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Thurrock Arts CouncilThurrock Community Information Thurrock Arts Council engages all forms of Art in Thurrock from Accordion Playing to Drama, Art and Wildlife. You need to be part of this exciting organisation that works hard to promote arts in Thurrock. This directory will give you full information about what is happening in Thurrock, be part of it, participate in it and whatever you do, enjoy yourself. By entering into the spirit of community life you will find a fulfilment of a cultural and arts nature. Sign up now and join in the full "where there is always something happening". John Scowen - Chairman Thurrock Arts Council members - directory as at February 2009Aveley Band
Chairman - Mr D. Morris
Secretary - Mr B. Jones C.D.O.T. (Churches Drama and Opera in Thurrock)
Mr M. Rawlinson, C.D.O.T. is an adult Dramatic and Operatic society which has been performing shows at the Thameside Theatre every November since 1972. Although its roots are Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas, such shows are performed approximately every 3 years. We also perform musicals and other shows (e.g. Kiss Me Kate, Half a Sixpence, Guys & Dolls) C.D.O.T. also perform 2 -3 charity concerts per year in March. C.D.O.T. has an enviable reputation for its musical ability and is currently attracting younger members who enjoy the challenges of music, drama & dance within a friendly environment. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evening at Stanford-le-Hope Methodist Church Hall. Anyone interested should contact Stuart Cameron. Centre Stage Theatre School
Miss Sarah Sutton - AISTD(Dip)IDTA(aff)CDET.CMIAEM
For classes in ballet, tap, modern, theatre dance, drama, and singing all held at: Freewheelers Entertainers
Mrs Denise Shoult, The main activity of this group is to entertain the good citizens of Thurrock. They meet at the Vigerons Way Complex Hall, Chadwell St Mary. Grays Town Band
Mrs C. Mason,
Bev Smith, We are a local, friendly, community band that attends functions such as school and church fetes and hosts themed styled concerts such as Blues & Soul, Queen and ABBA, the 80's and the rat pack, at their own Band Hall. The band also has a quartet which is ideal for smaller events such as birthdays or anniversary parties. We rehearse on Monday evenings at 7:30 - 9:30pm and give lessons on Thursday evenings between 6:30 - 8:00pm. We always welcome new and experienced players from 6 to 106 years!! for just £1 per week which includes instrument hire. For further details please contact either of the above numbers. MosaicOur jolly group of singers likes to be known as "Thurrock's Fun Choir" performing a wide selection of songs and medleys from West End and Broadway musicals, film scores and those made famous by popular groups and individual artists over the past few decades. With a membership now of over 50 we sing for pleasure and perform concerts in support of charitable causes throughout Thurrock and beyond. Abba, The Beatles, James Bond, Eric Clapton, Walt Disney, Elton John, Lerner & Loewe, Cole Porter, Rodgers 7 Hammerstein, Neil Sedaka and Andrew Lloyd Webber are just some of the names which feature regularly in our programmes. New music also continues to be added to the repertoire. Previously under the umbrella of Thurrock Music Services the choir is now independent under the musical direction of Daryl Barber. Rehearsals are held at the Culver Centre, South Ockendon on Monday evenings during term time. We are also happy to consider requests for future concert performances elsewhere in the Thurrock area. Vacancies do occur from time to time in certain sections of our SATB choir so for more information and contact details please type "Thurrock fun choir" into your Google Search and follow the links. Performers College
Mike Stephens, Performers College is a professional organisation offering Full time training in Theatre Arts. StageAbility
Mrs A. Sullivan, This is a part-time drama school for youngsters between the ages of 5 - 18 years. With classes in Grays and Corringham and we perform at the Towngate Theatre. We also run our own agency. Thameside Family History Group
Membership Secretary - Mr P. N. Lobley
Mrs M. Catty, Family history is currently one of the most popular pastimes, providing people with the challenge discovering not only who their ancestors were, but also where they lived and worked. The Thameside Family History Group provides a friendly forum for family historians, with a varied programme of lectures and informed activities. Our meetings are held at the Adult Education Centre in Bridge Road, Grays. They usually take place on the first Friday evening of each month, but this is subject to the Centre being open and some meetings have to be moved to the 2nd Friday. Further information about the Group can be obtained by contacting one of the above members. New members are always welcome. Thurrock Accordian Band Club
Contact: Mr R. B. Campion, This group meets every Thursday evening at the Socketts Heath Baptist Church - if you like accordion music or have always wanted to try it, why not come along, we have a club night on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Anybody welcome. Thurrock Antiques & Collectors Club
Mr B. Billins, Thurrock antiques and collectors club meet in the Stanley Lazell Memorial Hall on the first Wednesday of each month commencing 7.30 pm. The meetings are lively and informative with high quality, mostly professional speakers. The members are very friendly and visitors and new members are always welcome. Thurrock Art Society
Chairman - Peter Matthews
Secretary - Peggy Randall Thurrock Art Society is a very busy and friendly society. Meetings are held at the Thurrock Adult Community College in Richmond Road, Grays, on Friday evenings during term time. Members spend enjoyable evenings painting, drawing or socialising. There is an extensive library of books, videos, and DVD's that members can borrow. There are normally 3 one week exhibitions a year for members to exhibit and sell their work and coach trips are arranged for members to visit places of interest, craft shows and art exhibitions. In addition to this professional artists are booked to give demonstrations and workshops. Further details can be obtained from the Chairman or Secretary as shown above. Thurrock Camera Club
Mr R. Smith, Thurrock Camera club is your local club affiliated to the East Anglian Federation of Photographic Societies. They aim to help you get more out of your photography. We have a full programme during the year, including competitions amongst themselves and with other clubs, guest speakers on various aspects of photography and demonstrations on equipment and techniques. We organise outings and stage exhibitions of members work. Membership caters for all levels of ability, from absolute beginners to major award winners. Every meeting allows time to socialise, swap ideas and make new friends. The year 2011 will see the club celebrating ninety years since the inaugural meeting, so we are here to stay. Why not join us for some enjoyable and instructive evenings. We meet every Tuesday evening 7:45pm at Cowdry Hall, London Road, West Thurrock. The evenings cost £1.50 which includes a drink and entry to the raffle. Membership costs £26 for a year (£10 for OAP's and students). Family membership is available at £40 (2 or more family members). For further details contact Roy Smith on 01375 405377. Thurrock Choral SocietyChairman - Sandra Wilkes
Secretary - Kate Draper Founded in 1905, Thurrock Choral Society has been singing, under a variety of names, for over 100 years. Today, the choir consists of around 30 singers. Rehearsals take place from 7:30 to 9:30pm every Wednesday evening in Lodge Lane, Grays. Here at TCS, new members are always very welcome. There are no auditions! We give several concerts a year; two with orchestra, a Christmas concert and our 'Summer Soiree' - this is a mainly social evening at which the choir delivers popular repertoire alongside guest performers. Works performed in recent years include the Mass in C by Beethoven, the German Requiem by Brahms, an all-Mozart programme including the Requiem and Brahms' Zigeunerlieder (Gypsy Songs). The choir also holds several social events each year, all of which are open to non-members. Thurrock Courts Players
Chairman - Vic Gray
Treasurer - Jill Snelling
Jim Wilkinson
Tracy Carsberg Web site: www.thurrockcourtsplayers.co.uk Thurrock Courts Players is an amateur dramatic group, founded in 1955, which specialises in comedy. We are an award winning company who achieve good quality productions through hard work and pulling together as a team, whether on stage or backstage. Don't let the 'hard work' put you off though! We are a friendly sociable bunch (25 of us) who understands that whilst dedication to a quality production is important to maintaining our hard earned reputation we all have outside commitments too. So, if you are interested in acting, helping backstage or (ideally!) both, and would like to know more about us, call one of the numbers above - leave a message if we're out, or pop down to rehearsals in the hall at Grays Adult Education Centre in Bridge Road from 7:30 pm 'til 10 pm on Mondays and Thursdays. (Due to the venue we don't rehearse during school holidays though). Thurrock Drama Festival
Chairman - John Scowen The Thurrock Drama Festival promotes drama within Thurrock and helps amateurs develop their techniques through adjudication of their work. Thurrock Heritage Forum
Mr M. Ostler,
Main activity of group - 'Promotion and protection of Thurrock Heritage'. Thurrock Local History Society
Honorary Secretary - Miss M Smith Thurrock Male Voice Choir
Mr Derek Sundberg, Thurrock Male Voice Choir welcomes all men who enjoy singing. We do not expect you to be able to read music, but if you can you will be doubly welcome. We perform at about 10 concerts in each year, mainly in Thurrock but also further afield. The variety of music we sing ensures that most tastes will be catered for. We practise on Mondays 8 pm at the Methodist Church Hall on the corner of Lodge Lane and Hathaway Road, Grays. Contact our Secretary Kevin Garvey on 01375 377467 or ask any member of the choir. Thurrock Marquetry Society
Honorary Secretary - Mrs A. Clark
Chairman - Mr H. R. Dearman We are a group of people that get together once a week. We welcome Men and Women of all ages and abilities to join our group. If you have a passion for crafts or want to tap into your artistic side come and join us. We meet every Tuesday at the Tilbury Community Centre, Civic Square, Tilbury. The meetings start at 7 o'clock and end about 9 o'clock. Please come along we are sure that you will enjoy creating lovely results that are created using the art of Marquetry. You will be taught the art of Marquetry by people who have a passion for this craft, as we are sure you will when you start to learn with us. We also welcome past Marqueterians who might perhaps want to brush up on their art or just join in with us. Thurrock Numismatic Society
Mr J. Wilsdon,
Mr.F. Lawson, The Society meets every 3rd Wednesday in the month at the Stanley Lazell Hall, Dell Road, Grays. between 7.00 pm - 9.30 pm. If you wish to become interested in coins, banknotes and medals then we can offer you 2000 years of history which won't cost you a mint. Just drop us a note, a banknote is not necessary, to any one of the above addresses or call in where a cheerful group will give you a warm welcome. Thurrock Operatic Society (TOPS)
Vice Chairman of TOPS - Mr Alan Flint
Mr K. Baker, Thurrock Operatic Society, or TOPS as the association is more affectionately known, is a long-standing, highly regarded and lively Amateur Dramatic organisation, and as such has almost 50 performing members. We are a local, friendly society devoted to producing and performing musicals and light opera in Grays, Essex. TOPS meet every Thursday to rehears at the United Reform Church Hall in Bradleigh Avenue, Grays from 7:30pm to 9:30pm and normally put on one show each year. In addition to this TOPS have in the past performed one-off concerts for charity and for other small groups around Grays-Thurrock area. TOPS has an active social calendar, there are many and varied social gatherings during the year. These include croquet, bowls and car rally days, barbecues, theatre trips and our annual "Have a Go Night" near to Christmas, where we put on a variety show for our own enjoyment and amusement. Formed in 1960 we have since staged over 50 full productions together with a number of variety shows and Concerts in and around the Thurrock area. In 2010 TOPS will be marking its 50th Anniversary and the Society will be putting on two main productions at the Thameside Theatre, one in February and the other in September. There will also be a Dinner/Dance to celebrate this landmark in history. TOPS is about far more than music. Many people have likened us to an extended family, and that is right. TOPS philosophy is to produce professional shows from an amateur society and to have fun whilst doing so. We are always looking for new members so if anyone wants to join the family please feel free to do so. More information can be found on the TOPS website at www.thurrockoperaticsociety.co.uk. Thurrock Society for Artists with Disabilities
Chairman - Peggy Randall
Vice-Chairman - Peter Matthews The society was started by the chairman in April 2003 and provides an opportunity for individuals, who have disabilities and who like to paint, to meet others with a like interest in an environment that is congenial and safe. The members have an enjoyable and productive time at their meetings, painting in their chosen media. Art can be a lonely occupation; mixing with others and communicating through art can bring great benefits to all artists whether they are able bodied or have disabilities. The meetings are relaxed and enjoyable, there is no tuition as such, but there are experienced artists on hand where guidance is needed. There is also a collection of videos, DVD's and books for members to borrow or refer to for information. In addition professional artists are booked to give demonstrations each year. Meetings are held on Fridays from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at the Thurrock Adult Community College for 30 weeks a year during term time in Richmond Road, Grays. Further information can be obtained from the chairman, as shown above. Thurrock Spectrum Brass
Mrs Rosemary Mann
Mr P. Wickett, The youngest band in Thurrock is truly a 'community' band offering a service to the people of Thurrock and its neighbouring boroughs. Besides giving formal concerts we play at fetes, garden parties, corporate events, celebrations and for many charitable organisations, clubs and hospitals. Primarily a concert band, providing popular music for the enjoyment of public and players alike, interested members have also taken part in local association solo contests and we have even turned out for full band contests. There is no pressure on anyone to do this. Our aim is to make music in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. So! If you are interested in learning to play (it doesn't matter if you are eight or eighty) - even if you have never held a brass instrument before - or if you can already play but don't want the hassle of continual rehearsal pressure for contests, you can be sure a warm welcome awaits you at Thurrock Spectrum Brass. So make contact with our enthusiastic and extremely experienced Musical Director and Secretary - Mrs Rosemary Mann - on 01375 891653
Practice evenings: Thurrock Thameside Musical Society (TTMS)
Chairman - Simon Lambert
Vice-Chair - Paul Cameron TTMS was founded in 1991 from an amalgamation of members from various other local societies. We decided to form our own society which would present popular shows and, at the same time, enable members to be a part of a progressive, young, enthusiastic, forward thinking group. Throughout our history we have endeavoured to present shows that are popular with our members, and also our audiences, and relish the experience. The society is run by a committee who are elected every year. We produce a show annually, normally in the last week of June, at the Thameside Theatre in Grays and past shows include such favourites as The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma and Me and My Girl. Rehearsals begin in February and open auditions are held for principle parts. Membership is available at reasonable rates and we rehearse each Wednesday in Orsett village. We are always looking for new members and pride ourselves on being a welcoming, friendly society. We also organise various fund raising and social events throughout the year. If you would like to join us, whether onstage or backstage, please look at the contact details on our website. So if you want to join us, or simply come to see our shows we can promise you a warm welcome. Thurrock Wildlife Society
Mrs J. Ireland,
Mr S. Ireland,
Membership - Jill Fallon Formed in 1969, Thurrock Wildlife Society (TWS) is a social group dedicated to the local wildlife and the environment in Thurrock. TWS organises local walks, lectures and events for its members and produces a quarterly bulletin of local stories and wildlife. TWS works closely with organisations such as Thurrock Biodiversity Action Group and Essex Wildlife Trust to help preserve our habitats and wildlife. Walks and lectures vary from bird life to botanical walks etc, we have regular boat trips to see marine life including seals, and venture further afield to places such as Epping Forest, North Kent Downs and Lea Valley. From bugs to badgers, bats to bee orchids, our interests are diverse. Join us and help support your local wildlife. Thurrock Writers Circle
Chairman - Joy Ridgewell
Held at: On alternate Wednesday evenings from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. If you are interested in developing your writing skills, here is your opportunity to find out what other budding writers think. This is not a teaching class, just a group of like-minded people. We hold workshops and competitions and this is an enjoyable and informal way to share creativity. For information telephone 01375 846723 or 01375 679446. Thurrock Youth Theatre
Kimberley Davies
Callum Wallace Tilbury Brass Band
Secretary - Miss Andrea Lewis
Chairman - Mr Lee Fearon Within Tilbury Band we have a Senior Band and Learners Ensemble. The Senior Band rehearse on Wednesday Evenings 8:00pm -10:00pm and the Learners on Sunday Evenings 5:00pm-7:00pm. We welcome anybody of any age or ability. So if you are young or young at heart and wish to join or learn to play then please get in contact with the Band Secretary. Woolmarket Music Society
Mr J. Molineaux, Tel: 01375 674883 The Woolmarket Music Society is devoted to listening to good live music (of all types). Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 8 pm in the Woolmarket, Horndon-on-the-Hill (except the months of January and August). The standard of performance is very high and is reflected in the enjoyment of the members. The annual subscription is very modest (£15 per year) or you can pay at the door for each individual meeting (£2.50).
Drama and Dance Sub-Committee
Visual Arts Sub-Committee
Brass Band Sub-Committee
Music Sub-Committee
Drama and Dance Sub-Committee |
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Page reference: www.thurrock-community.org.uk/artscouncil/content.php?page=index Last modified: 28/03/2007 |
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