THE best efforts of Storm Bert could not stop a service of Remembrance going ahead at Coalhouse Fort on Sunday.

For many years the East Tilbury fort hosted Thurrock's last act of the Remembrance season with a popular service on the last Sunday of the month.

That was stopped when the fort was closed down to the public in January 2020 after Thurrock Council called time on the volunteer-led Coalhouse Fort project.

It was a controversial decision that subsequently prompted local criticism and speculation about Thurrock Council's commitment to heritage. Concerns are encapsulated in this story from Thurrock Nub News in July 2021.

And in November 2022 Nub News editor Neil Speight managed to get the council to agree to reopen for remembrance and a short service took place attended by veterans.

Unfortunately the council were not able to repeat the event last year, but following May's elections there has been a resurgence of intent to bring the fort back to life, led by communities portfolio holder Cllr Valerie Morris-Cook.

Earlier this year the gates opened again for two days of discussions and visits by local people, hosted by Cllr Morris-Cook who gave an upbeat report afterwards, pledging to restore the fort and work with partner organisations to bring it back as a significant part of local life.

Working with Mr Speight, who helped organise the event and brought military, church and civic representatives together, Cllr Morris-Cook hosted a short Remembrance service on Sunday (24 November).

It proved a stormy affair but that did not stop participants laying wreaths and paying tribute through hymns and prayers to the fallen. Music and a PA system were provided thanks to the generosity of HPE.

Cllr Morris-Cook said: "My sincere thanks go to Tilbury and Grays Thurrock British Legion branches and other representatives,  PLA chaplain Ruth Campbell, Steve and his team from Henderson Perry Entertainment, Ray the Ranger, staff at the café, Deputy Mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick and all those who attended and stood in the teeth of the gale.

"I am so pleased to see Coalhouse Fort feature in the borough's Remembrance services once again.

"We could only have a limited attendance this year but I felt it was important to have a statement of intent and respect. But next year we will be able to have an open and full service that will befit the Fort.

"And next month we will be hosting a Christmas Market on the 14^th and 15^th December".