A look back at the biggest local stories from this day 20, 40 and 60 years ago.
1958:
Three emergency win-the-bus strike measures which would have had far-reaching repercussions were announced by conductor R.J. Watts, branch secretary for 400 determined Hornchurch bus drivers.
1. Action to “black” the Ford Motor Company’s 50-coach fleet hired to transport thousands of workers to the three Dagenham motor plants.
2. Steps to end Eastern National 2A and 251 services picking up passengers within Romford and Hornchurch areas.
3. Support for action to “black” all stocks to any local garage which supplied petrol to coach firms carrying out passenger work not operated before the strike.
On Ford Motor Company, Mr Watts said: “Together with men at North Street and Seven Kings Garages, we are supporting the resolution sponsored by Barking Garage, appealing to Ford’s and Briggs workers to help stop the fleet of “blackleg” coaches operating at Fords.”
1978:
Cannabis-taking was “rife” in Havering among 18 to 20-year-olds, a Divisional Crime Squad detective claimed.
And some teenagers were turning to crime to help pay for the drug, said Det Insp Ray Cade.
He said: “The hard drug problem is well under control in Havering.
“We do regular raids for drugs around Hornchurch, Romford and Collier Row.
But cannabis-taking here is rife.
“Crimes such as burglary and the theft – where the haul is easy to dispose of - are often carried out to buy drugs.
“We have come to this conclusion through dealing with 18 - 20-year-old prisoners.
“Havering drug-takers seem to go for almost anything.
“Recently I had a case of a person injecting himself with Mogadon, a tranquilliser.”
1998:
A Rise Park woman totally dependent on an assistance dog to live, because of her severe spinal disability told the Recorder: “I’ve given up on mankind” after being robbed in Romford.
Brenda Addison, 54, who suffered from syringomyelia – a crippling spinal disease – was training her new assistance dog to pick shopping off the shelves for her when a thief stole her disability pension and income support books.
She didn’t even realise what had happened until she got home and said she was shocked that someone could perform such a cruel act.
She said: “When I found out that I had been robbed, it left a horrible taste in my mouth.
“I have now lost all faith in mankind.
“All I know is that I have lost all trust for anyone and I hope the police catch these people because they should not be walking the streets.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here