SOUTH ESSEX College opened its doors to prospective students recently to inform them of the wealth of opportunities at the new campus. This may well be the last open evening at the Woodview Campus, which in some ways is quite poignant but in many many other ways signals the opening of a wonderful new chapter in the life of South Essex College.
THIS summer’s Thurrock Writers’ Festival organised by Thurrock Council’s libraries service will include a short-story writing competition. The festival – Saturday, 14 June - aims to showcase and promote the local writing talent of Thurrock people as well as inspire and encourage new writers in partnership with the local community.
WORLD-renowned comedian Jimmy Carr has chosen to return to the Civic Hall in Grays with Work in Progress, the preview show for his next tour. Carr, whose stand-up shows have been seen by more than 1.5 million people, has performed preview shows at the Civic Hall before and is keen to road test his new show in front of a Grays audience.
CHILDREN FIRST are spearheading a campaign to highlight Fostering February. The campaign is aimed at creating awareness around what fostering is about and to dispel many of the myths that surround fostering.
THE Murder Mystery Evenings at the Thurrock Hotel have proved so popular that the hotel has added a number of new dates during 2014. The first event held in October last year sold out three weeks before the event and the next scheduled Murder Mystery evening on the 7th February has already sold out.
THE TURF has been turned at a new Dementia Friendly Community Garden in the grounds of the Thurrock Hospital in Long Lane, Grays. Chief executive of SEPT, Sally Morris was joined by chair of SEPT, Lorraine Cabel, Trustee of Veoila Mardyke Trust, cllr Charlie Curtis and Phil Pearson from HW Wilson as the first steps were being made.
PETER said: “My dad died of cancer a few years ago and then I heard about the work MacMillan do and how they use coffee mornings to raise money. I just felt I had to do something.” He added: “I’d like to thank everyone who donated prizes – especially Heroes Framing Centre of Grays and Sainsbury’s at Chafford Hundred – and everyone who bought tickets. I’ve raised £505 overall.”
PROJECT Team Leader Beverley Hoyte said, “The vision for the project includes not just serving food, but also encouraging involvement, learning new skills, creating a sense of purpose, and promoting a healthy lifestyle”. The project’s motto of “Run for the community, by the community” says it all.
ST LUKE'S Hospice in Basildon is delighted to announce that following assessment by the Royal Society for Public Health they are the first Hospice in the UK to have been accredited as compliant with the National Information Standard and can now proudly use the Information Standard mark on all their future care and treatment information leaflets. The Information Standard is an independent certification programme, supported by NHS England, dedicated to improving the quality of health and care information for the public. Only certified members are eligible to use their quality mark (logo) . The logo identifies high quality health and care information, to easily identify clear, trustworthy, accurate, evidence-based, balanced and current information.
HARRIS Academy student and Chafford Hundred resident Olivia Shepherd has made it through to the live finals of Talent At The Towngate. The live show taking place at Basildon’s Towngate Theatre February 12th, features the 12 best acts selected from applicants across the county.
THE nationwide Six Book Challenge encourages less confident readers to develop a new reading habit and improve their skills at the same time. Those taking part are invited to pick six reads of their choice - these can include poems and articles - and complete a reading diary in order to receive incentives along the way and a certificate.
THE West Tilbury President Margaret Clamp and members toasted in the New Year with a glass of wine. The WI resolutions vote decided to ask HM Government as to ‘Increasing the awareness for Organ Donations.’ Although there was some discussion as other items were considered of importance. Christmas collection sent to St Luke’s Hospice raised £28-50p.
THE first Five Star Soul at the Goldmine, Orsett Hall event was a complete sell out with over 700 people attending the first event in November 2013. Local Businessmen Steve Abbs and Simon Croft who are behind the new venture were overwhelmed with the public’s response and are very pleased to announce four dates for 2014:
