20.06.2014
Tilbury through Time attracts hundreds of visitors
(A Port of Tilbury News Release)
The Port of Tilbury and the Port of London Authority hosted a fun-filled family weekend at the London Cruise Terminal across the 14th and 15th of June.
Over 850 people descended on the Cruise Terminal over the weekend for a number of events and activities, showing how Tilbury has developed over the centuries.
The weekend opened with a rousing performance from Tilbury Brass Band on Saturday morning, followed by performances from the Jacqui Couves School of Dance and a local gospel choir. On Sunday morning, the Tilbury Majorettes performed whilst welcoming visitors to the Cruise Terminal and Thurrock Golden Voices sang a medley of war-themed songs. Visitors got involved with flag-waving and singing along, making it a real highlight of the weekend.
Around 720 people took an open-top tour of the Port which allowed the local community to see what goes on behind closed doors at the port and also for employees to show their children and families where they work, as typically no children under the age of 16 are allowed in the port.
Jonathan Catton, Thurrock’s Heritage and Museum Officer, gave a number of informative and interesting heritage talks at the adjoining Tilbury Riverside Arts & Activity Centre.
There were also a number of exhibition maps of Tilbury and surrounding area, dating back to the 1500s depicting how the area has changed, which were kindly loaned for the weekend from the Essex Record Office. Visitors could also take the opportunity to view the Port of London Authority tablets which were dedicated to the Port of London Authority employees who lost their lives during World War I and the memorial window dedicated to those who lost their lives during World War II.
Perry Glading, Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Tilbury said: “We were thrilled to see so many people take advantage of our open top tour of the port, despite the chilly breeze! The history of Tilbury and the surrounding area is interesting and diverse, and it was a pleasure to welcome so many families to enjoy time together browsing the exhibitions.”
Hannah Salisbury, Access and Participation Officer at the Essex Records Office said: “ We would like to thank the Port of Tilbury and the Port of London Authority for this weekend, and for making us so welcome. It’s always fantastic to put things on display and see people really enjoying looking at them and reminiscing. Tilbury is a very interesting place and I’m glad people have had the opportunity to find out more about our county.”
