ON the eve of Remembrance weekend when Thurrock residents across the borough will come together to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in conflict, Nub News can reveal that Thurrock Council attempted to instigate charges for people in Tilbury to use its facilities while attending the town's memorial service.

It has been traditional that visitors and organisers of the service in Tilbury, originally the local branch of the Royal British Legion but latterly an amalgamation of local community groups, had use of the library and hub facility on Civic Square, where the town's unique memorial stands.

However, this year, as preparations for the event were being made, the council notified organisers that it proposed to charge for use of the facility and levy an additional charge for staff to attend – even though previous occasions have used the services of volunteers.

The move upset organisers, who include the town's community forum, who immediately rejected the idea of paying and instead turned to the nearby Tilbury Community Association and asked to use its building instead.

They received a positive response from its trustees and the centre's manager Danny Pyman-Brickwood also offered to provide refreshments before and after the event free of charge. It will also open its bar for those who wish to use it after the event.

When awareness of the council's action began to emerge, with a clearly negative reaction from local people, the council attempted to retract its position and withdrew the charge.

A compromise has now been reached where the library and hub will be open before Sunday's (8 November) service.

Cllr Russell Cherry, cabinet member for Veterans, Enforcement and Environment said: "This administration has made it a priority to support our veterans and actively remember those who have lost their lives while protecting our country.

"Remembrance Sunday is a day of huge significance to this council in our civic calendar, and the council stands ready to support our communities with the various thoughtful events that take place around the borough in November.

"In Tilbury there was recently a discussion between key stakeholders including the Forum, the Royal British Legion, and library staff, about arrangements for this year's event, and how various costs would be covered. No decisions were made, nor escalated, within the council. Plans were still being agreed to support the event.

"The council has spoken to the chair of the Community Forum to reiterate our support for the Remembrance Sunday service, and make it clear that the library will be made available for free for a community event for those attending the service, and we look forward to working with the community to support this important event."

In a post by its chair, Craig Austin, ahead of Sunday's event in Tilbury, the Forum has outlined what will be happening and extended an invitation to town residents to begin a 'new tradition'.

It says: "The Royal British Legion (Tilbury) is delighted to announce that in collaboration with the Tilbury Community Association & Tilbury Forum this year's Remembrance Sunday will see the start of a new tradition.

"Following the service in Civic Square you are cordially invited back to the Community Centre for refreshments with our veterans.

"Free tea, coffee, biscuits and sandwiches will be available with the bar open for anyone wanting to purchase alcohol.

"Our community is very, very special and it always shines remembering our heroes on Remembrance Sunday.

"But, we live in a time where we have less opportunities to talk and interact with each other so what better opportunity to build on that than when we come together to pay our respects as we do each year?

"We would be delighted if you can join us for this very special event following the service on Sunday at the Tilbury Community Centre."

Cllr Cherry has also detailed efforts by the council to ensure all the borough's war memorials are at their best over the coming weekend.

He says: "As we prepare to mark Remembrance Sunday, it is important that our War Memorials remain fitting places for reflection, remembrance and gratitude. Memorials across the borough have received a welcome refresh ahead of Remembrance, thanks to the collaborative work of Thurrock Council officers, ward councillors and local forums.

"In Tilbury, the team worked with local councillors and the Tilbury Forum to carry out a range of improvements to Tilbury Civic Square and areas surrounding the War Memorial. Works included litter picking, replacing withered plants, adding fresh colour to borders and planters, and adding more planting to the green spaces in front of the Hub and nearby areas.

"War Memorials in other parts of the borough such as Grays, Aveley, Purfleet and East Tilbury also received improvement works including painting and grounds maintenance activities to ensure they are well presented and ready for the ceremonies taking place on Remembrance Sunday.

"Thurrock has a proud and long-standing connection with the Armed Forces, with generations of servicemen and women, veterans and military families having called our borough home.

"These memorials stand as a lasting tribute to those who served and sacrificed for our country."

A summary of Remembrance events with times and locations was published by Thurrock Nub News and can be read via this link.

Meanwhile across the borough ahead of the weekend events, collections have been taking place for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.

Volunteers from community groups, businesses and individuals have been manning stalls selling commemorative memorabilia at stores and public venues throughout Thurrock including Lakeside Shopping centre, Tesco, Sainsburys, Morrisons and Asda stores – with many shops, bars and businesses hosting collecting tines and distributing poppies.

The depth of feeling and support for the poppy appeal was encapsulated by Donna Howard, who was one of three generations of her family to staff a stall at Sainsbury's at Chafford Hundred. She said: "Three generations of our clan support and celebrate our wonderful armed forces. The Army, Navy, Air Force and Merchant Navy are all close to our hearts."

This year's local poppy appeal was launched with a fundraising quiz event at Tilbury Community Centre in October, which itself raised £2,157.82. Local fundraiser Pam Goldfinch-Grice expressed thanks to quiz hosts Kris and Louise Knowles and Mr Pyman-Brickwood.

Kirsten Swan, the Poppy appeal manager for Essex, spoke about the importance of the appeal and thanked the people of Tilbury and Thurrock for their support.