MANY tributes have been sent and condolences offered following the announcement of the death of popular Purfleet man Alan Gosling, founder of the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre, which he and his wife Sue have run for many years – sometimes almost single-handedly.

The longevity of the centre, based in a former Royal Gunpowder Magazine, has been such that in recent times there has been a resurgence of interest and an expansion in activities, with new supporters joining those running what has often been described as one of 'Thurrock's hidden gems'.

The centre has been closed for refirbishment but will reopen on Sunday (2 March), a timely opportunity for people to remember Mr Gosling who died yesterday morning (Monday, 24 February), five days after being admitted to Basildon Hospital with an infection around a lung which affected his heart.

Alan fought bravely against a longstanding pulminary condition, but despite having to use a mobile chair and almost constantly needing a breathing aid, he was assiduous in his duties at the centre and rarely missed an event or open day.

Earlier this month, around the time he and Sue were celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary, Alan suffered a fall but, as ever he carried, on with the help of his family.

Alan was the head of a loving family.

Among many tributes to Mr Gosling, two of the borough's former MPs have spoken of their respect and admiration for him.

Andrew Mackinley and his wife Ruth, were frequent visitors to the centre and said: "So very sorry for your loss Sue. Sending our sincere condolences to you and all the family. With our love and warm thoughts of our dear friend Alan."

And Mr Mackinley's successor, Dame Jackie Doyle-Price, was also a stalwart supporter. She said: "This is terribly sad news. Alan will be missed.

"He built up the Purfleet Heritage Centre as a true labour of love and made it one of the borough's jewels and he never let his health challenges stop him. May he rest in peace."

Current Thurrock MP Jen Craft said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Alan Gosling's passing. He was the heart and soul of the Purfleet Heritage Centre, a place that will always be synonymous with him.

"Alan's passion for preserving history was truly inspiring. He dedicated his life to uncovering and sharing the stories of Thurrock's past, ensuring that no piece of history was lost or forgotten.

"I will always remember him proudly showing me new exhibitions and donations, eager to share the knowledge he had gathered. Alan has left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Sue and all of Alan's family."

Cllr Lee Watson, speaking behalf of herself and fellow West Thurrock, South Stifford and Purfleet-on-Thames ward councillor Aaron Green, said: "Alan will be missed by all who knew him. He was the heart and soul of the Heritage Centre and always spoke up for Purfleet. Without him, and Sue, there wouldn't be this fantastic asset for the people of Thurrock.

"He was a wonderful and caring man and I am pleased to have been privileged to know him."

West Thurrock, South Stifford and Purfleet-on-Thames ward councillor Qaisar Abbas concurred with his ward colleagues and said: "I am very sorry to hear about sad death of the one and only Alan Gosling.

"Alan worked very hard and with full dedication to establish and setup Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre.

"He cared about people of Purfleet-on-Thames and Thurrock. He was inducted into Mayoral Roll of Honour in January 2023 for his services to local heritage and history. He was a good friend and will be missed by all of us.

"My deepest condolences to Sue Gosling, family members and friends. Rest in peace Alan."

Thurrock Council's portfolio holder for communities, Cllr Val Morris-Cook added: "I cannot image the Heritage Centre without Alan. He always had a smile for everyone – and a mischievous one too. He was the Heritage Centre."

On behalf of Grays Thurrock Royal British Legion, its chairman Rod Oakley said: "Alan was such a lovely man. Please accept the condolences of all of us Grays Thurrock Branch RBL."

Thurrock Council's community liaison officer Lynn Gittings said: "Alan was such a gentleman, one of the good guys."

Dave Belcher, Chairman Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre, said: "Our volunteers are all working to build on Alan's legacy and to see the centre continue to grow from strength to strength.

"Our thoughts are with Alan's wife, Sue, and family at this sad time."

Funeral details have yet to be announced.