History repeating itself. Essex County Standard August 1976

This day August 15th (1902) Magistrates in Mistley agreed to send a request to Essex County Council asking for the police to be provided with stop watches for the purpose of timing the speed of motorcars. Two weeks later the Essex Chief Constable turned down the request.

On this day, August 14th (1967), the Marine & Broadcasting (Offences) Act became law in the United Kingdom. As a consequence most of the ship based pirate radio stations closed down.

Grand Plans. This day August 13th (1921) Gravesend & Tilbury councils, supported by local MPs, published plans to link Tilbury to Gravesend by a rail tunnel under the Thames –(est cost £5 million). A early rail Thames Lower crossing and directs links to the midlands? Alas……

Opened this day August 12th (1971) Woolworth, Maldon, a self service store, featuring Miss England, the Dagenham Girl Pipers AND Captain Birds Eye. Those were the days!

This day August 11th (2012) As part of the London Olympic Games, Hadleigh Farm hosted the Women’s Cycling Mountain Bike event. The race was won by Julie Bresset of France who took the gold medal. London 2012 carved in stone.

Newham Bookshop. Always worth to visit. Great selection of titles. Browsers heaven. 743-745 Barking Rd, London E13 9ER

Newham Bookshop@newhambookshop.bsky.social · 5d ago

Thank you everyone for your support, please keep visiting the shop and sign the petition.

This day August 10th (1992) Nearly 2000 householders in Witham and 1,000 in Braintree received summons for failure to their pay poll tax. (Braintree and Witham Times)

Thanks to everyone who has responded to our post, hopefully we should have some news very soon. Meanwhie please come and buy books from us. Open again on Tuesday.

Open all weekends and bank holidays until Christmas 2026. Southend Pier Museum Fee entry, well worth a visit. More, southendpiermuseum.co.uk

Now stocked also at the Chelmsford Museum in Oaklands Park

@dengie100.bsky.social · last wk.

A new book from the excellent Essex Hundred Publications. @essex100.bsky.social

This day August 8th (1942) the US 817th Aviation Engineering Battalion took over Renfrew Farm in Essex to begin construction of Stansted Airport. This was just one of 15 airfields built in Essex in the space of 20 months. Its amazing what can be done when need arises.

Released 59 years (1967) -BUT soon to be forgotten. 'Viking Queen' With Carita, & Dom Murray. The film combines Queen Boudica, the Iceni combat chariots, bits of King Lear, Vincenzo Bellini tragic opera Norma, & is set in France! More the 'Real' Boudica www.essex100.com/product/boud...

An unusual press ad that originally appeared in the ‘The Cyclist’s Road Book’ in 1892. The ‘Cyclists Revolver’ just 10 shillings & sixpence post free. A splendid protection for riders that will fit comfortably in a waistcoat. Road Rage? – Armed cyclists,whatever next?

50 Years Ago In the papers this day 6th August 1976 Brightlingsea welcomes home its Gold Medal winners, Reg and John. plus New Stack park is on?

This day August 5th (1955) Thurrock Council caused outrage amongst tenants & local trade unionists when a clause was inserted into tenants rent books which stated that the tenants were now responsible for interior decoration in their homes.

50 years ago. Reported this day 4th August 1976 Southend Pier -some soul searching from the great fire the week before. Is it a blessing in disguise? Admission to the pier 15 pence! see also 'The Struggle to Build Southend's First Pier' www.essex100.com/product/stru...

The Maplin Airport Saga of 1973 This day August 3rd (1973) David King a temporary civil servant at the Environment Department was sacked after hand writing a PS on official letters that said ‘The reply you receive is an official lie. Your views will not be taken into consideration’.

*** New from the IHS *** Our programme for 2026/27 has been finalised as per the attached. First meeting on Monday 14th September 2026. Membership is £15 (or £20 for two people at the same address). The form can be found at the link below. ilfordhistoricalsociety.weebly.com/membership.h...

For #SignsOnSunday and perhaps new rules for FIFA from 2030.

Famous Essex Authors (You have never of) by Dee Gordon in bookshops, online AND NOW available in Chelmsford Museum Oaklands Park (Well worth a visit)

This day August 1st (1911). Frinton on Sea. Magistrates at Clacton declined an application for a music and dancing license (without dancing except by performers and without a band too) in the Casino grounds at Frinton-on-Sea.

This day July 31st (1910) Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen was arrested on the ‘SS Montrose’ when it entered Canadian waters. It was the first recorded use of a telegraph to trap a fugitive. The telegraph was made and supplied by the Marconi Company of Chelmsford.

In today's Echo 50 years ago, Southend's Great Pier Fire. Two page report. For more pier information Check out, Southend Pier Museum Open, Friday's, Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays. Free Entry. More, www.southendpiermuseum.co.uk

This day July 30th (1868) Abbey Mills pumping station in Stratford (Now LB Newham) officially opened for ‘business’: The sewerage business. The building was a triumph of extravagant Victorian flair, high ornamental windows & beautifully sculptured masonry.

Fifty years ago this day. The Pierhead at Southend Pier was destroyed by fire. 190 years ago getting Southend Pier built in the first place was a struggle. More ‘The Struggle to Build Southend’s First Pier’ by Marion Pearce. bookshops/online More, essex100.com/product/strugg

This day July 29th (1976). The curse of fire 50 years ago. LONGER THAN A MILE Oh Southend Pier longer than a mile! I’m treading your boards walking in style. What does the future hold my old friend? What will I find when I get to the end? Video short. youtu.be/pWivhJKrYvQ

This day July 29th (1976) fire devastated Southend Pierhead. Strong south-westerly winds fanned the flames and initially one hundred people were trapped but were soon rescued using boats and a pier train to make their getaway.

This day July 28th (1946) Civic leaders from Essex attended a special service at the Essex Regiment Chapel at Warley Barracks. They agreed to back the regiment’s £10,000 appeal to improve the chapel and install a carillon of bells. The bells were installed 4 years later.

Just over a week to go. Thursday August 6th 2026, at 2.00pm. Where? Galleywood Heritage Centre A special presentation By Andrew Summers of ONCE IN ESSEX NOW IN LONDON Including short videos See poster & booking for full details