A major earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale hit in the early
> hours of Wednesday 25th June 2003.
>
> Epicentre: Basildon, Essex. Victims were seen wandering around
> aimlessly muttering "fackin ell" and "whatta cant" The earthquake
> decimated the area causing approximately ?30.00 worth of damage.
> Several priceless collections of mementos from the Balearics and
> Spanish Costa's were damaged beyond repair.
>
> Three areas of historic burnt out cars were disturbed. Many locals
> were woken well before their giro arrived. Essex FM News (State Radio
> Station) reported that hundreds of residents were confused and
> bewildered, still trying to come to terms with the fact that
something
> interesting had happened in Basildon.
>
> One resident - Tracy Sharon Smith, a 15-year-old mother of 5 said "
It
> was such a shock, my little Chardonnay Mercedes came running into my
> bedroom crying. My youngest two: Tyler-Morgan and Megan-Storm slept
> through it all.
>
> I was still shaking when I was watching Kilroy the next morning."
>
> Apparently though, looting, muggings and car crime did carry on as
> normal.
>
> The British Red Cross has so far managed to ship 4,000 crates of
Sunny
> Delight to the area to help the stricken locals.
>
> Rescue workers are still searching through the rubble and have found
> large quantities of personal belongings, which include benefit books,
> jewellery from Elizabeth Duke at Argos and Bone China from Poundland.
>
> HOW CAN YOU HELP
>
> This appeal is to raise money for food and clothing, parcels for
those
> unfortunate to be caught up in this disaster. Clothing is most sought
> after, items most needed include:
>
> Fila or Burberry baseball caps,
>
> Kappa tracksuit tops (his and hers),
>
> Shell suits (female)
>
> White sport socks
>
> Rockport boots and any other items usually sold in Primark.
>
> Food parcels may be harder to come by, but are needed all the same.
>
> Required foodstuffs include Microwave meals, tins of baked beans, ice
> cream and cans of Colt 45 or Special Brew.
>
> 22p buys a biro for filling in the compensation forms, ?2.00 buys
> chips, crisps and blue fizzy drinks for a family of 9, ?5.00 will pay
> for a packet of B&H and a lighter to calm the nerves of those
> affected.
>
> Please do not send tents for shelter, as the sight of posh housing is
> unfair on the population or neighbouring areas of Vange, Pitsea and
> Laindon.