MEMBERS of Thurrock's South Asian community enjoyed a celebration event recognising cultural and heritage links.

It took place at Grays Community Hall on Maidstone Road yesterday (Friday, 17 August) and was a collaborative event organised by the Essex Police Multi-Ethnic Support Association (MESA).

Among those attending were the borough police chief, Chief Inspector Tony Atkin and leading Conservative politicians including Thurrock Group leader Cllr Andrew Jefferies. 

His Conservative shadow cabinet colleague Cllr Qaisar Abass was one of the collaborative organisers.

Cllrs Jefferies and Abbas were high profile particpants in the event.

Cllr Jefferies spoke of his delight at attending the event and celebrating South Asian Heritage Month, saying: "Thurrock has a rich diverse community which is what makes it a great place to live and work." 

The event was held at Grays Community Hall and attended by MESA Chair, Chief superintendent Jenny Barnett, along with fellow MESA members suerintendent Tim Tubbs, Chief Inspector and Thurrock district Commander Anthony Atkin, Inspector Anokhi Chouhan, Sergeant Sadik Miah, Police Constable Luke Watson, Detective Constable Jessica Newberry, DC Jacob Gray, and Essex Police staff Christian Robinson, Hannah Kelly, Julie Joyce.

 Local councillors and residents also attended, including Sri Lankan artist Joseph Seelan and international boxer Amanaio Parascjiv.

There were also representatives of community businesses and interest groups C2C, the Job Centre, Thurrock Fostering, EPUT, NELFT, The Change Project, Thurrock History Society, Thurrock Museum, Tilbury Mosque, Grays Park Mosque, Thurrock Hindu Temple, Taleem Mosque, Stanford-Le-Hope Mosque, Grays Gurdwara, Thurrock Nepalese (Gurkha) Community, Welcome to the UK,parents from Empowering Parents Empowering Communities, British Indian Ocean Territory Citizens, Harrods Lakeside, Skyline, KDH Projects and Thurrock Awareness Ride.

 The event was started by observing one minute silence to remember victims of the Southport murders.

Jo Goddard.

Local bagpiper, Jo Goddard, played a special lament to remember victims and their families.

MESA Chair and Chief Superintendent Jenny Barnett said: "The contributions of the South Asian people who came to the UK over many years, and their descendants who form a vibrant and economically active South Asian British community, cannot be underestimated.

"They have enriched our culture and our sense of being a United Kingdom and the diversity that they contribute to within the UK is one of the greatest strengths of our nation. It is a privilege to celebrate this month with them, and to be able to participate in this event."

 Cllr Abbas welcomed guests and said: "It is an honour to host and organise this joint event to mark South Asian Heritage Month.

"Diversity is our strength, and we all need to stand together as one nation. South Asians have contributed positively to many fields not just in Essex but across the UK and it is now time to recognise and appreciate their contributions and achievements."

 The First Secretary (Political) of Pakistani High Commission, Mr Jawad Ali, said: "I appreciate MESA, Essex Police and Cllr Abbas for organising this important event.

"The British-Pakistanis are contributing significantly to the development of Pakistan and UK and are acting as a bridge between the two countries."