AS 2025 draws to a conclusion, Thurrock Nub News looks back on some the more positive moments for the borough community which has endured a tough year - but there is still plenty to be proud about as we look at just a few of the highlights of the past 12 months.

January: The spirit of Christmas was still in the air as residents helped out Thurrock's Wildlife Hospital. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/residents-weigh-in-with-a-glittering-donation-250674. Throughout 2025 we reported on many of the amazing stories that came out of the Orsett facility, including this amazing fox rescue.

February: Thurrock's amazing Courts Players put on a show to remember as they reprised an earlier triumphant performance with Allo, Allo 2. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/opinion/saying-it-only-once-is-not-enough-courts-players-are-amazing-252388. And they will be back on stage in February 2026 with The Unfriend.

March: The borough paid tribute to its many remarkable foster carers – people who make a real difference to local children's lives and wellbeing. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/sp10746-celebrating-mothers-day-as-a-foster-carer-timely-focus-and-tribute-to-borough-folk-mnaking-a-difference-256064

April: A Tilbury mum spoke of her pride in her children who carried out a clean up mission in the town during their Easter holidays. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/tidy-up-tots-making-a-difference-in-tilbury-257414

May: A Thurrock Coffee shop suddenly found itself at the centre on national attention as a review went viral. Hundred queued outside Stanford's Hope Coffee Shop. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/borough-cafe-goes-viral-as-the-love-for-coffee-is-shared-261099

June: A tribute to the life-saving skills of Basildon Hospital's heart team by former borough mayor Carl Morris who came back from the brink of death highlighted that not everything in the NHS was on a downer in 2025. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/never-give-up-carls-tribute-to-amazing-hospital-team-that-brought-him-back-from-the-brink-of-death-264047

July: Local heroes were acknowledged by Thurrock Council who honoured Jim Gooding, Mike Ostler, Fatima Whitbread and her mother Maggie with the Freedom of Thurrock. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/borough-heroes-are-acknowledged-266442

August: A young man whose life has showcased the tremendous work of Thurrock's Treetops Schools marked another chapter in his remarkable life with publication of his latest book. Congratulations all round to Samuel Turner. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/samuels-latest-book-highlights-journey-through-treetops-268482

September: It was celebration time at Ye Olde Plough House for the volunteers and guests of one of Thurrock's most popular charities. Re-engage has made a huge difference to the lives of so many elderly, vulnerable and lonely people across the borough. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/a-memorable-weekend-for-loraine-and-re-engage-272078

October: The work of volunteers in Purfleet was highlighted when the Community Pantry and Cafe was nominated for a Community Champion Award. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/pantry-is-nominated-for-top-community-award-275023.

November: The experiences and achievements of young people who have been in care in Thurrock were celebrated and their achievements listed. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/a-celebration-of-borough-young-people-279394

December: It's been another memorable year for a borough mum and daughter who spearhead a life-saving borough charity. https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/charlotte-looks-back-on-another-year-of-making-a-lifesaving-difference-in-thurrock-283679