MORE than 100 local people came together yesterday to launch a pocket-sized book containing no fewer than 100 illustrated short stories about Thurrock’s heritage.
The book, Thurrock 100 Stories, has been published by Kinetika, the Purfleet-based arts organisation behind the Thurrock 100 initiative. The Thurrock 100 Stories project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Arts Council England, with the support of Thurrock Council and Coalhouse Fort, and other partners.
The 100 stories were collected by writer Laura Trevail, who attended community meetings and listened to local people talking about Thurrock, and ran workshops in no fewer than 18 primary and secondary schools from Tilbury to Grays, Horndon to Chadwell.
A small silk flag illustrating each story was designed by Kinetika’s artistic director Ali Pretty and artist Jacci Todd, using drawings contributed by school students and other community members, and painted by volunteers ranging from the Thameside Scouts to members of the Royal Opera House Thurrock Community Chorus.
The book contains all 100 stories and photos of the 100 corresponding flags, together with some informative historical information written by the late Jonathan Catton, who was Thurrock Council’s Museum and Heritage Officer and dedicated decades to researching the history of the borough and curating exhibitions for the public to learn from and enjoy. The book is dedicated to Jonathan, who died unexpectedly last month and who was a tremendous supporter of the Thurrock 100 initiative.
Kinetika’s artistic director, Ali Pretty, said: “I’m thrilled that this year’s Thurrock 100 Stories project now has a permanent legacy in the form of this handy book containing all the stories and the flags. I think the book is a tiny gem, offering an alternative guide to Thurrock’s heritage by its own people, in their own words. And my Christmas presents are now sorted!”
Robyn Llewellyn, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East of England, which funded the Thurrock 100 Stories project this year, said:
“We’re delighted that National Lottery players’ money has made this fascinating book possible. The borough of Thurrock is jam-packed with interesting heritage, but much of it isn’t widely known. Thurrock 100 Stories has been a great opportunity to address that, and engage local people with the heritage of their community.”
Cllr Deb Stewart, Portfolio Holder for Communities, said: “What a lovely way to celebrate Thurrock’s heritage and its vibrant community! I really enjoyed hearing some of the stories earlier this year, and I’m looking forward to reading all the rest! In fact I am planning to take the book with me as I travel around!”
Copies of the book will be sent to all Thurrock libraries and schools, and will also be available from Kinetika online for a nominal £5.00 + P&P.
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