July
DP World continued to move forward to its opening in late 2013.
Thurrock was tabled as third in the league for repossession risk.
The Chafford parents took their campaign for school places to Downing Street.
The Olympic torch came through Thurrock and 25,000 people turned out to see it.
The Thurrock music scene continued to be strong. Many singers appeared at Your Voice, bands took to the stage at T Fest as well as bands such as All at Sea and individual artists such as Arthur Walwin.
The fire service dispute became even more acrimonious after a young firebreak cadet was “barred” from a passing out parade.
Hassenbrook head, Richard Glasby was unhappy with an Ofsted report. He was vindicated a month later with record exam results.
97 year old Corringham woman saved residents from a fire.
There were many Thurrock residents involved in the opening ceremony including three dancers from the Tip Toe school of dance.
And Thurrock made the nationals (again) as it was tagged the “unhappiest place in Britain.
The Tories kept up their pressure on Labour and their handling of the (Morrison) housing repairs contract as well as the audit and invoice payment system at the council.
And there was the tragic death of Tilbury band member, Michael Foreman.
August
Homelessness figures show that over 180 families were without a home in Thurrock.
Road traffic figures show serious injuries down.
Residents flocked to the Olympics.
North Stifford boxing referee took centre stage as he took the oath on behalf of the referees at the Olympics.
Green light given to £180 million Lakeside development.
The Aveley and Newham Brass Band continued to be busy with a highlight being an appearance at Wembley.
Grays Athletic continued their nomadic journey as they settled in Rush Green. Their chief executive was charged by the police with “conspiracy to commit violence.”
Ockendon scouts celebrated fifty years.
Thurrock dancer Vicky Lardner danced with Darcy Bussell at the Olympic closing ceremony.
We also witnessed (unfortunately) the increasing popularity of Foodbanks.
The summer once again saw fetes and festivals all over the borough.
The GCSE results saw Harris Academy top of the league for the third year running and results up in many of the schools. But many were unhappy with the GCSE English debacle.
And Basildon hospital continued to be dogged by poor reports and inspections.
And a young Stanford-le-Hope man called Rylan Clark made a bid for stardom as he appeared on stage at X Factor.
September
YT celebrated its fourth birthday.
Grays-based Gemma Philpott won bronze at the paralympics.
The Darling family continued their campaign for a community centre with the Karis May Darling foundation.
There was anger as the Dartford tolls were set to increase.
Basildon magistrates and crown courts were third in the country for lenient punishments for convicted burglars.
Harris Academy opened their new sixth form centre.
Anti-social behaviour aka crime raised its head again in Corringham as the Adizone was severely vandalised.
Our bloggers continued to make valuable contributions. To Myles. Mr Perrin to name just a few, we salute you.
We spoke to the parents of the late Ollie Scott who told us that it was pay day loans that caused him to take his life.
There was “Fence-gate” with cllr Gerard Rice.
All the senior schools had very busy and successful open evenings including The Gateway Academy free school.
