Meet Thurrock's magnificent 19!
By Neil Speight
5th Jun 2022 | Local News
THE contribution of 19 people from Thurrock towards the general well-being of the borough community will be recognised today (Sunday, 5 June) when they take part in the Queen's Jubilee Pageant in London.
Purfleet-on-Thames-based arts company Kinetika, which specialises in creating large-scale hand-painted silks that are combined with community projects, was commissioned to create a section for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant.
It takes the form of a 'Thank You' presentation – an animated movement section of the pageant. Hundreds of performers adorned in silk, drawn from across generations from Thurrock, Milton Keynes (where Kinetika also operates, and London.
The silks use in the pageant represent the contributions of local people to their communities and many of Thurrock's largely unsung heroes will feature. Some will be taking part personally, having left the borough on a specially commissioned Thames clipper this morning to join the festivities.
We have featured the borough heroes below. Please click on the links to read more about what they do and see videos of them talking about their work, the Jubilee and the Queen.
Alicia Jones who has been a long time career for her mum and since being 14, has become a voice for thousands of Young Carers across the UK to ensure they are listened to.
Carol Fahey, a key figure and NHS and care workers in Thurrock where she draws on the experience of 50 years involvement with the NHS.
Berni Hefron, a learning support assistant at East Tilbury Primary School and an adult volunteer and commissioned officer at in a Combined Cadet Force unit.
Lollipop lady Christine Pace who has been school crossing patrol person for the past 21-years, helping keep borough children safe.
Jenny Codling would be the first to acknowledge the work of others as part of the Queen's award-winning Foodbank team at St John's Church in Tilbury, but her unselfish work will be recognised in today's pageant. Jenny was also a winner of the Stronger Together Community award in Thurrock's 2016 Civic awards.
Never one to blow his own trumpet, but nevertheless a huge force in borough education, Kevin Sadler from the Gateway Learning Community is among those honoured.
Purfleet Hub Co-ordinator and volunteer Mark Gibson is another who has made a significant contribution to the work offoodbanks in the borough.
Another lollipop lady whose work is recognised is Janet Smith who is also a adult learning volunteeer. I wanted to do more to give back to the community, so I learnt basic computer skills at TACC, giving me the ability to do more to assist within the library. It was a member of the team that inspired me to apply to be a Lollipop Person, which I love, she says.
PC Neil Brand joined Essex police in 1995 and his entire policing career has been in Thurrock, with 14 years as Thurrock's school liaison officer.
Russ Calver has been recognised for his work at the Port of Tilbury where he manages the cruise terminal and operations, as well as the off-dock container storage yard.
Paul Wakeling started Orsett Stores 30 years ago and it has become a focal point for the village community.
Sarah-Louise Harris is a class teacher at Kenningtons Primary Academy and is a passionate advocate for children's physical education - "because sport is a fantastic way for children to release tension, which supports them within their classroom environment" she says.
Stevie Smith is a paramedic working around South West Essex, particularly in Basildon and Thurrock. Stevie says: "I am thrilled to be taking part in The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant. The Queen is such an inspiration – particularly last year, while others were ignoring the rules and people were struggling, she buried her husband, sitting alone and remaining dignified. She is a reminder to do the right thing even when others don't."
Tarnya Bennett will be no stranger to regular readers of Thurrock Nub News which has often featured her continuing efforts to support local people and organisations as the Grays Morrisons store community champion.
Valerie Muzelenga lives in Tilbury and is a much-valued NHS care worker whose efforts helped many through the Covid-19 pandemic.
A personal assistant and carer for people with learning or physical disabilities as well as older people requiring support in the Thurrock community Vicky Van Vynck works in community facilities or in people's homes.
Victoria McBrown is the head teacher of St Mary's Primary School in Tilbury and says that 'every child can make a difference'.
Tom Flynn is a well-known face in Thurrock where he has influenced the lives of many young people through his work with the Prince's Trust.
Zyle Mills has made an impact in his home community where he established his Heavenly Greens Fruit and Veg business, which he combines with his membership and wardenship with St Stephen's Church in his hometown of Purfleet-on-Thames.
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