THE Thurrock Asian Association is celebrating DIWALI on 9th November from 6.30 to 9.30 pm at the Thameside Theatre, Grays. Chair of the TAA, Yash Gupta said: "Everyone is welcome to enjoy this cultural programme. Tickets are available from the Thameside Box Office as well as from the committee members.
WOODSIDE Academy, Grays topped the table totting up 355 bike and 152 scooter journeys to school over the week, a massive boost to normal numbers. Tim is doing his best to match the distance and has had to split the ride to match Woodside’s amazing cycling total that would have wiped him out in one go! So far he has notched up 160 miles in one ride and is planning a 200 mile ride around the east of England, ending in Thurrock to finish the challenge.
DROP in to a coffee morning at St Mary’s Church Hall, Dock Road, Little Thurrock, on 9th November from 10-12 noon. There will be books, cakes and a bring and buy stall as well as a raffle.
THE RSPCA is appealing for information after a rare breed dog was found in an appalling condition, chained to a large lump of concrete in Purfleet. RSPCA inspector Lewis Taylor was called to the garages off Sussex Terrace, Purfleet, after a local resident spotted the distressed dog chained inside a derelict garage with the door missing.
The winner has been chosen and it is Ellie-May Chamberlain, a former pupil of Belmont Castle Primary School, who was selected from hundreds of entries. Ellie-May was presented with her prize at the Thurrock Cycle Centre, Grays by Les Banks the shop owner and Denise Langan, Thurrock Council’s road safety manager.
HELP for Heroes (H4H) has today opened a store at the intu Lakeside shopping centre in Essex, building on the success of the first H4H store that opened in St David’s shopping centre, Cardiff in 2012. Plans have also been revealed to open a further eight stores around the UK within a year. Going against the usual trend for charity shops, H4H sells new, branded merchandise, rather than donated or second-hand goods like most UK charities. Consumers are able to buy H4H branded products that they want and need, such as cooking utensils and leisurewear, but with the profits going to charity rather than global corporations.
IT IS a while since we popped down to the FAB club which hosts the best of folk down at the White Hart in Grays. Recently, New York folk singer popped in to produce a very entertaining set.
AN over-50s choir in Thurrock has celebrated just celebrated its fifth birthday. Golden Voices has been seen out and about in the borough at events from concerts at the Thameside to the Olympic relay in Grays in 2012.
BELMONT VILLAGE Hall had its annual meeting on October 28th. They gave out a number of grants and awards to some of the voluntary groups using the hall and local groups, Groups that received awards included: Thameside Scouts,Thameside Cubs,Thameside Beavers, Belmont OAP club and St Lukes Hospice.
STANFORD community leaders are set to bid for the cash on offer to develop a community hub.
Encouraged by the success of the Ockendon hub, community spokesperson, Terry Piccolo released a statement. Mr Piccolo said: "The Stanford and Corringham and Fobbing forums, after careful consideration, have decided that they wish to take advantage of an opportunity to explore the creation of an East Thurrock Community Hub.
DVD and games rental chain Blockbuster is to go into administration for a second time, says its owner, private equity firm Gordon Brothers Europe. Blockbuster has a store in Corringham. Blockbuster collapsed for the first time in January, after losing business to online firms streaming films over the internet as well as offering rentals through the post.
RESIDENTS at Carolyne House residential home in Chadwell-St-Mary braved the weather on Sunday 27th October when they undertook a sponsored walk/push to raise funds. Staff at the home, along with resident’s families and volunteers, helped the residents in their quest on the walk around Chadwell-St-Mary, and raised over £250 for the Resident’s Amenities Fund, which is used to subsidise activities within the home.
IT certainly was a case of 'seeing is believing' last Saturday as the Ilford Magical Society kept the audience entertained with a feast of 'before your very eyes' magic. The event took place at St. Thomas of Canterbury Parish Hall and conjured up the grand sum of £1000 towards the Church Restoration Fund.
AFTER a fantastic Race Night the evening before, The Rotary Club of Thurrock Gateway spent Saturday at intu Lakeside collecting from shoppers all day long. Covering two entrances 16 club members in Halloween hats'n'wigs greeted visitors to the shopping centre from 9 am until 7 pm.
