THURROCK'S days of Remembrance and tribute through November will start tomorrow (Sunday, 1 November) with two services in the west of the borough.

In the morning the traditional parade from the Purfleet-on-Thames Heritage and Military Centre on the Garrison estate will start a season of tribute at 10.15am.

The parade will march to the nearby St Stephen's Church for a service and wreath-laying that will begin at 10.45am.

In the afternoon at the memorial at West Thurrock Memorial Park off London Road a short service will take place, starting at 2pm.

In the following days services and wreath-laying ceremonies will be held in towns and villages across Thurrock, giving communities the opportunity to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in conflict, remember veterans and recognise the contribution of serving personnel.

A list of services to follow is here

Saturday 7 November

• Orsett: War Memorial, High Road, RM16 3LB – 10.55am.

Remembrance Sunday: 8 November

Communities across Thurrock will gather at local war memorials and churches to observe the traditional two-minute silence at 11am.

Among the events taking place is the annual civic service at Grays War Memorial in the High Street, where residents are asked to assemble by 10.45am.

Other services on Remembrance Sunday include:

• Aveley: St Michael's Church, High Street – service at 9.45am, followed by remembrance at the War Memorial at 10.45am.
• Blackshots: St John's Church, Victoria Avenue, Grays – 10.30am.
• Bulphan: St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Road – 2pm.
• Chadwell St Mary: St Mary's Church, Linford Road – service at 10.45am, followed by wreath-laying at the memorial.
• Chafford Hundred: Parade from Warren Primary School at 2.45pm, followed by a service at the War Memorial in Kershaw Close at 3pm.
• Corringham: St Mary the Virgin Church – 10.45am.
• East Tilbury: Bata War Memorial, Princess Margaret Road – gathering at 10.30am for a 10.50am start.
• Fobbing: St Michael's Church, High Road – 9.15am.
• Horndon on the Hill: St Peter and St Paul Church – 11am.
• North Stifford: St Mary's Church, High Road – 10.30am.
• South Ockendon: War Memorial, St Nicholas Green – 10.45am.
• Stanford-le-Hope: St Margaret's Parish Church and War Memorial, The Green – 10.30am.
• Stifford Clays: Blackthorn Park Memorial Garden – 10.45am.
• Tilbury: Tilbury War Memorial, Civic Square – 10.15am to 11.30am.
• Turps Corner: Turps Corner War Memorial – gathering at 8.45am for a 9am service, concluding at 9.30am.

Armistice exhibition at Thurrock Museum

As part of this year's commemorations, volunteers at Thurrock Museum are presenting a special Armistice exhibition honouring local people who served and made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts throughout history.

Through photographs, historical records and personal stories, visitors will learn about local people who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War, Second World War, Korean War, Malayan Emergency, Falklands Conflict and the war in Afghanistan.

The exhibition offers an opportunity for residents to discover Thurrock's connections to these conflicts, reflect on the experiences of those who served and ensure their stories continue to be remembered by future generations.

The exhibition will run from Saturday 31 October to Thursday 12 November 2026 at the Thameside Complex Foyer, Orsett Road, Grays, RM17 5DX. Admission is free, and residents of all ages are encouraged to visit.

Armistice Day: Wednesday 11 November

Commemorations will continue on Armistice Day, Wednesday 11 November, marking the anniversary of the end of the First World War in 1918.

At 11am, people across the country will observe a two-minute silence to remember those who have lost their lives in service.

Local commemorations include:

• Grays: Grays War Memorial, High Street – service at 11am, with residents asked to arrive by 10.50am.
• North Stifford: Ardale War Memorial, Stifford Green, Guardian Avenue – 10.50am.

The Port of Tilbury Maritime Remembrance Service, hosted annually by Forth Ports at the port's International Cruise Terminal (RM18 7NG), featuring Tilbury Band, readings, and refreshments in the Baggage Hall is scheduled for Wednesday, 11 November (refreshments at 5 pm, service at 6pm).

Cllr Richard Bingley, leader of Thurrock Council, said: "Thurrock has a proud history of service and sacrifice, with generations of local people playing their part in conflicts around the world. From the two World Wars to more recent conflicts, our borough has made significant contributions, and many local families have experienced the devastating loss of loved ones who gave their lives in service.

"Remembrance is an opportunity for us to come together, reflect on those sacrifices and recognise the courage and dedication of everyone who has served, including those who continue to serve today.

"I encourage residents to attend a local Remembrance service and visit the special exhibition at Thurrock Museum, which brings to life the stories of local people who served our country. Their contributions and sacrifices are part of Thurrock's history, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are never forgotten."

For more information about the free Thurrock Museum exhibition, visit: https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/armed-forces/armistice-event-2026-thurrock-museum