November newsletter – could you be our new chair?

Reflections on Autumn so far

We’re still coming down from the whirlwind that was October, when a host of events all came together, including shows at the Thameside Theatre – Grandad Anansi and Through Their Eyes – to celebrate Black History Month, plus spooky and historic activities at Coalhouse Fort, with tours, creative workshops, family events and a ghost story competition!

And, of course, the month was crowned off by the amazing news that our funding application to Arts Council England had been accepted! We’re over the moon and looking forward to hearing more of your ideas and feedback – and bigger, better, more exciting events for everyone in 2026-29!

Huge thanks to everyone who came out for events, sent in applications and showed your support!

So, on to November…

Come and give us a Kickstarter!

The dates have been set, the venues have been booked and the pencils have been sharpened. Come along to one of our fun, informal (and free) community creative craft events and – while you’re there – tell us what activities you’d like to see in your area.

Our Kickstarter gatherings are an opportunity for us to hear from you exactly what events you prefer or have seen and want to bring to your area. It could be anything from a mural to a concert, theatre show, parade, display, workshop, crafting, a performance or anything else creative!

Our first was at Aveley Community Hub on Monday 24th Nov, with an afternoon session for families and an evening slot for over-18s. It was great to see everyone – we had some engaging conversations and of course fun with the Christmas crafts!

Next, we’ll be at the following places:

East Tilbury – East Tilbury Village Hall, RM18 8RB, Mon 8th Dec, 1.30-3.30pm (all ages)

South Ockendon – Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions, RM17 5DX, Sat 13th Dec, 10.00am-1.00pm (all ages)

Purfleet Community Pantry & Cafe: work continues

As work continues on the Pantry’s new look, we paid a visit to the people helping to make it all come together!  

Following designer Laura Whiting’s plans after all the consultation and ideas events, the guys at Aveley Men’s Shed are busy making all the bits and pieces that bring the residents’ vision to life.

Men’s Shed Co-ordinator Alan Marks said: “We are, so far, near to being on track with the build!”

They’ve been working on breakfast bar tops, hinged tables, counter surrounds and the cladding for the children’s quiet area, amongst other things.

Alan added: “It’s one community project helping another. It’s all about helping each other. I think if we can get one project to help build on another project and bring them along as well, so it all progresses, all gels together, we can get a nice little community going.”

We agree, Alan, 100%.

Did you know… There are hundreds of Men’s Sheds all over the UK and abroad! They’re places where men can connect, have conversations and create things – by repairing, repurposing or simply making items that support their local community.

We’ll be doing a feature on the collaboration between Aveley Men’s Shed and Purfleet Community Pantry & Cafe in the future, as it’s a great story!

Meanwhile, we also recently took the chance to look back over the feedback, ideas and contributions from local residents that helped shape the plans. It was great to browse through the photos of creative experiments and sticky notes! More pics below.

Start a new chapter with Start Thurrock!

Are you an experienced facilitator, able to mediate and work with a range of strategic partners, with time to commit to help steer one of Essex’s most popular and growing creative communities? Or do you know someone who might fit the bill?

We are recruiting for a new Independent Chair for our Core Consortium at Tilbury on the Thames Trust – the lead community for Start Thurrock. Having established our Creative People & Places programme, this voluntary role will strengthen our governance and support us in expanding the programme throughout its next phase in 2026-29.

The position will suit a senior leader who passionately believes in the value of art and culture in people’s lives and wants to make a difference. We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds with different lived experiences, skills and stories to apply for this opportunity.

Closing date for applications is Monday 12th January 2026. If interested, please click below to download the full role description and application guidelines.

Click here to find out more.

See the Creative Community Support programme at work

We’ve been working through the applications for the next round of Creative Community Support (CCS), and applicants will get feedback very soon.

In the meantime, we want to give a round of applause to a couple of events that benefitted from the support in the last round and are coming up in December:

Creative Wellbeing: Art for Empowerment at Grays

When: Mon 1st December, 4.00-5.30pm – a free weekly course

At: The Sapphire Employability & Wellbeing Academy, Unit 29, Grays Shopping Centre

Find out more

Winter Welcome: A Celebration of Cultures for International Migrants Day

When: Thur 18th December

At: The Welcome to the UK Unit, Grays Shopping Centre

Find out more

Come along, get involved, develop skills or learn something new! More news on future events soon.

Start getting excited for Green Light 2026!

The artist submissions for the next Green Light programme in February 2026 have now all come in. We’ve been avidly working our way through them and everyone selected by residents to be part of the programme will hear from us before the end of the month.

The big news is that, as well as the established places Green Light visited last time – Purfleet, Chadwell St. Mary and South Ockendon – we will also be setting up events in Aveley, East Tilbury and Corringham in 2026! Venues and dates are just being finalised as we type, but you’ll have an even greater chance of finding fun, exciting new creative things to try closer to home.

It’s still very early doors right now, but we can’t wait to start sharing the Green Light 2026 programme. What we can say is activities will include:

• Textiles, acrylics and digital workshops
• Music, singing and movement sessions
• Natural dyes and basket weaving
• Live performances
• … and much more!

There will be activities for all ages, kids and adults alike. More info to come next month!