THE STANFORD-LE-HOPE community have once again turned to the medium of film to entertain, educate and inform the local community. This time they have recognised the sacrifices made by the men who went off to fight for their country in the Great War of 1914-18.
IF things had been carried out properly at the Quarry Hill booth, where a number could not vote, he believed they would have been more successful, because men were waiting to vote, and in connection with that, they must bear in mind that they take steps next year to try to get the time [for voting] extended to nine o’clock [p.m.]. [Hear, Hear]. Mr. Thompson said if they had had nine o’clock this time they would have probably got three candidates in. The Hon. Secretary thought they had roused the workers from their apathy, which was a great thing. The Chairman said they gave a harder knock last year than they received this year.
FOLLOWING recent successful library talks by professional genealogist Meryl Catty, a number of free family history advice sessions are available in all Thurrock Council’s libraries. If people are stuck on some research, need help finding family history websites, or need tips on where to start, Meryl Catty will be able to help you.
TOWN PLANNING- The Town Planning Scheme, of which I was an advocate at the last Election, has matured and is now in its initial stages. I am anxious that the Scheme should progress for the better development of the town {also] what time such development will take place.
THE tug “Coburn” had been engaged in towing lighters up the river. All went well until the tug passed Purfleet, where the tide sweeps down from Long Reach at a terrible speed. Just as the tug was passing that part of the river opposite the training ships “Arethusa” and [?], she was struck broadside on by a mighty wave and before she could recover herself she was struck by a second wave, which caused her to founder.
LOVERS of local history and creative art are being invited to join the community art project South Ockendon Reflects. It is being organised by art tutor Pat Wakefield, and community worker Maggie Pollock, to commemorate this year’s centenary of the First World War.
The 44th East Essex Regiment of Foot, one of the country’s premier Napoleonic re-enactment groups, spent the day drilling and firing their muskets, the famous “Brown Bess” used by the British army until the middle of the 19th Century. This was actually one of the regiment’s monthly training events and the first to be held at this fantastic 17th Century Fort built during the reign of Charles II.
TWO years ago young people who visited the Nazi death camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau were also at the Memorial Gardens for that year’s event. They saw the traditional laying of stones, but were disappointed that the stones were removed afterwards. They managed to raise £600 towards creating a permanent memorial and with the help of Madstone Ltd – the East Tilbury stonemason company which provided design, manpower and materials – the new monument will provide the focus for future events.
THURROCK Council launched its Veterans’ Charter nearly two years ago and is now asking if it needs updating. In late November, the council agreed a motion from Cllr Rob Gledhill that ““The Council request that a review be carried out of the implementation of the Veteran’s Charter and publish the results before its second anniversary (March 2014), to ensure that the commitment we signed up to is working in Thurrock?”
ON MONDAY, January 27 - International Holocaust Memorial Day – a specific memorial will be unveiled in Thurrock. For years a service has been held at the High View Avenue Memorial Gardens in Grays marked by the laying of white pebbles, but the “mound” was removed after the ceremony.
THERE WERE heroes at Pitsea Crematorium on Friday afternoon. There was Stan Franks. He may have died alone but he died a hero. He may have died alone in Fobbing but in Pitsea he was surrounded by hundreds of friends and well-wishers. It was a time of warm eulogies from Thurrock MP, Jackie Doyle-Price and Bomber Command veteran, Harry Irons in a ceremony conducted with great style by Rev John Guest.
BY the age of 19, Stan Franks had completed 31 missions over Germany during the Second World War. At 88 years old, Stan Franks was found dead in his Fobbing, where he lived alone. He was found after his neighbours became concerned about his welfare and they had asked for police to inquire about his well being.
THE THURROCK community came together to pay tribute to all those ho gave their lives on defence of their country. From white doves released in Aveley to poppies in the sky at Stanford, the borough, once again, showed respect and admiration for the men and women.
MEMBERS of the Stanford community have joined forces to help restore the Stanford-le-Hope war memorial.
Stanford West councillor Shane Hebb, Stanford community forum chair, Terry Piccolo as well as ex-serviceman Luke Seeley and a number of others have made a pledge and started a restoration fund to give the memorial a complete overhaul so that it is ready for 2014, which will mark the centenary of the Great War.
THURROCK COUNCIL are set to announce their plans for four years of commemorations in respect of The Great War.The plans will be discussed and voted upon at a meeting of the full council next Wednesday (Oct 23rd). The proposed plans will include. Saturday 2 August – 4 August 2014 – A significant event based at one of the Borough’s key military heritage sites. To incorporate learning about the period, community engagement and participation. This event will also include the key Civic event for remembering the beginning of World War One, officially recognised as 4 August 1914.
