1. Mistress in distress

Valerie Burns was the partner of Patrick Burns. She was never married to him as he was a married (but estranged) catholic and so could not be divorced). But she raised his children and even changed her name by deed poll. But when the partnership foundered, she went to the High Court to get her share of the house in Old Harlow.

However, Judge Dillon ruled that despite the eighteen years together, she was not entitled to a fair share.

2. Sadistic attack on man in Mark Hall

A man had initials carved into his stomanch as he was attacked by three men as he walked home.

The incident happened close to Mark Hall at 1 am.

Two of the suspects were described as of West Indian appearance whilst another was white.

The victim told the HG: “I thought I was going to be killed.

3. Kitty retires from Pollards Hatch

Popular Kitty Etherington (63) retired from working at Bunce’s in Pollards Hatch.

Kitty received a crystal fruit bowl from head office.

4. Chewbacca comes to the Fox in Matching Green

Seven foot, three inch, Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars series, dropped in on The Fox, Matching Green.

The landlord, Peter West, had raised over £200 for muscular dystrophy. MD is a disease his son suffers from.

5. Women athletes shine at Harlow AC

Dozens of women athletes put in a great performance at a Southern League Track Meeting at The Sportcentre.

Among the top performances was a 6.01m Long Jump by GB International, Sandra Green.

There were also strong performances by Jo Essex and Petra Tancock.