SINCE the doors of the South Ockendon Centre first opened seven years ago Wendy Curtis has played an instrumental role in establishing the centre and been a key part of the team that has provided support to customers and the residents of South Ockendon.

Today (Monday, 29 March)that team gathered to bid Wendy - a former councillor and borough deputy mayor (she was also mayoress when husband Charlie was mayor in 2011/12) - in a socially distanced fond farewell as she retired from the Centre.

Karen Stanbridge who is library supervisor for Belhus Library at South Ockendon Centre said: "We'd like to say a huge thank you to Wendy on her retirement.

"She's contributed so much to the success of the centre and we had a great team with herself, library staff and volunteers and will be sorely missed by friends and colleagues at Thurrock Council, Thurrock CVS and the South Ockendon Centre Steering Committee.

"Wendy is entirely committed to supporting our community and I don't doubt that she will continue to do so in retirement. She definitely won't be taking it easy with her feet up! We also had many laughs along the way and she will be sorely missed by us all. Good luck Wendy and enjoy!"

Peter Wiffen, MD of local-company H W Wilson, added: "We have worked with Wendy over many years in her many endeavours from arranging the Christmas tree and lights each year to numerous charity events including the annual MacMillan coffee morning.

"Wendy and her husband Charlie are both champions of the community and have made the lives of those living locally a little brighter and happier. We will miss Wendy but there will no doubt be a call from her before long asking for our help in another event she is putting together!"