A CROWDFUNDING page has been laucnhed to help ensure that history plays its part in September's Orsett Show.

The cost of the heritage marquee at the show has traditionally been sponsored by Thurrock Council, with many local volunteer-led organisations linking to history, including Thurrock Local History Society, Purfleet Heritage Centre, BATA and Thurrock Museum volunteers mounting exhibitions inside it. Some even wear traditional costumes as they share local stories to show visitors.

However, cash-strapped Thurrock Council - dispite having a mission statement saying that it is an organisation that leads an 'ambitious and collaborative community which is proud of its heritage' - has withdrawn its funding for this year's show, which takes place on Saturday, 7 September.

Now the groups have banded tpogether to try and rasie funds for the cost of the marquee hire, which is around £1,500. The crowdfunding appeal is being organised by the Purfleet Heritage Centre and has been backed by leading councillor Val Morris-Cook, who is the portfolio holder for Community Partnerships.

She says: "It is unfortunate that the financial constraints on the council imposed by the government and the commissioners who have ultimate control at the moment mean that there is a moratorium on non statutory spending at the moment, so a request to fund the marquee again was rejected.

"The tent is a very popular part of the show and is a showcase for the many wonderful groups in our community who can teach youn people about the heritage they are inheriting.

"The groups have got together and are going to attempt to raise the funding themselves and it would be wonderful if people and businesses across the borough could contribute."

The fundraising page can be found via this link.