Richard Speight, a local history graduate with a background in the charitable sector, has been recruited to the position of project co-ordinator and will take a leading role in the day-to-day management of TRP as well as identifying and developing potential future ventures.
The future of the project had been in doubt as funding shortfalls threatened its existence. However, a grant from the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation (TTGDC) enabled TRP to employ Richard for a six-month period and to contribute to the on-going success of the project. He will also be busy seeking out funding opportunities though organisations like the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Ron Curtis, Chairman of TRP said:
“I am delighted to have made this appointment and grateful to TTGDC for their support. Though these are challenging times for charitable organisations, there are also real opportunities for organisations like TRP to make a difference to their communities and to people’s lives.
“I look forward to working with Richard as we continue to work hard on established projects like the Tilbury Last Night of the Proms and the Christmas Lights and Fayre as well as looking at new areas for the Project to get involved in. We are particularly keen to continue to develop good relations with the Port of Tilbury, who have joined our Board, and to work on joint projects”
Anyone interested in joining the Tilbury Riverside Project and contributing to the regeneration of Tilbury and its environs should email info@tilburyriversideproject.co.uk for more information.
The Tilbury TRP is a little treasure but it will disappear if the community does not get behind it and support it. The money from the TTGDC was a lifeline and it really is a last chance for this Tilbury charity. Just before Christmas they were all resigned that 2010 would be the last time the Christmas lights went up in the town.
If you live in Tilbury and have access to a computer email them for a membeship form if not ring them on 01375 859911 and pledge your £1.00 to become a member.
If every household was to join this whorthwhile community based project it would thrive and grow into one of the best Big Society projects in Thurrock.
If it does disappear so will the Christmas lights that are the envy across Thurrock. Remember the Heritage days over the last few years? These will be gone if the TRP does not survive.
This small charity is a class act so lets not let it disappear!