bridge, who pulled out of the England squad yesterday. Portsmouth also play away to Burnley.
On Sunday it's the Carling Cup final, Man U vs Aston Villa at WembleyCricket is back this weekend, England take on Bangladesh in a one day game on Sunday, that's ahead of a test series in mid-March.

And in 6 Nations, a massive game for England, at home to Ireland tomorrow at 4pm, and that's my highloight of the weekend (that was actually a typo rather than a deliberate attempt at spelling an Irish accent, but I kept it in as it amused me - Pete)

The four hour Saturday Kickabout from 2pm-6pm keeping an eye on the fixtures and with talk about the strategic board game of Go in the first hour.

LOCAL NEWS

Burglary at Butchers
Mr Withers arrived at his shop, DGW Meats in Bridge Parade, at 4.30am on Saturday, February 13 to find it had been broken into and a charity collection box was stolen, along with 40 burgers, two chickens and a sirloin steak. Owner David Withers, 40, has been left so shaken by the raid on his shop in Perry Street, Billericay, that he has scrapped his early-morning shifts.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the burglary, which happened some time between 5.30pm on Friday, February 12 and 4.40am the next day. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Adam Purser at Wickford police station on 0300 333 4444 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. - Gazette

Plans are at the early stages
Plans have been submitted to Basildon District Council to knock down the 1930's Buttsbury Pre School building and create a new modern premises on the site next to Buttsbury County Infant School in Perry Street, Billericay. Caroline Corrigan, chairman of the committee for Buttsbury Pre School said: "At the moment what we have got is very basic and is not sustainable for the next 25 years. The new pre school would provide better disabled access and toilets. It would also offer a training room, a new kitchen and office space along with a sensory room, to help youngsters learn by stimulating their senses. It is hoped the project will begin in July and be completed by November. The new pre school will be a wooden structure that will be pre-fabricated off site, to minimise disruption. Buttsbury Pre School is now waiting to hear if it has been successful in securing the funding for the project from Essex County Council's capital grants funding. - Gazette

One step forwards and two steps back!!
THE Lib Dems have called Brentwood Council’s budget a “step backwards” and said residents will suffer as a result. Councillors voted through the budget, which includes a council tax rise of 2.89 per cent, at a special policy meeting on Tuesday night. The budget includes £1.5million in savings being made through cuts, including scrapping pest control and dog wardens, saving £60,000. This will mean residents could now face hefty bills to private contractors to remove wasps nests and other pest problems. The council will also save £40,000 by cutting the amount of money it makes available to community groups through grants. Lib Dem leader David Kendall said this was unacceptable. He said: “This is a very disappointing budget for the residents of Brentwood. “The Conservative proposed 2.89 per cent council tax increase is one of the highest in Essex and their cuts in services will be felt by many residents, particular the elderly. Their plans to scrap the pest control service and slash discretionary grants are all backward steps.” - Weekly News

WORLD NEWS

• Dubai shark tank sprung a leak in the shopping centre
• Pirates who kidnapped 2 Brits who were sailing around the world have asked for expenses only
• And Andrew Chiles throws his toys out of the pram as Chris Evans was asked to do an extended One Show on a Friday night with Christine at his side!!

TV FOR THE WEEKEND

Friday night
Winter Olympics live coverage from 7pm on BBC 2 with the women's curling team battling it out in the Third-Place-Play-off, and over on BBC3 the action continues at 8.15 with the Women's Parallel Giant Slalom Snowboarding.

Chris Moyles and David Mitchell lock heads in a rating race as they both have comedy quiz's on at 10pm Chris Moyles' Quiz night is on Channel 4 and The Bubble is on BBC 2

Saturday Night
If you haven't had enough of celebrities making fools of themselves on live TV then tune in to BBC1's Let's Dance for Sport Relief at 7.15pm

One for the Kids Scooby-Doo 2 is on ITV2 @9.20

Sunday Night
Dancing on ice continues at 6.50 on ITV1 as the seven remaining celebrities skate for their lives to stay in the competition.

And on Channel 4 at 5.30 it's Glee Glee Glee Time (yes you have to sing it) with Episode 8 Mash-up - I can't wait!!

Have a lovely weekend and see you Monday Morning Bright and Breezy :-)

I can hear music, sweet sweet music...

GUEST
I spoke to Ed Bowsher from lovemoney.com this morning and he helped me decide on where to put my savings. Now is a rotten time to save – interest rates very low, inflation significantly higher than interest rates. Possibly worst time ever. But things will probably get better later in the year.

Why ISA's are a good thing? because it is a quick way to save a lump sum of money tax free but only one can be opened at a time. However it does give you flexibility with your money When rates are low, it is all the more important to shop around for best accounts.

Top ISA's: Santander and Alliance and Leicester both with an interest rate of 2% balances from £1 to £8,999 2.75% on balances over £9,000

What type of savings accounts are available? There are two types of savings accounts Long Term and Easy Access. As a rule the long term accounts will have fixed interest rate for larger sums of money, but it will not improve if interest rates change .

Top savings accounts: for long term or bond savings accounts Santander and Nationwide have the best rates of interest and for Easy Access ING and Alliance and Leicester Online savings account.

For more details on where to put your money go to www.lovemoney.com

LOCAL BUSINESS

• Alan Sugar has launched an appeal against the councils decision to refuse planning permission for an extension to The Annexe in King's Road
• Cross Rail tunnelling contract is up for tender, March 24th is the closing date for submissions.

LOCAL SPORT
Last night's Ryman League match between Aveley and Bognor Regis Town was called off because of the weather. This match has been postponed for 24 hours in the hope that conditions improve by this evening.

Tonight:-Championship Manager Cup (fourth Round) Billericay v Sittingbourne

OLYMPICS
Great Britain's men's curling team crashed out of the Winter Olympics in what's being described as a heartbreaking loss to Sweden. The play-off for a place in the semi-finals finished in a 7-6 extra end defeat for the reigning world champions. Sweden now go on to face Canada.

WORLD NEWS
A US man is attempting to get into the Guinness Book of World Records with a giant ice igloo that he has built in his garden in Wisconsin. Paul Steckart's 'bigloo' is 27ft 4ins (8.3 metres) wide and 17ft 6ins (5.3m) high. The current record holder for the biggest igloo is 26ft (8m) in diameter and 14ft (4.2m) high. He hopes to hear from Guinness within the coming weeks, before the spring turns his pride and joy into a pile of slush. - Neal Walker, Sky News Online

LOCAL NEWS

BIG bird!
A GROUP of expert wood craftsmen in Billericay have put the final touches on a special wren for the National Memorial Arboretum garden in Staffordshire, which remembers fallen service men and women. Peter Benson, 73, who runs the woodcarving school, said it had been a pleasure to create the bird. Other woodcarvings by the school for the garden include a two-and-a-half tonne polar bear. The wren will be unveiled at the gardens this spring. - Evening Echo

Student Debt
Liz Barber, 43, fears she was mis-sold a qualification for a job she would never secure, she is one of many people across Ongar to have signed up to become an energy assessor with Property Professionals+ Ltd, which went into administration on February 3 this year. Trainees, who paid almost £10,000 each in tuition and exam fees, say they have been misled as the jobseekers claim they were told there was a big shortage of assessors and were promised they would earn £60,000 a year once they had completed the course.
Anyone who has been affected should make sure they have registered their details with the administrators HJS Recovery at help@hjsrecovery.co.uk or by contacting 023 8023 4222. Kingston Council's trading standards department has also requested that complaints are logged on the national database www.consumerdirect.gov.uk. - Gazette

MUSIC NEWS
Muse and Kasabian were the kings of the NME Awards, but Oasis failed to pick up a single gong despite receiving three nominations. (Maybe NME didn't want their awards thrown to the crowd!!!)
Riding high after their Brits success last week, Kasabian scooped best album and best album artwork for West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. Muse also picked up two awards - best British band and best website. The Specials collected the outstanding contribution award and Godlike Genius went to Paul Weller. JLS were not so lucky and got the Worst Band Award and the Jonas Brothers got the Worst Album award for ' Lies vines and Trying Times'

NME Awards http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1253615/NME-Awards-2010-Lily-Allen-shows-60s-inspired-dress-praised-looking-fans.html Great Pictures!

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1253615/NME-Awards-2010-Lily-Allen-shows-60s-inspired-dress-praised-looking-fans.html#ixzz0gX7Nik5l

Thursday's Top Ten Albums:

1 GLEE CAST - GLEE - THE MUSIC, SEASON ONE - VOL 1
2 LADY GAGA - THE FAME
3 FLORENCE & THE MACHINE - LUNGS
4 ALICIA KEYS - THE ELEMENT OF FREEDOM
5 PAOLO NUTINI - SUNNY SIDE UP
6 ANDRE RIEU - FOREVER VIENNA
7 OWL CITY - OCEAN EYES
8 ROBBIE WILLIAMS - REALITY KILLED THE VIDEO STAR
9 BLACK EYED PEAS - THE END
10 JAY-Z - THE BLUEPRINT 3

ifestlive
A TEENAGER who claims to be a self-made millionaire is planning a four-day music festival in Billericay at Barleylands showground next July, to rival V Festival in Chelmsford.
Phil Hutchinson, 19, wants to stage a music event that will cater for up to 120,000 revellers and he has said that he is targeting top music acts including Kasabian, Pixie Lott and Kings of Leon to play at the event. Tickets would cost between £110 and £130. The event would cost up to £6million to stage, with sponsors covering much of the cost. Phil calculated the revenue from a successful festival could be up to £23million. - Evening Echo

Phil will also be competing with various other festivals that take place in the Summer Months including Love Box, Latitude, Ben and Jerry's, and any number of festival gigs in Hyde Park London - the proof will be in the pudding as to whether this Teenage Millionaire manages to pull it off.

Brrrreakfast with Fran from Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary

GUEST
Fran from Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary spoke to me about the hard work they have been doing over the Christmas Period looking after 70 horses, goats and sheep.

Remus Horse Sanctuary was formed in 1983 following the plight of the horses on Rainham Marshes, where over 100 horses were left on the bleak marshland, as the water inlets flooded, they became cut off resulting in 13 horses dying in the most awful conditions. This was then followed by the single case of REMUS, a poor horse stolen and starved for three months in a feud between two people, over the paltry sum of £50. REMUS was eventually left tied to a lamp post in the most horrific body condition, and despite all possible help, his suffering was so bad that he eventually had to be put to sleep.

There are 40 acres of land at Buttsbury with stabling/shelter for 50+ horses, caring for this many animals requires a lot of hard work and support both physically and financially. You can take part in Pony Days, afternoon teas or seasonal strolls to help the sanctuary raise some well needed cash to help them continue their good work. Also if you are interested in owning a horse you can enrol on an Adult Horse Carer day which is only £40 for the day and they are taking place on the 13th June & 19th September 2010

As well as rescuing horses the sanctuary can provide help and advice to horse owners and also check up on horses that you think might be in need of help. If you do spot a horse that looks as though it has been abandoned or miss-treated contact Remus on 01277 356191 and someone will go and check the horse and take the necessary action,

There are a host of family open days throughout the year May 2nd, June 6th, July 4th, August 1st, September 5th and October 3rd with Displays, Talks, Dog Shows not forgetting refreshments and food.
http://www.remussanctuary.co.uk

WORLD BUSINESS NEWS
A rare copy of the Superman Comic is sold in New York for $1million. It was a 1938 edition of Action Comics No1 which features Superman lifting a car on its cover and originally cost 10 cents. A comic book dealer said "It's considered by most people as the most important book. It kind of ushered in the age of the superheroes. It's like a diamond or a precious stone."


LOCAL SPORTS NEWS
Blue Square South

Bishop's Stortford 3 - 0 Bromley

Weymouth 1 - 1 Braintree Town

In the League there is a very close battle between Chelmsford City, Staines Town, Thurrock, Braintree Town for 2nd - 5th places.

Ryman League there were 17 postponed games, including all seven Premier Division fixtures.

Division 1 NorthVCD Athletic 4-3 Leyton

OLYMPIC NEWS
(GB v Sweden tonight at 2200)
Great Britain's men's curling team will face a play-off with Sweden for a place in the Winter Olympics semi-finals. They lost their final group match to Norway 9-5, the winner of the play-off will then meet the unbeaten Canadians.
But it was the end of the road for Britain's women's curling team. A six-five defeat to Canada has confirmed they're heading home.

Sarah Ainsworth
BRENTWOOD'S Winter Olympic hope Sarah Ainsworth missed out in qualification for the women's aerial skiing final on Saturday. Competing in the qualifiers at the Vancouver games Ainsworth, 24, finished second from bottom with a total score of 105.36. On her first run Ainsworth scored 52.44 and bettered that on her second run, scoring 52.92 with a more difficult routine, though she did lose balance a little on her landing. It was Ainsworth's first appearance at the Winter Olympics and comes four years after she switched from trampolining.You can see a full page article at the back of the Gazette as Sarah now targets the 2014 games after finishing 22nd

LOCAL NEWS
FRONT PAGE OF THE GAZETTE - Sinning Bishop has lost unfair dismassal case as he admitts affairs with women from his church!

Going for Green
THREE Billericay School pupils have designed winning posters as part of a campaign to make the town greener.
Year 9 pupil Stephan Garner, Katie Brewer, in Year 8, and Shanice Richardson in Year 10, designed posters to advertise the launch of the town council’s Greening Campaign which is set to encourage residents to lower their carbon emissions and water waste.
Residents will be asked to take up one of ten challenges which could be turning off lights,switching to low energy bulbs, not leaving electrical equipment on standby, not leaving taps running when they brush their teeth, washing laundry at 30c, insulating their lofts and closing the curtains at night to cut down on heat loss
The Greening Campaign will be launched at a special public meeting on Tuesday, March 23, at 7.30pm at Emmanuel Church, in Laindon Road.
At the meeting, residents and community groups will be asked to pick a challenge and share how they got on at another public meeting to be arranged in June.

Vandalism caused disruption to commuters using C2C
COMMUTERS faced a cramped journey to work after vandalism caused some services to run with fewer carriages. The 7.24am and 7.35am services from Shoebury to London Fenchurch Street ran with four and two fewer carriages respectively. The 8.00am service from Fenchurch Street to Shoebury was also affected, running with four instead of eight carriages.
Fire Fire!
FIRE ripped through a top-floor flat in Ingatestone on Monday night. Four fire crews were on hand to tackle the blaze at the property in The Limes, off the High Street, which was reported at 8.40pm. The fire started accidentally in the kitchen. Initially two teams were sent to deal with the incident, but further assistance was requested at 9pm including an aerial ladder platform to assist in fire fighting operations . A man and woman, described as in their early 30s escaped from the incident unhurt. By 9.52pm, the flames were extinguished.

Brave Lady
LIVING side-by-side with the troops who are putting their lives on the line, Gazette editor Deanne Blaylock is gaining a first-hand insight into life at Camp Bastion. It may have taken three very fraught days to arrive, but now she is seeing just what our heroic soldiers, airmen and women and personnel officers face during their tours' of duty in the war zone. Follow the news link and click on Afghanistan Diary to find out how our lads and ladies are coping.


V Festival
In years gone by, locals could queue up at the Civic Theatre, Chelmsford in person but such has been the overwhelming demand that a new system has been introduced so that Essex folk can get their tickets 24 hours before they go on sale nationally. Chelmsford Borough Council has teamed up with the V Festival organisers and SEE Tickets to provide the new service so you can buy without having to queue or pre-register.
There are two easy ways to buy tickets from 9am on Thursday, March 4: either go to www.seetickets.com and follow the links or phone 0844 5790090. You'll qualify for the service if you have an Essex postcode. Each customer will be able to buy up to four tickets.
The headline acts for this year's festival are due to be announced on Tuesday, March 2 – look out for details in go! or stay tuned to Phoenix FM and we'll give you the line up

Midweek Movies taken from the Box office MOJO:
Day as it falls to number from the top spot

1. Avatar assumes its position at the number one spot
2. The Princess and the Frog climbs from number 4 to number 2 - a gentle push from half term viewings
3. The Lovely Bones is a new release and the film centres on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family and the killer. She has to decide between getting her revenge and the desire for her family to heal.
4. No more Womance for Valentines Day as it falls to number from the top spot
5. Percy Jackson & the Olympians holds its position in the middle of the table
6. The Wolfman falls from number 3 to number 6 after 2 weeks on the screen
7. A new entry for Solomon Kane - A historical 17th Century good versus evil story that has evolved from a Weird Tales, An American Fantasy and horror fiction pulp magazine.
8. Alvin and the Chipmunks is hanging in their having gained a position after last weeks half term break.
9. Invictus falls two positions from number 7
10. And in the dropping zone Astro Boy is holding its position after a good week at the box office during half term.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

GUEST

Abby Knight - Celebrity Beauty, style and diet writer spoke to me about the latest Beauty Trends for spring.

Glowing skin is the key to all looks this spring especially with pastels for the eyes and oranges on the lips. Eyebrows are also getting lighter giving a softer frame to the face. However if you do like the smokey eyes purple is the colour this Spring!

False eyelashes are back, but if you get yourself in a sticky situation then pop to your nearest beauty salon and enquire about eyelash extensions that can last between 3 - 6 weeks!!! They give an instant lift to the eyes and are great if you are going away on holiday or to a special event! If you want a refreshing look with your makeup have a look at Young Blood Mineral Make-up, and for summery look to your skin Tan and Glo could give you the lift you need in the coldest spring in over 30 years

Kate Moss dared to have her grey highlights splashed across the national press and silver/paltinum and grey are colours that you can chose to put in your hair this spring, but the top tip for wearing this colour is keep your hair in a good shiny condition. Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham have also been setting trends for hair accessories and styles with braids, bows and wraps not to mention the Croydon Face lift (the cheapest alternative to going under the knife - scrape hair back into a high ponytail securing it with a tight band and pins. As worn by Posh as a judge on American Idol)

AND if you like something a bit different Chanel have launched a new range of semi permanent body art . The transfers should be in the shops from the 1st March. Also there is a new nail product on the market, Minx semi permanent nails, which are a big hit with the celebs as they last for up to six weeks.

Here are some places where you can try out the products for yourself:
Young blood Mineral Make-up at Saks nationwide www.ybskin.co.uk or call 01306 886 425 for mini makeovers and a chance to play with colour.
Tan & Glo Mobile Tanning Company for this year’s perfect glow at www.siennaxbytanandglo.vpweb.co.uk or call 07917 003695/07904 323820

Debenhams nationwide for fabulous hair accessories

Lash Extensions at Billericay’s only lash lounge http://www.oohlalashes.co.uk/ or call 01277 632969.

Minx semi permanent nails at http://www.sweetsquared.com/ for your nearest salon

LOCAL SPORTS

RYMAN PREMIER: The scheduled Premier Division game between Aveley and Bognor Regis has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

HEAVY rain took its toll yet again yesterday when the complete Ryman League programme was washed out. Three senior matches and six involving Ryman Youth League sides were scheduled.

There are 22 senior matches and two youth games programmed for today but a number of them are already subject to early pitch inspections.

Of those matches due to take place:-

Ryman Premier
AFC Hornchurch v Canvey Island

D1 North
East Thurrock Utd v Concord Rangers
Enfield Town v Brentwood Town
Harlow Town v Heybridge Swifts
Maldon Town v Great Wakering Rovers
Potters Bar Town v Ilford 19:45

To date:-
There have now been 212 postponed matches in the three senior divisions and the Championship Manager Cup since December 19, when only two of the 33 fixtures went ahead. Worse was to follow on January 9 when the complete Saturday programme was lost.

The most postponements occurred during 1962-63. During that season, there were more than 400 postponements in league matches- and this was in the day when they would play in thick snow with an orange ball.

Steve from the Saturday Kick-about remembers a boxing day watching Birmingham v West Brom as St Andrews. They cleared the lines and played on the white pitch with an orange ball.

If you want to see a few photos check out this article:-

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/2804045/When-winter-football-meant-playing-with-an-orange-ball.html


WINTER OLYMPICS
Great Britain's men are still in the hunt for a semi-final place at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. They crushed Germany 8-2 overnight - and now face Norway in their final match. Not such good news for the women though, they lost a thrilling game against Denmark 9-8 to virtually leave them out of the competition.

John and Sinead Kerr score a seasonal best 92.23 in the free dance section of the Olympic ice dance competition to finish eighth overall, while fellow Brits Penny Coomes and Nick Buckland finished 20th overall.

LOCAL BUSINESS
Keys Hall shopkeepers want answers from the council as to when the hall will be sold to developers so that Warley can receive the same make over as the High Street.

LOCAL NEWS

What's the Point?
MORE than 70 children tried their hand at fencing with the help of a professional yesterday. James Beevers, one of Britain’s top fencers, visited Sunnymede junior school, Billericay, to offer children aged five to ten a taster session.

Waste not want not?
A STAGGERING £5.6million is being poured down the drain on wasted medication every year across south Essex.
In a bid to stop the cash haemorrhage, health chiefs from NHS South West Essex are now telling GPs in Brentwood to only prescribe enough drugs for 28 days to patients, where possible. As well as reducing waste, bosses from the PCT say other benefits of 28-day prescribing, include a reduction in the risk of overdosing.

Residents Celebrate their Victory!
RESIDENTS who campaigned against two houses being built are celebrating after the application was thrown out by councillors. Planning bosses have turned down plans to build a three-bedroom house, and three two-bedroom houses, at 89 to 93 Park Road, Brentwood. This isn't the first time the developer applied for planning permission as in 2008, there was an application to build a three-storey block of 12 flats on the land, but met with fierce opposition from local residents. The proposal was rejected by Brentwood Council, and then rejected again at appeal.

Local Flood Rescues
THREE people were rescued from their cars after getting trapped in flood water in Ingatestone. One woman was rescued just after 3.30pm on Monday after her car became trapped in water along Ingatestone Road. Another person was saved after becoming trapped in Stock Lane, while another driver had to be rescued from his van after being stranded in Mountnessing Road, Ingatestone.

My 'Soap Box' this morning was: Parents Parking???

LOCAL NEWS
Are you guilty of bad parking in Brentwood when you collect the kids from school???

Parents on the school run are ignoring Road Safety and the Highway Code by parking illegally and dangerously outside the school gates across Brentwood. What kind of an example is this setting drivers of the future?

And its not just parking that I was shocked by this weekend, as I witnessed a car driving the wrong way through a no entry sign. When I gestured to say that it was no entry he waived back as if to say its OK I am above the Law and Highway Code. How do these people pass their tests????

BUSINESS NEWS
2010 Business awards are launched in this weeks Gazette and the Categories are:

• Best Company in the Community
• Best Growing Business
• Best Training Programme
• Customer Care and Service
• Innovation
• Excellence in Marketing
• Outstanding Business Person
• Employer of the year
• Young Entrepreneur of the year
  
  New awards for this year include:
• Constructing for Essex
• Investing in Essex

To enter all you have to do is click on the following link and follow the instructions:

http://www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/businessexcellenceawards/awardsnews

LOCAL SPORTS NEWS

The Results for the weekend:

In the Premier Division Billericay Town drew 1-1 at home to Maidstone United
In Division one North, Brentwood Town beat Harlow Town 2-0

And the London Leopards broke their loosing streak beating Tees Valley Mohawks 101 - 94

BAFTAS
The underdog was rewarded last night.
The Iraq war drama, The Hurt Locker scooped six BAFTAS includiung 'Best Film' and 'Best Director' prize for Kathryn Bigelow

Two British performers were also rewarded for their hardwork; Colin Firth and Carey Mulligan both received leading actor awards for their roles in A Single Man and An Education.

Fish Tank was named 'Outstanding British Film' which is suprising as there was some risky casting of an unknown and un trained actress playing the part of Mia. And from one newcomer to another Twilight actress Kristen Stewart won 'Rising Star' honour in the only BAFTA voted for by the public.

DANCING ON ICE
In the seventh week Sharron Davies ended up in the bottom two with actress Emily Atack, was saved by the judges after the skate off- but Sharron promised she would keep skating at her local rink in Swindon.

POPSTAR TO OPERA STAR
Darius the Diva beat Bernie Nolan and won the nations hearts in Friday's Final. It was a close call but both would have been worthy winners - what great voices, now that's what I call singing!!

BIRTHDAYS:
Tim Metcalfe shares his Birthday with James Blunt 36, Jenny Frost 32

I just can't wait for the Saturday...

GUEST
James Bolt spoke to me this morning about his role as the Story Teller in Eastern Angles touring production of The Long way home. This is James' first outing with Eastern Angles and his performance skills are being stretched to the limit, playing multiple roles along with operating puppets.

Formed in 1982, Eastern Angles has blazed a trail across the East of England, becoming a national model of excellence for rural touring before expanding to include national touring, Edinburgh Festival visits and site-specific work. Its current annual programme includes: a community tour to village halls in the Spring with new writing, often with a regional flavour; a Haven Gateway site-specific show in the Summer; Platform Peterborough in the Autumn; and a unique comic extravaganza in the Sir John Mills Theatre and Seckford Theatre over the Christmas season. In between, we commission new plays, tour shows nationally, present new work by BME writers during Black History Month, and workshop new scripts.

Eastern Angles have used music, puppetry and traditional storytelling techniques to bring this folktale, The Longway Home, to life. The story centres on a spirited old woman and her pilgrimage across country back to the seaside village of her childhood. As she treks across the land the ‘old mother’ meets an abandoned dog-boy and a tender friendship is forged. On the way, the two companions encounter a series of strange and unsettling characters - a distraught mother, a proud farmer, dangerous bandits and ghosts from the past all fighting their own personal battles.

The playwright is Charles Way who is an award-winning writer of over thirty plays. Eastern Angles audiences will remember his wonderfully atmospheric play In The Bleak Midwinter which toured the East of England back in 2000. The Long Way Home will be directed by Naomi Jones whose record-breaking 2009 tour, Return To Akenfield, gained glowing reviews from The Guardian (at The Brentwood Theatre) and The Times. She also directed the acclaimed Flight Path at The Bush Theatre.

Tickets can be bought from the Theatre Box office for Saturday's performance as Friday has now sold out: 01277 200305

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
Free Credit Checks are available to Small Businesses from Essex County Council's Libraries Business Information Service.
Businesses are told to check Bills issued by the borough Council for errors

LOCAL SPORT
Weather dependent the following matches are due to take place this weekend:

Blue Sq Premier

Kettering Town v Grays Athletic

Blue Sq South

Braintree Town v Bromley

Eastleigh v Thurrock

Lewes v Chelmsford City

Ryman Premier

Aveley v Harrow Borough

Billericay Town v Maidstone United

Margate v Canvey Island

Wealdstone v AFC Hornchurch

Ryman D1 North

Brentwood Town v Harlow Town

Cheshunt v Heybridge Swifts

Concord Rangers v Thamesmead Town

Lowestoft Town v East Thurrock United

Maldon Town v Potters Bar Town

Redbridge v Great Wakering Rovers

Tilbury v Leyton

VCD Athletic v Romford

Waltham Forest v Ilford

MY MATE PETE'S SPORTS ROUNDUP

Winter Olympics - Sarah Ainsworth starts her winter olympic bid this weekend in the freestyle skiing, Amy Williams leading the skeleton overnight, and brilliant downhill battles, especially in the women's with Chemmy Alcott finishing 15th on a really difficult course which saw some spectacular crashes, and one quite hilarious one:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympic_games/vancouver_2010/alpine_skiing/8521121.stm

Curling hasn't been going too well although the women's team are starting to get some results so fingers crossed we can get some medals over the next week from Vancouver.
Some food for thought as it was announced that there are plans afoot for a play-off to get the 4th qualifying spot for the Champions League? I think it's a terrible, unnecessary idea - what do you think?

No 6 nations this weekend so go and watch some local football and rugby, or you can hear the latest results this weekend on the Saturday Kickabout Steve Robertson and Dan Westram. The lads will be joined by Bernie Curtis, local secretary for the 40+ Cycling Club. Bernie will be talking about the up and coming events for the thriving club, which was formed in 1951 for older cyclists in South East England. They will also be looking back over the first week of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. Join the Phoenix fm Sports Team every Saturday from 3-6pm.


LOCAL NEWS
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build new homes on a conservation area off Billericay High Street have been approved despite rejections from two councils. The refusals were dramatically overturned after developer R and G Holmes appealed to the Government’s independent planning inspector. - Evening Echo

Arsonists attack home of disabled lad
POLICE are hunting arsonists who doused a family's front door with petrol and then set light to it, while they were asleep inside. One of those asleep inside was a disabled 13-year-old boy, who uses a wheelchair, when the fire broke out in a house in Peartree Lane, in Doddinghurst, on Sunday, February 7, at 1.20am.
The family was able to get out of the house safely and called the fire service, who quickly dealt with the fire.
As a precaution, fire officers visited the family and fitted extra smoke detectors and a special bag to the back of the door in case anything flammable is put through the door. Police are now hunting the culprits and have appealed for information. If you saw anything suspicious on the night of the fire you should contact Dc Krout, at Brentwood CID, on 0300 333 4444.

MAN CHARGED WITH CABLE THEFT OFFENCES
A MAN has been charged in connection with railway trespass and a theft-related offence. He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Saturday 13th February, where he denied the charges. He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today the 19th February

COUNCIL TAX TO RISE BY 3%
BRENTWOOD Council looks set to up council tax by nearly three per cent, one of its lowest increases in 16 years.
The council will finalise its 20010/11 budget at a special policy meeting, being held in the town hall on Tuesday, where it is expected to agree a 2.89 per cent rise in council tax. The rise works out at an extra 9p a week for people living in B and D band properties. - Weekly News

FLIPPIN GOOD FUN
SHOP owners, shoppers and councillors took pare in a Pancake Day race down Crown Street, in Brentwood. The racers were brandishing frying pans, slipping and sliding in the rain on Tuesday.
Lin Heath, who runs the French Quarter said “It was a little taste of old Brentwood, there was some great community spirit. We’re planning more events like this, and also hoping to include traders from Shenfield and Ingatestone into the association.” Labour councillor Mike Le-Surf romped to victory, winning two tickets for a show at Brentwood Theatre he added: “It was good fun.” Asked if his victory was down to any special technique, the modest councillor said: “It was just a lot of luck because I did drop my pancake. I was just lucky everyone else dropped theirs too.” - Weekly News

BIRTHDAYS
Ray Winstone, Seal and Leslie Ash Celebrate with you today - Many Happy Returns

Nearly the weekend...

Can we not send the bad weather and snow to Vancouver where they really need some additional snow???

LOCAL SPORT
No local Football Results today as the weather has beaten us again. But in the Gazette Brentwood School's Under 13's reach the final of the Independent School's Football Association Cup, they will take on Repton School from Derbyshire at the Coca-Cola League two side, Burton Albion's, Pirelli Stadium and Teenager Alexander Munson Hobbs from Pilgrim Hatch is off to Norway for a week long training camp in slalom and grand slalom. He was spotted by scouts when he was practising at the Dry Ski Slope in Brentwood.

WINTER OLYMPICS
The coverage on BBC 2 starts at 11.20 and includes skeleton, men's figure skating, women's curling and snowboard half-pipe. With live action available to watch by pressing the red button.

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
Toy Shop Success
A TOY shop owner who is bucking the trend and recording good sales said he has profited from the demise of former high street favourite Woolworths. - Evening Echo, Sophie Edwards

An industrial Site in Stondon Massey has been told they might have some new Neighbours!
INDUSTRIAL estate business owners fear gypsies could threaten their livelihoods after their 1.1 acre site was put forward as a potential travellers' site. - Brentwood Gazette

LOCAL NEWS
Victory for Billericay Surgeries
SURGERIES will remain open in a victory for patients who have battled to save their local GP practices. - Brentwood Gazette

FLOOD WARNINGS
TWO people were rescued from a ford over Hay Green Lane, in Hook End on Tuesday night. Fire crews from Brentwood used a boat to bring the stranded driver and passenger to safety at around 8pm. - Brentwood Gazette

Friends and Family mourn the loss of wonderful mentor

A LEADING figure in Billericay education has died at the age of 83. Ernie Cox was the much-loved head teacher of Sunnymede school for 25 years, and a governor at the Mayflower High School right up until his death at home on February 5. - Brentwood Gazette

MUSIC NEWS
NEW GIRL BAND HIT MUSIC VENUES IN ESSEX
Essex is bracing itself for latest pop sensation Girls Don't Catch, a trio of three feisty females who'll be hitting Southend, Chicago and Colchester in the next week or so. Catch them live at Southend Mayhem on Friday, February 19, Chelmsford's Chicago Rock Cafe on Sunday, February 21 and Escape in Colchester on Friday, February 26.
Find out more at www.girlscantcatch.com

Pixie Lott came home empty handed from the Britt Awards, but if Lady Gaga is anything to go by she could wipe the floor next year! Roll on 2011 :-)


MIDWEEK MOVIES
I know its a bit late but here are your TOP 10 movies for the week provided by IMDB and Box office Mojo:

Valentines Day hits the top spot this week, not surprising as it was Valentines Day on Sunday!! It has been likened to Love Actually with an interviewer speaking to couples about their relationships, breakups and arguments that happen on the romantic holiday.

Avatar is knocked off the poll position to number 2 but is still the best selling movie. The Wolfman lands at number 3 in its first week and the Princess and the Frog falls 2 places to number 4.

In at number 5 is Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which is a Harry Potter'esque movie but instead of magic powers he gets caught up with Gods from his Greek Mythology books from School and embarks in a cross country adventure to capture a lightning thief. I think this one will fill the ficton void that Potter has left behind as he turns in to a young adult.

Straight in to number 6 My Name is Khan tackles two social issues the first being the understanding of Asperger's, a form of high-functioning autism that complicates socialization, and the second being the assumptions made that all Muslims are terrorists. The combination of the two misunderstandings ends up with Khan being detained at LAX airport because of his suspicious behaviour and cultural heritage. I think this will make some big waves in the movie industry; one worth a watch...

Invictus falls to number 7 and the dark tale of A single man arriving at number 8 starring Colin Firth and Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy and Skins). In positions 9 and 10 there is something for the kids, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel and Astro Boy no doubt they will climb the charts after the half term break!!

Midweek Movies & BRITT Award Winners

GUEST
Alan Ablewhite from the Brentwood Shakespeare Company came in for a chat this morning about Shakespeare and the up and coming production of Much Ado About Nothing, which is being performed at the Brentwood Theatre from the 13th to the 17th April and tickets can be bought from the Theatre Box Office 01277 200305. The company was formed in 1994 with the aim for people in the community to bring Shakespeare to life in the wonderful acting space of Brentwood Theatre.

Open auditions are held in October of each year to recruit new performers as there is no Company of actors as such and this process ensures freshness.

Alan has told me today that he is looking for individuals to be extras in Much Ado about Nothing as a Cocktail Waiters and if it is something you are interested in contact him by calling 01277 210800 or email brentwoodshakespeare@gmail.com

Alan also treated us to a Shakespeare Sonnet sung by Rufus Wainwright which can be found on the Album When Love Speaks which has a variety of artists and household names trained at RADA putting their mark on the classic poems.

LOCAL SPORTS NEWS
SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin has reassured fans the Blues will not leave Roots Hall until the new Fossetts Farm stadium is built. He expects work on the new 22,000-seater stadium off Eastern Avenue, Southend, to begin in the next few months.

Mr Martin was responding to a concerned supporter on his online chairman’s blog, who was worried about the club being left homeless if the superstore is built at Roots Hall, and the Fossetts Farm plans falls through. In response, Mr Martin said: “If I have not made it clear, then over my dead body. The club will not be leaving Roots Hall until the new stadium is built. This arrangement is locked into an agreement with Southend Council and Sainsbury’s." he continued by saying "I hope that puts supporters' minds at rest. My care and commitment to the club has not and will not ever be in question and I will not be satisfied until such time as we have fulfilled the club's potential which I believe to be enormous.”
- For more on this story go to the Evening Echo,John Geoghan

Southend are away this weekend and play MK Dons, also Billericay play Maidstone at home, kick off at 3pm


WORLD SPORT - SURFING
At the Half Moon Bay surfing competition in California, two large waves of over 6ft knocked over people, barricades and a PA system that was broadcasting the commentary. Injuries included broken Limbs and a punctured lung, and people were luck not to be swept out to sea. At high tide, two more rogue waves hit the shore, knocking down more spectators and causing others to flee in panic.
South African Chris Bertish won this year's competition.
- Heather Christie, Sky News Online

WINTER OLYMPIC TV COVERAGE
There is a night time of activity for the Winter Olympics this evening - but it will be a test of your will power if you can get through to the end on a school night....
Men and women's cross country skiing qualifying rounds start at 18.15 GMT, with women's downhill at 19.00 GMT.
Men and women's curling teams are up against China France and Sweden at 17.00, 22.00 and 03.00 (Thursday morning)
Men's half pipe snowboarding starts at 21.05; the Men's 1000m Speed Skating is at midnight and Short Track and Men's double Luge starting at 01.00

LOCAL NEWS
Fatal Crash in Shenfield
An elderly driver has died after his car smashed into a house at the top of Shenfield High Street. The road was closed for more than four hours while police carried out their investigations and they request that any witnesses should contact Pc Mark Davis at Chigwell Road Policing Unit on 0300 333 4444.
- Brentwood Gazette

Legal Action for Brentwood Council
BRENTWOOD Council has been threatened with legal action by a group of badger lovers determined to ensure plans to build two houses never get off the ground.
- Brentwood Gazette


Council Tax Rises
RESIDENTS in Essex will pay an extra 2.7 per cent on their council tax for the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service precept and there is also tax increase of 3.02 per cent has been agreed by Essex Police
To put this in to perspective the cost of providing ECFRS services in 2010/11 will be £75.027 million and the plans for the Essex Police Authority budget for 2010/11 includes funding 50 extra officers recruited last year, extra capacity in the serious crime teams, more staff working on custody duties and maintenance of the bicycle fleet.
- Details of this article can be found in the Evening Echo.

MIDWEEK MOVIES
No top 10 today as the web page was out of date but some great movies to go out and experience this half term nevertheless you can go to www.imdb.com to find out what's released this half term

BRITT AWARDS ROUND UP
Lady Gaga went Googoo for her awards; Lilly Allen tried to fool the Paps with a ridiculous orange wig whilst Cheryl Cole mimed badly to Fight for this Love.
British Male Solo Artist went to Dizzee Rascal
British Female Solo Artist is Lily Allen who beat local lass Pixie Lott
British Breakthrough Act JLS was chosen by Radio 1 listeners
British Group: Doves, Friendly Fires, Muse and JLS were pipped at the post by Kasabian
MasterCard British Album was deservedly won by Florence & the Machine - Lungs - Who performed a great mixed version of You've got the Love with Dizzie Rascal's Dirtee Love
And to Complement Florence's victory the British Producer Award went to last year's Best Newcomer, Paul Epworth, for his work with the likes of Florence & the Machine, Friendly Fires and Jack Penate. Machine singer Florence Welch was on hand to pass the statues to the producer, whose work on her album Lungs helped make it one of last year's best-sellers
British Single was selected by UK Commercial Radio listeners which meant JLS won there 2nd award of the night for Beat Again
BRITs Performance of 30 Years went to Spice Girls - Wannabe/Who Do You Think You Are (1997)
International Male Solo Artist is Jay-Z who was up against Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Michael Bublé, Seasick Steve
International Female Solo Artist was won by Lady Gaga and was the first of her hat trick
International Breakthrough Act, MTV viewers chose Lady Gaga
International Album went to Lady Gaga - The Fame (the last in the trilogy!)
BRITs Album of 30 Years, chosen by Radio 2 & 6 Music listeners was Oasis - (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? of which the award was thrown to the audience
Critics’ Choice: Ellie Goulding
Outstanding Contribution to Music: Robbie Williams