Emma Palmer

3 weeks ago | echo-news.co.uk | Emma Palmer

End of the line - A factory manager with a long line of finished cars (Image: Newsquest) These nostalgic photos will steer you back in time to when south Essex manufactured disability cars. The images show vehicles coming off the line at the Invacar factory in Thundersley, then being tested on local roads, in 1973. The Invacar (abbreviated from “invalid carriage”) was a small single-seater microcar vehicle designed for use by disabled drivers.

1 month ago | greatbritishlife.co.uk | Emma Palmer

From a smoky village smithy where the sound of hammering and smell of burning would have filled the air round the clock to a plush post office and general store, the Forge at Penshurst has been around for 130 years. Thank goodness this historic building is not only still standing, but remains an integral part of one Kent community… There was a time when every village had a blacksmith’s forge and the smithy would be a highly skilled, respected member of the community.

1 month ago | greatbritishlife.co.uk | Emma Palmer

In a male-dominated industry that could be cruel to women, Lillian Braithwaite carved herself out a career as a hugely successful actress and proved time and time again that she could role with the punches during the golden age of Hollywood Lilian Braithwaite was as great at delivering her own lines as she was at reading words off a script.

1 month ago | greatbritishlife.co.uk | Emma Palmer

International Women’s Day returns on March 8, so here are the true stories behind some amazing women from Essex’s history. These early Essex girls broke down barriers, made their voices heard and, above all, stayed true to themselves… THE QUAKER ABOLITIONIST – Anne Knight Social reformer, feminist and one feisty Essex lady, Anne Knight spent her life trying to abolish the slave trade and also laid the foundations for the Suffragette movement.

1 month ago | echo-news.co.uk | Emma Palmer

Crowds - The streets were lined with spectators (Image: Echo archive) These wheely nice photos from our archive, bring back memories of the annual cycle race that used to be held in Rayleigh. It was a mammoth event and saw crowds in their hundreds lining the street to watch as cyclists and rollerskaters took part in a number of different races.