MEMBERS of East Thurrock Community Association in Stanford-le-Hope are mourning the loss of community stalwart John Weeks, 78, who passed away on Monday, 14 September.

Mr Weeks had been a member of the club since the early 1990s and served on the committee and was Chairman several times. He was also a Trustee and recently a director when the club changed status to a Community Interest Company.

John started the renaissance of the ETCA club in 2015 when he secured a grant of £70,000 from Veolia North Thames Trust. The main hall and toilets were refurbished, and this began the revival of the community asset from a dilapidated, debt-ridden club to the highly successful, well-appointed venue that it is today.

Chairman Tom Mallett said: "John was extremely loved at the club and we called him 'The People's Champion' He would work tirelessly for the club and achieved so much for us. Everyone loved John and he will be sorely missed by all here at the ETCA."

Club manager Jason Sigournay added: "I truly believe that if it wasn't for John the club would have been lost. When John secured the first £70,000 grant the whole club was in a state of disrepair, and we were £50,000 in debt.

"Today we have no debts and have even bought the freehold of the building from Thurrock Council. John was a great friend and an inspiration to me".

John isn't having a funeral, but the club will be holding a day of celebration for John on Saturday, 3 October from 2pm onwards. Anyone who knew John is welcome to attend and raise a glass to John and celebrate his life.

Mr Weeks is survived by his wife Jackie, daughters Lisa and Gemma and son Darren, Grandchildren, Tinuviel, Sapphire, Tiegan, Cory and Great Grandchildren Ash and Ivy.

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