Tuesday 31st to Friday 3rd September - Guests Galore....

A number of guests joined me in the studio and on the phone this week including Children’s Author Jacky Rom, Fundraiser Richard Robins who is cycling with 4 friends from Brentwood to Barcelona, 1000 miles in 9 days, with the aim of raising £100,000 to go to Great Ormond Street, Helen Rollason Cancer charity and SNAP. Local Actress Diana Croft popped in to the studio as she is appearing in Ladies Down Under at the Queeen’s Theatre, Hornchurch until September 11th. And finally my brother Paul Sweeney came in for a cuppa and a chat about his trip to Edinburgh for the festival and his show this Saturday at the Seaxe Bar in the Essex Arms.

LOCAL NEWS

This week there has been a lot of coverage of the travellers illegal site at Hovefields in Basildon, with one of the families securing a High Court injunction and another threatening that they “ will put gas bottles all round and protest and people will chain themselves to the fences.” Stay tuned next week for the latest updates


MONDAY

SPORT
HUNDREDS of youngsters enjoyed a thrilling weekend of acrobatic skateboarding, roller-blading and BMX biking across south Essex. Gloucester Park in Basildon played host to the first ever SX Urban Games on Saturday, which was organised by Basildon Council and Sport Essex. - By John Geoghegan, Evening Echo

Barry Corr hit the right notes both on and off the pitch to help Southend United record their first league win of the season at Bradford City on Friday night. The Irish striker scored one and made another for Anthony Grant as Blues triumphed 2-0 at Valley Parade. - By Chris Phillips, Evening Echo

RESULTS
30 Aug Premier Division
AFC Hornchurch 2 - 1 Wealdstone
Billericay Town 1 - 0 Canvey Island
Bury Town 2 - 1 Aveley

30 Aug Division One North
Brentwood Town 2 - 2 Waltham Abbey
Enfield Town 5 - 0 Harlow Town
Grays Athletic 3 - 1 Tilbury
Needham Market 4 - 0 Maldon & Tiptree
Redbridge 1 - 2 Thamesmead Town

29 Aug F.A. Cup - [ Preliminary Round ]
Romford 3 - 1 Beaconsfield SYCOB

28 August F.A. Cup - [Preliminary Round]
Aveley 1 - 1 Concord Rangers
Canvey Island 1 - 1 Carshalton Athletic
Croydon Athletic 0 - 0 Billericay Town
Kingstonian 2 - 1 AFC Hornchurch

28 Aug F.A. Cup - [ Preliminary Round ]
Barking 0 - 1 Redbridge
East Thurrock United 3 - 0 Waltham Abbey
Harlow Town 1 - 0 Barton Rovers
Leighton Town 2 - 2 Heybridge Swifts
Maldon & Tiptree 4 - 2 Hertford Town
Saffron Walden Town 1 - 1 Great Wakering Rovers
Southend Manor 0 - 4 Brentwood Town
Thamesmead Town 2 - 3 Beckenham Town
Uxbridge 0 - 1 Tilbury
Waltham Forest 0 - 3 Enfield Town
Witham Town 0 - 0 Ilford

FIXTURES
31 Aug Division One North
Romford VS Leyton

F.A. Cup- [ Preliminary Round - Replay ]

Great Wakering Rovers VS Saffron Walden Town

MUSIC NEWS

Simon Cowell has threatened to dock his X Factor contestants' future pay after reports they trashed his luxury rented villa in Spain. The hopefuls - in Marbella to impress Simon at boot camp - are said to have caused damage to a Persian rug and designer furniture. The pop mogul has admitted they did wake him up and says he might charge them for the clean-up in future to teach them a lesson.
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Former X-Factor star Olly Murs has topped this week's chart (NOT THE OFFICIAL CHART). His debut song Please Don't Let Me Go has entered the Big Top 40 at number one. The 26-year old, from Essex, was runner up on the last series of the TV talent show - losing out to Joe McElderry.
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A contestant on the Sky One talent show Must Be the Music has made it into the top ten. Pepper and Piano - performing in public for only the second time - were one often acts to get through to the final of the competition. They were at 103 in the download chart just after the show - but within minutes they'd jumped to number 10.
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Legendary guitarist Slash has filed for divorce from his wife of nearly nine years, blaming "irreconcilable differences". The 45-year-old, whose real name is Saul Hudson, is best known for playing with Guns 'N' Roses and Velvet Revolver. He and his estranged wife Perla are seeking joint custody of their two sons, aged eight and six.
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Rock star Axl Rose launched a foul-mouthed tirade against police and promoters last night as he left the stage at the Leeds festival. The Guns N' Roses singer told fans they were expecting to play until midnight- but had been told to stop 45 minutes early. Despite being late on stage, the headline act still managed a 2 hour set -ending with Paradise City.
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A masked musician has been named the greatest drummer of the past quarter century. Joey Jordison of Slipknot beat Phil Collins and Nirvana's Dave Grohl to the title. He's famous for playing two bass drums at the same time. (Drum magazine Rhythm study)
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Singer Newton Faulkner's been confirmed as the headline act for a charity busking event. It's part of the Busking Cancer campaign where musicians take to the streets to raise money. Cancer survivor Rod Stewart and Madness frontman Suggs both support it. Faulkner - who's best known for his song Dream Catch Me - will perform at a flagship event in London on HMS Belfast on 10 September.

SINGLES CHART
1 (NEW ENTRY) DYNAMITE - TAIO CRUZ
2 (2) LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE - EMINEM FT RIHANNA (10 weeks in the charts)
3 (3) CLUB CAN'T HANDLE ME - FLO RIDA FT DAVID GUETTA
4 (1) GREEN LIGHT - ROLL DEEP
5 (NEW ENTRY) KATY ON A MISSION - KATY B
6 (4) WE NO SPEAK AMERICANO - YOLANDA BE COOL VS D CUP
7 (6) BILLIONAIRE - TRAVIE MCCOY FT BRUNO MARS
8 (NEW ENTRY) CROSSFIRE - BRANDON FLOWERS
9 (5) BEAUTIFUL MONSTER - NE-YO
10 (8) AIRPLANES - BOB FT HAYLEY WILLIAMS

ALBUM CHART
1 (2) RECOVERY - EMINEM
2 (4) THE DEFAMATION OF STRICKLAND BANKS - PLAN B
3 (1) THE FINAL FRONTIER - IRON MAIDEN
4 (5) THE SUBURBS - ARCADE FIRE
5 (8) ELIZA DOOLITTLE - ELIZA DOOLITTLE
6 (9) THE FAME - LADY GAGA
7 (12) SIGH NO MORE - MUMFORD & SONS
8 (3) HEADLINES - SATURDAYS
9 (6) CRAZY LOVE - MICHAEL BUBLE
10 (NEW ENTRY) SURFING THE VOID - KLAXONS


WEDNESDAY

LOCAL NEWS
What an inspiration....
While most 78-year-olds might be thinking of winding down, one pensioner who continues to work is well and truly lovin’ it. Alex Stenhouse works part time alongside teenagers and students at McDonald’s in Southchurch. The former Scottish Premier League footballer, who came out of retirement to take up the job, has worked for the restaurant since it opened in Eastern Avenue in 2002. The father-of-three and grandfather-of-four started his long career as a footballer playing for teams including Dundee United, Portsmouth and Southend United. He then enlisted in the Army for two years before running the Southend United Social Club and the Ecko Sports and Social Club before he retired. - By Jasmine McDermott, evening Echo

SPORT
RHYS Evans enjoyed a Southend United debut to remember at Roots Hall tonight as Blues ended their Johnstone Paint Trophy woes with a penalty shoot out victory over Gillingham. Not since 2005 had Southend triumphed in the competition which was previously named the LDV Vans Trophy. But, after a drab 90 minutes had ended in a 0-0 draw, Blues triumphed 4-3 on sudden death spot-kicks with Evans – a summer signing on a free transfer – saving two of the Gills' six efforts.
By Chris Phillips, Evening Echo


RESULTS
31 Aug Division One North
Romford 0 - 0 Leyton

31 Aug F.A. Cup - [ Preliminary Round - Replay ]
Great Wakering Rovers 3 - 1 Saffron Walden Town

FIXTURES
01 Sep F.A. Cup - [ Preliminary Round - Replay ]
Eastbourne Town VS VCD Athletic
Ilford VS Witham Town

GUEST:
Jacky Rom, Author of Missing Extra, a Mystery Novel for 9 o 11 yr old girls full of intrigue and suspense. After many years of writing plays she was just about to turn 50 and had the urge to write her first Novel. Escaping off to the Caribbean she wrote the first of a series of five books called; The Amazing Adventures of Starr. Book 1 is called “The Missing Extra”.

MIDWEEK MOVIES
1. Grown Ups launches in to the top spot - starring Adam Sandler
2. Another New Entry is Scott Pilgrim vs the world starring John Cera
3. Toy Story 3
4. Expendables have rolled out of the top position after a week at the box office
5. Salt and Agelina Jolie also fell from grace
6. Piranha after a week is down 2 places
7. Inception has had 7 weeks in the charts and is still holding in there
8. Diary of a wimpy Kid is a new entry at 8
9. Avatar has been re-released and starts it’s second life in the box office at 9
10. Marmaduke is on its way out of the top ten after 1 week in the charts


THURSDAY

GUEST:
My early-bird guest this morning was Richard Robbins who is planning to cycle from Brentwood to Barcelona which is 1000 miles in 9 days!
The group of cyclists include: Daniel Stewart, Sean Blamford, Paul Merrington, Sean Snell. They are a group of friends that have a passion for cycling, except for Paul who is a new comer to the sport and has lost nearly 3 stone during the training!
Both Richard and Paul’s Children spent a lot of time at Great Ormond Street at the beginning of their lives and they are raising money to say a big thank you for all their help and support. They are also donating money to 2 other local charities including SNAP and the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity.
Richard has recently done a London to Paris cycle in 3 days which was a warm up to the 9 days he is about to embark on, and he cycles to work daily (which is Brentwood to Haymarket in London) which is about an 1 and a half hours each way!
They set off on September the 10th from Lot 75 in Shenfield for breakfast with the family and a big send off!! They also have a recently qualified physiotherapist and two friends travelling with them to be there for first aid and assistance.
You can follow them on their journey by going to www.cycleb2b2010.com and you can donate through http://www.justgiving.com/BRENTWOOD-TO-BARCELONA-2010
They are looking to raise £100,000 and so far they have £57,000 so dig deep and make those sores worth the pain!!

My second Guest this morning is Diana Croft who will be starring in the latest production Ladies down Under at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch. After winning the jackpot at the races, four best friends celebrate in style with a sun-soaked holiday to Australia. Pearl, Jan, Shelley and Linda leave their jobs in a Hull fish packing factory and embark on a laughter-filled trip of a lifetime. From the excitement of Sydney to adventures in the outback, join the girls living their dream. But as the sun sets and reality bites our four Sheilas soon realise there’s more to life than money.

The Queens have an ever changing company of actors,and Diana has been a regular face of their company for the last 12 years, however now having a family means that she can only commit to a few productions. And she is delighted to be involved in Ladies Down Under which is a sequel to Ladies Day where the four ladies from Hull won a life changing sum of money!! It’s a Roller coaster ride as they discover themselves on a trip to Australia, meeting different characters on the way and realising that money doesn’t always make you happy!

It is part of the Jump the Q scheme where you can Book 3 shows for just £13 each, call the Box Office on 01708 443333

LOVES A LUXURY - MERCURY THEATRE
Guy Paxton and Edward V Hoile's farce about a successful theatrical producer's ill-fated attempt to enjoy a quiet country break. Stars Ben Freeman Thursday to Saturday tickets are between £9.50 and £20.50

The Rocky Horror Show - THE CLIFFS PAVILLION
Richard O'Brien's musical comedy about a couple's encounter with mad scientist Dr Frank N Furter. Starring David Bedella, Claire Parrish, Matthew Harrop, Nathan Amzi, Richard Meek, Hayley Tamaddon, Sarah Boulton.
Performances are on Monday 6th to Thursday 9th September and tickets are priced between £17 and £30.50


FRIDAY
GUEST
Paul Sweeney - My funny Brother Popped in to the studio to say hello this morning after returning from Edinburgh. This Saturday he is Mc’ing at the Brentwood Comedy club in the Seaxe Bar in the Essex Arms, and if you turn up in roller blades you get to go in for free!

There are lots of things in the pipeline for Paul over the next few months so become a fan of his page so that you can stay up to date with his gigs..

http://www.facebook.com/emmajanesweeney#!/group.php?gid=82992697327&ref=mf

WEEKEND SPORT
England vs Bulgaria tonight in the first of the euro 2012 qualification games, 2nd is in Switzerland on Tuesday.
England women in rugby world cup final vs New Zealand on Sunday, Semi final was on sky so may well be on sky.
Also the rugby union premiership season starts this weekend, including the Twickenham double header to kick off the season.
England women progressing well in the hockey world cup in Argentina, including beating Olympic silver medallists China 1-0.
Plus the F1 and the ongoing cricket betting scandal, there's lots going on! - Pete Searles

04 Sep 10 Ryman Premiere Division
Aveley VS Hastings United
Canvey Island VS Tooting & Mitcham United
Maidstone United VS AFC Hornchurch
Sutton United VS Billericay Town

04 Sep 10 Division One North
AFC Sudbury VS Romford
Cheshunt VS Brentwood Town
East Thurrock United VS Redbridge
Harlow Town VS Waltham Forest
Ilford VS Enfield Town
Leyton VS Grays Athletic
Maldon & Tiptree VS Great Wakering Rovers
Tilbury VS Potters Bar Town
Waltham Abbey VS Needham Market
Wingate & Finchley VS Heybridge Swifts

Have a wonderful weekend and Monday at 10am I will be chatting to Lucy Gill and Tony Morrison will be in to talk about the the Brentwood Festival and play some tracks from the artists that will be performing.