April
There was a community fete at Hardie Park and like all events organised by Rob Groves and his team, it was packed. One day, someone will persuade Mr Groves to be a councillor.
Tilbury Town celebrated its centenary and like every event, the community came together.
Ed Miliband came to Ockendon to rally the troops for the local elections. The Tory candidate, Barry Johnson, thought it was about grass roots and engaging with the people of Ockendon. He was vindicated as he swept back to power.
We met a young animator from Treetops called Samuel Turner and we were very impressed.
Lakeside announced the next stage in their expansion plans underlining the regeneration agenda in Thurrock.
Jobs went at Thermalite. It seemed for every “jobs boost” there was a “jobs woe” but talking to colleagues in the North, they tell us that they only have the “woes” stories.
That hasn’t stopped the growing emergence of Foodbanks in Thurrock.
Thurrock rugby club celebrated promotion in fine style and a world record scrum. All proving them to be the premier community sports organisation in the borough.
Cllr Joy Redsell found herself reported for consideration over an allegation of theft. The CPS did not proceed.
We had the pleasure of interviewing war hero, Phil Packer as he passed through Lakeside on his way around the UK.
The election wasn’t going well for the Tories in Aveley as Robert Ray looked strong and even indep. candidate, Rev Alan Field slammed them.
May
Thurrock and Aveley were relegated to the Ryman Premier and Ryman Div One North respectively whilst Grays Ath were knocked out in the play-off semi finals.
East Thurrock finished tenth in the Ryman Premier, the highest position in their history.
Labour gained overall control of the council by just one seat.
The local elections saw young guns such as Richard Speight (Lab) and Charlie Key (Cons) elected and even in the eight months since then, have made a tremendous impression.
Perhaps of more significance was the election of Thurrock’s first UKIP councillor, Robert Ray. Robert has also made a great impression since then. There may be no elections in 2013 but 2014 will be very interesting.
All the senior schools continued to flourish. Ockendon Academy opened their studio school and Ormiston Park opened an innovation room.
Equally, every month the Royal Opera House continued to work with the community in Thurrock.
Woodside primary celebrated sixty glorious years. Dilkes primary bucked the trend to gain an “Outstanding” from Ofsted.
We mourned the passing of Grays Ath fan and one of nature’s gentlemen, Ken Moore.
Speedway mourned the death of their star, Lee Richardson in a tragic accident in a competition abroad.
The subject of school places came round again as 23 parents from Chafford Hundred demonstrated over lack of school places.
Over at Gable Hall, a pupil ended up in the national press after expressing disappointment over a school punishment for his haircut.
The head teacher at Grays school quit.
June
T Fest came early due to the Olympics but it did not disappoint with two days of entertainment.
For your information, our film of X Factor star, Janet Devlin has had 35,000 views since then!
The borough celebrated the Diamond Jubilee with a whole host of events.
The State Cinema was put up for sale.
Corringham writer Kenny Emson penned his first edition of East Enders.
Dogging in Orsett gave some journalists an opportunity to write terrible headlines.
There were hopes to re-invigorate the Tilbury central station area with the Big Ocean Project.
Belhus resident, Dee Lodge fought a great campaign to raise awareness over toxic mould in council properties.
The fallout from the closure of Petroplus continued with the Labour questioning whether the Tories could have done more?
The police had to keep their eye on youths in Chafford Hundred.
