We went down to visit the SS Robin in Tilbury, a floating piece of history. Thurrock were celebrating history month. Among the events was the unveiling of the Tilbury trough.
Bulphan in Bloom won a silver medal at the national awards. We filmed at a number of open evenings in the borough and were very impressed with the level of professionalism in the schools.
Sometimes you go back on the year, look at the headlines and think: I must chase that up. For example: Thurrock to get share of £14m new homes boost.
It was a bad month for fatal accidents on the M25 and surrounding roads.
Collins House celebrated its 40th birthday.
Vince Cable came to visit DP World London Gateway.
The ruling Labour group under John Kent were getting to grips with the council budget. Across the borough, concerns were being expressed at possible job losses in the public sector.
Two enterprising teachers, Shana Elliott-Hayers and Jo Nyland launched the pilot night for Your Voice which was a great success and resumes in February.
The borough launched a number of initiatives to combat loan sharks.
We always enjoy filming in the alcove of the Thameside complex and in October interviewed renowned Korean artist, Ko Hyun Hie.
Former MP Angela Smith was elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Smith of Basildon and has since then been very vocal on a number of issues.
There was the tragic death of Purfleet youngster Lenny Scamp who died from a brain tumour. In many ways the story was of how the Purfleet community gathered together.
We discovered that Terry Venables had plans for a sports development in Aveley.
We filmed Siya Twani at Gable Hall school as part of Black History month. He was truly inspirational and in a different way, so was Stan Earle at Stan’s gym.
The government’s spending review saw toll prices set to rise by 66%.
Waste collections on the Frost Estate became a political hot topic with deputy leader, Val Morris-Cook taking the heat out by calling a meeting in Corringham and simply said: “Sorry”. Job done!
