EVEN THOUGH HE is now mayor of Thurrock, cllr Yash Gupta has continued his commitment to inform his residents on what event he has been attending.
1. Citizenship Ceremony – Grays Registry Office
As a Mayor I presented Citizenship Certificates to 25 naturalised Citizens on 2nd June 2012 at the Offices of the Registrar. Most of these residents who originated from different countries have already been living in Thurrock for a number of years. It was a celebratory occasion for these residents.
2. T – Festival
On 2nd June 2012 along with the Mayoress I attended Thurrock Festival from 12 to 2:30 p.m. It is a great community event which is attended by a large member of people from Thurrock as well as from the neighbouring boroughs. I welcomed performers and thanked volunteers and organisers for this two day joyous event. I met most of the stall holders and exchanged views with them and helped to organised an egg race with young children.
3. Delivery of Thank you letters
On 2nd June 2012 along with my wife we started distributing ‘Thank you’ letters to all house holders in the Grays Thurrock Ward. We visited Bradleigh Avenue and College Avenue from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and met a few local residents. My two other Councillor colleagues and some volunteers will give me help for delivering these leaflets to all householders in the next few days.
4. Thurrock Cycle Marathon – Mardyke Rotary Club
This is an annual event for charity. I was invited as the Mayor to give start for this race on 3rd June, 2012 from the Civic Hall. 300 cyclists, aged between 8-82 participated in this event. It is estimated that over 20 thousand pounds will be collected by the participants for the Mardyke Rotary Club.
5. RORR Church – Jubilee Celebrations
At the invitation of the Priest of this Black African Church I joined in their celebration of the Queens Diamond Jubilee on 3rd June 2012 from 11 to 12 noon. There were over 100 worshippers. It was a joyous occasion.
6. Sparks Will Fly – T – Festival
I was invited to present the beads for the glass bead game as a part of the Olympic Celebrations all over Essex. This ceremony took place at the T- Festival with music, dancing and joyous singing from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. on 3rd June.
7. Jubilee Celebrations – Thurrock Asian Association
From 6 to 8 p.m. on 3rd June 2012 I attended this function along with the Mayoress at the Beehive Centre. We joined in the festive activities of signing, dancing and cake cutting; more than 100 local residents including a few Councillors enjoyed this celebratory event
8. Jubilee Celebrations – Street Party, Seaborough Road, Chadwell St Mary
At the invitation of the local residents I visited Seaborough Road, Chadwell St Mary, where they celebrated the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by decorating their houses and street. Everyone in that street took part in the celebrations and it was a great happy joyous occasion. I had a great welcome from everyone and was pleased by their community spirit.
9. Jubilee Celebrations – Thurrock Asian Resource Centre
On 4th July 2012 I joined in the celebrations of Diamond Jubilee of our great Queen at the Thurrock Asian Resource Centre. It was decorated with buntings, flags and pictures of the Queen. There was a good community participation in singing, dancing and food preparation and tasting. Nearly 50 local residents attended this event from 4 to 6 p.m. which was full of fun and enjoyment. Everyone enjoyed the taste of the food prepared by various Asian, African and European communities.
10. Jubilee Celebrations – Street Party, Allenby Crescent, Grays
On 5th June 2012 the residents of Allenby Crescent Grays invited me and the Mayoress to join with them in their celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee from1 12 to 6 p.m. We both joined with the residents and had a wonderful get-together party. Nearly 50 people including children joined these celebrations; it was a great community event where every resident of this street joined together for the first time.
11. Meeting with the Mayor’s Secretary
I spent nearly two hours with the Mayor’s secretary at the Council offices on 6th June 2012 sorting out the post and Mayoral engagements. This is an important weekly meeting.
12. Thurrock Community Chest – Trustee Board Meeting
On 7th June 2012 I attended this meeting from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Beehive Centre, Grays as one of the Trustees for this charity.
13. Celebrations of Volunteer’s Week at the Council
At the invitation of the Manager of Community Development I attended this function at the Civic Offices in Committee Room 1 on 6th June 2012 from 2 to 4 p.m. There are altogether 148 registered volunteers within the Council who help most services in the Council – Social Care, Libraries, Museums, Heritage, Occupational Therapy, Home Link, Youth Services etc. 20 volunteers attended this event who were presented certificates of appreciation by the Mayor.
14. Celebration of Volunteer’s Week at the Beehive Centre
The managers of Ngage and the Thurrock CVS invited me as Mayor to their celebration of Volunteer’s Week at the Beehive Centre, Grays on 6th June 2012 from 7 -9:30 p.m. There were 44 volunteers who gave their time for various activities organised by these two voluntary organisations. I thanked all the volunteers for giving their time and presented them with the achievement certificates. It was a very joyous occasion for all participants.
15. Annual RAF Veterans get-together
It was a charity event which was organised at the Local RAF Centre at Southend Road, Grays. The Mayor and Mayoress of Thurrock were invited as special guests. The event took place on 9th June from 1:20 p.m. onwards. It was a barbeque where the food was prepared by local volunteers. Our two MP’s were in presence. It was a joyous family occasion.
16. Annual Service, St. Luke’s Hospice, Basildon
On 9th June 2012 along with the Mayoress I attended this annual service at St Luke’s Hospice, Basildon. IT was 22nd Anniversary of the Hospice which is serving all communities in this area, including Thurrock. I have nominated St Lukes Hospice as one of the two charities for my Mayoral Year. I was very pleased to attend this service with a number of other dignitaries from Basildon, Thurrock and Billericay, including the local MP.
17. Langtons Summer Concert – London Borough of Havering
At the invitation of the Mayor of London Borough of Havering the Mayoress and I went to see this concert at the Langtons Gardens. The concert was given by the Westminster Philharmonic Orchestra. They performed old songs in a very enjoyable professional way. The event happened on Sunday 10th June 2012 from 2:30 to 4:45 p.m. 12 Mayor’s from different authorities attended this cultural event.
18. Piggs Corner Older People’s Complex – Residents Meeting
On 11th June 2012, I attended this meeting as a Ward Councillor from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and met 22 residents and thanked them personally for their support during my election as their Ward Councillor. Most of the time was taken up by the presentation of Fire Safety Officer from the local Fire Station. He assured the residents about regular safety checks carried out by the Fire Officers in this complex. It was a good meeting.
19. Basildon Council Civic Service
At the invitation of the Mayor of Basildon I attended this event at the Civic Church of St Martin of Tours, Basildon on 11th June 2012 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. A number of Mayors from other boroughs and Lord Petre attended this ceremony. Blessings were given to Basildon Council and Basildon residents. I prayed for the welfare of people of Thurrock. It was a nice peaceful occasion.
20. Car Wash – Charity Event, Prince’s Trust
The manager of the Prince’s Trust Charity invited the Mayor on 12th June 2012 to promote this charity event, at the Culver Centre when the trainees were going to carwash for collecting money for the charity. I was happy to attend this event where I met 12 people. Sadly the weather was not good for this exercise. I also found time to visit the Junior Prince’s Trust’s young people at the Pupil Referral Unit.
21. Celebrating Success 2012 – South Essex College
I was invited to attend this function as the Mayor at the Southend College on 12th June 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m. 80 students got the top awards for their achievements. It was a joyous, celebratory occasion for students and their families. Three Mayor’s including myself, attended this function.
22. Town Centre improvement project meeting
For putting the next bid for this project from the central government – the Council is consulting with stakeholders including local Councillors. I attended this group meeting on 12th June 2012 at the Business Centre from 8 to 9:30 a.m. There were a number of ideas generated by the group for putting this bid together. As a Grays Councillor I am very much interested in this project which will help local residents.
23. Thurrock Business Association – Celebration Lunch
At the invitation of the President of Thurrock Business Association I attended their celebration lunch on 13th June 2012 at the Orsett Hall from 11 to 1:30 p.m. Nearly 60 Members turned up for the event Colin Neil a young footballer and a businessman delighted the audience with his football skills. It was a great social event for busy business people.
24. Grays Towns Women’s Guild – Summer Celebrations
The Mayoress and I attended this function on 13th June 2012, from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. at the Methodist Church Hall, Grays. Nearly 100 ladies attended this Royal Jubilee event, wearing their best hats. Some entertainment was provided by a lady singer who sang old songs which were well liked by the members. It was a very joyous occasion. We shared with them their joy and happiness of the event. Long live our great Queen!
25. Award of certificate to volunteers – TRUST
I was invited to this award ceremony by the manager of the TRUST (Thurrock Racial Unity Support Task Group) to present certificates to the volunteers at the Thurrock Asian Association Resource Centre on 14th June 2012 from 11 to 1 p.m. A number of past and present volunteers received their certificates I applauded their contributions to the welfare of local communities by volunteering on various projects. It was a happy and inspirational occasion.
26. Thurrock District Scouts Council AGM
At the invitation of the District Commissioner I attended this meeting at the Alf Lowne Scout Centre, Grays on 14th June 2012 from 7:45 to 9:30 p.m. It was pleasing to meet a number of dedicated scout leaders who are volunteering to provide many facilities to 925 local young people in the Borough aged 7 to 25.
I thanked all these people for their voluntary work for Thurrock young people.
27. Leaving Do of a Director of the Council
On 15th June 2012 along with some officers and Councillors I attended this event at the Civic Offices from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Best wishes were given to Richard for his future banking job and he was thanked for his 2½ years service to Thurrock Council.
28. Thurrock Drama Festival – Thameside Theatre
At the invitation of the Chair of the Thurrock Arts Council and organiser of the 18th Annual Thurrock Drama Festival I visited the Thameside Theatre on 15th June 2012 from 6:45 to 9:45 p.m. I watched two comedy plays and appreciated the hard work of
those performers who staged these plays. Nearly 50 local residents watched these plays.
29. Thurrock CVS Board Meeting
On 18th June 2012 I attended this meeting as one of the Trustee’s of the Umbrella Voluntary Organisation at the Beehive Centre, Grays from 3:45 to 6 p.m. A number of issues relating to the organisation were discusses by the members including staffing, budget for this year, future direction of the organisation etc. The members expressed their satisfaction about the performance and future direction of the voluntary body.
30. Thurrock Multi-faith Panel Meeting
As a member of this group I attended this meeting on 19th June 2012 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The meeting was held at the Rectory, the home of Rev. Darren Barlow. Six other members of this group were in attendance. The main agenda items were; the appointment of TFM support worker, Faith leader’s conference on 19th Nov 2012, Induction programme for new support worker, understanding other faiths etc. It was a business like meeting.
31. Labour Group Meeting
On 19th June 2012 I attended this meeting at the Council Chamber from 7 to 8:15 p.m. when we heard the Leaders report and discussed Council’s agenda. The newly appointed Director of Housing outlined main issues faced by the Council’s tenants which included – delay in repair of jobs, problems of dampness and black mould, housing allocation, review of older people’s complex’s.
32. Visit to Stifford Primary – Road Safety Walk
At the invitation of the Head Teacher I visited this school on 20th June 2012 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. where I met the Council’s Road Safety Team who were organising a road safety walk with children and parents. With the Head Teacher I walked for a few yards with the children and their parents and teachers. I appreciated this activity for road safety training.
33. Meeting to discuss Council’s agenda for full Council
On 20th June 2012 I joined with the Deputy Mayor, Leader of the Council, Leader of the Opposition, CEO, Manager of Democratic Services from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Mayor’s Parlour when the manager of Democratic Services took us through the agenda for the full Council Meeting. From 7 to 10 p.m. I chaired the meeting of the full Council and joined in the social get together of the Councillors and officers after the meting. A Number of reports from Finance, Audit, Standards, Code of Conduct, and Scrutiny Committees were discussed.
34. Lakeside Shopping Centre Children’s Concert
At the invitation of the Manager of Lakeside Shopping Centre I went to see young children’s concert there. The children were given instrumental and vocal training by a charitable organisation called “create” which was sponsored by the Capital shopping owners of the Lakeside Shopping Centre. The Children came from two local schools – Beacon Hill Special School and Ockendon Academy. More than 40 children took part in this integrated cultural and art project. I appreciated the work of the “create” and thanked children for their performance.
35. Visit to Sunnymede Care Home – Aveley
The Council arranged a special visit for the Mayor on 22nd June 2012 at 10:30 a.m. to visit this Care Home and present the management with their awards which they recently received for a national organisation.
I met the staff and residents and spent an hour with them.
36. Inauguration of Warren Weavers Garden
On 22nd June 212 at the invitation of the Head Teacher of Warren Primary School I visited the Weavers Group after school club who arranged this event. With the efforts of various partners a beautiful garden was created which I was pleased to inaugurate on 22nd June 2012 at 3:30 p.m. The children enjoyed this event.
37. Art and Craft Exhibition Grays Convent School
I was invited by the Head Teacher of this school to make a visit to the school to see the beautiful art and craft works produced by the children. This event took place on 22nd June 2012 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. I very much appreciated the beautiful pieces of art and craft created by the young girls. I had an opportunity to talk to some of the young people who were happy to explain to me the significance of some beautiful pieces of art.
38. Corringham Performers College – Performance event at Townsgate Theatre
At the invitation of the Principal of this college I went to see this beautiful cultural performance by the students of this college on 22nd June 2012 from 7:30 to 10:15 p.m. It was an amazing performance of various dance, singing and acting. The audience including some six Thurrock Councillors were very appreciative of this beautiful cultural event.
39. Citizen’s Ceremony Registrar’s Office
At the invitation of the Registrar I attended this regular event on Saturday 23rd June 2012 from 9:45 to 11 a.m. 20 local residents coming from various countries were awarded certificates of Naturalisation and British Citizenship. It was a joyous occasion for everyone including family members.
40. Planting of Jubilee Tree at Rainbow Park – Chafford Hundred
The chair of the forum invited me on 23rd June 2012 at 12:45 to perform this ceremony of planting a cherry tree in the newly laid park. I met a number of local Councillors, Thurrock’s MP and local residents including children. I appreciated the efforts of the chair and other volunteers for creating this beautiful park and planting of this area.
41. Fly the Flag Day – Council event
On 25th June 2012 I attended this event in front of the Civic Offices. The Mayor of Thurrock organised this event celebrating the great achievements of our Armed Forces. The flag was hoisted by the Member of Parliament. Local Veterans, residents, Councillors and Council Officers attended and Rev’d. Barlow said the prayer.
42. Visit to the newly built sports hall – William Edwards School
At the invitation of the Head Teacher I joined in celebrations of the national Sports week. All school children were showing their enthusiasm for the newly built badminton hall and the celebrations of the Olympic torch coming to Thurrock on 6th July 2012. I met the Head Teacher for the first time. This is one of the best performing schools in Thurrock and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.
43. Developing Community Strategy – Stakeholders event
On 25th June 2012 this event was organised by the Council’s Community Development Team at the Orsett Hall from 2 to 5 p.m. More than 100 people attended this event from all walks of life including a few Councillors and Council Officers. The CEO introduced the event and Dr Harrath presented her research findings.
The participants were divided into 5 working groups who were given one priority to discuss in their group. It was a business like event.
44. Meeting with children for Stifford Clays Primary
Two Ward Councillors invited 30 Children of School Council for debating an important issue relating to the merging of infants and junior schools on 26th June, I was asked to welcome these children in the chamber and explain to the chair and vice chair of School’s Council the process of conducting Council meetings. After the debate I invited them to a soft drink in the Mayor’s Parlour and answered their questions. The children and their teachers seemed to have enjoyed the visit.
45. Stanford-Le-Hope District Scouts Annual General Meeting
At the invitation of the District Commissioner I went to attend this community event on 26th June 2012 from 7:45 to 9:30 p.m. Nearly 100 Scouts, Guides, Their Leaders, parents and Councillors were in attendance. I was pleased to present Jack Petchy Awards to Young Scouts for their various achievements. There was a growth in number of 8% of young scouts in this area last year which was commended by the Essex Deputy Commissioner. I praised the voluntary work done by various leaders and officers of this well-known organisation. It was a very joyous occasion for everyone.
46. Thurrock U3A Celebrations of Diamond Jubilee
On 27th June 2012 I attended this event at the Civic Hall, Blackshots from 10:30 to 12 noon. Over 200 members were in attendance who were having a nice time in doing their quiz, listening to music and having refreshments. Maggie the Chair informed me that there are 500 members and there is a waiting of 2 years to become a new member. It was a very jolly occasion; everyone was in a happy, joyous mood.
47. Open Door – Oasis – new service for young people with alcohol and drug problems
At the invitation of the Director of Open Door, Oasis I visited the centre on 28th June 2012 from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. There were a number of local residents and 4 Councillors who attended this event and had a guided tour of the place from the Manager of the Centre. It is a new service which has started recently for treating young people including looked after children who experience problems with alcohol and drugs. Already this centre provides these services for adults. It is a very useful resource for helping and treating local residents who suffer from alcohol and drug problems. I thanked staff for their dedication and hard work.
48. Site visit with Grays Housing Manager and Highways Engineer to Ireton Place, Grays
Four local residents approached me with their car parking problems. This meeting was set up with these residents on 28th June 2012 where various solutions to the car parking problems were discussed with the residents and offices of the Council. Some concrete proposals with casting to come in the next two weeks. Hopefully a practical affordable proposal will be implemented.
49. The Jack Petchy Achievement Awards 2012
This event was organised by girl guiding Essex West on 28th June 2012 at the Queens Theatre, Hornchurch from 7 to 9:30 pm. Eighteen girl guides from Thurrock were presented their achievement awards by me. It was a great inspiring occasion for young people and their Leaders. Mayors from other Boroughs were in attendance.
50. Gateway Academy – Opening of Ellis Theatre and Arts exhibition
At the invitation of the Chief Executive of Gateway Academy I attended this event on 29th June 2012 from 10:15 to 11:15. This beautiful Theatre was opened by me and Ms Fatima Whitbread in memory of Ellis who was one of the dedicated staff at the Academy. Young performers from Sixth Form showed their dancing skills I also had an opportunity to view the Arts exhibition which was well displayed. I was pleased to know that the Gateway Academy is now an “outstanding” school.
51. Help the Heroes Fundraising By Tilbury Funeral Services
From 11:15 to 12:15 I spent my time with the staff and local residents to help their efforts to sell raffle tickets and collect donations for “Help the Heroes” an admirable cause. This local firm and its staff are involved with some charitable work for local and national causes.
52. Thameside Junior School Opening of Fete
On 29th June 2012, I was invited by the Head Teacher and the local community to open this Fete at 3:30 pm. Luckily the weather turned out to be sunnier and nice. The children sang beautiful hymns and I met a number of local residents who came to enjoy the day with their young children. I also had an opportunity to talk to the Head teacher about the programme of children in the school. This school is going to become an academy in September 2012 with the new permanent Head Teacher being appointed. Good Future for this school!
53. Launch of Thurrock Fostering Association – Treetops School
On 30th June 2012 I attended this event at the Treetops School from 1 to 3 pm and met a number of foster carers including the Committee members of this new voluntary organisation. Thurrock One Team Fostering Association was launched this afternoon by the Mayor who expressed his appreciation for the organisers of this event a much needed voluntary group. There were many officers from the social services department, a few Councillors and the local Member of Parliament. It was a joyous occasion.
