News in Thurrock

A POPULAR community venture is seeking volunteers after the retirement of a much valued member.

After three years Diane Duhamel has retired from volunteering duties with the Friends of Hardie Park in Stanford-le-Hope.

COUNCILLORS in Thurrock are expected to approve the appointment of a new boss of children's services following arguments over how much of a say they should have over major staffing decisions.

The appointment will be discussed during an extraordinary full council meeting on Wednesday and councillors will vote to approve the appointment of a new children's services director.

RESIDENTS in Aveley who have supported fundraising events at the local Co-op will get the chance to join in a celebration tomorrow (Saturday, 23 November).

The event runs from 11am and a store staff members said: We are celebrating all the money our community has made for good causes for feel free to pop in and have a chat and see how much you have helped raise."

'THE First Christmas' a free exhibition researched and presented by Thurrock Museum Volunteers will be in the ground floor exhibition space of the Thameside Complex in Grays from Monday, 9 December to Friday 27 December (closing at 11am on 27 December).

Food shortages were being felt and everyone was encouraged to 'dig for victory'. Gardens were turned over to vegetables, and many allotments sprung up. Rabbits, goats, pigs and chickens were kept for food. People had to adapt their meals to what was available.

THE book of condolence opened to allow people to pay their respects to the 39 would-be illegal immigrants who died in a container discovered in Eastern Avenue, West Thurrock, on Wednesday, 23 October will be closed at 5.15pm on Monday, 25 November.

Flowers, candles and ornaments have also been left in Mulberry Gardens, Grays, which was established as a temporary location for floral tributes. These, along with tributes left in Eastern Avenue, will be respectfully removed on Tuesday, 26 November and any cards and small ornaments will be kept with the book of condolence.

THANKS have been expressed to residents and businesses in Thurrock for their support of this year's Wings appeal in support of the Royal Air Force Association, which raised more than £7,000.

"I also thank the Grays town centre, Purfleet Heritage Centre and Military Museum, Horndon Feast and Fayre, the managers of Morrisons in Corringham and Grays, Sainsbury in Chafford Hundred, Coalhouse Fort and Lakeside, Langdon Hills, Mayflower and Pitsea Tescos.

A THURROCK-based University Centre is holding an open event for visitors to find out more about its prestigious Costume Construction degree programme.

University Centre South Essex have gained work with Royal Opera House and have most recently worked on the award-winning series The Crown.

A BOROUGH artist is running a series of Christmas-related workshops at venues across Thurrock.

To book your place call Jane on 07521590844 or email [email protected].

THERE has been another arrest as police continue to investigate the deaths of 39 Vietnamese would-be illegal immigrants into the UK, whose bodies were found in Thurrock.

He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to traffic people and conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and remains in custody.

A HUSTINGS taking place in Thurrock this evening (Friday, 22 November) is to be streamed live.

The event will begin at 7.30pm and you can follow the arguments and presentations at https://facebook.com/StMsSLH.