Ramsay Bader grew up with his adoptive parents in Stanford-le-Hope. He struggled to find work as a Black man in 1930s Thurrock and had to work in his father's factory until he joined the 147th Field Regiment as a tank driver, eventually taking part in the D-Day Landings.

The beacon on the Green, Purfleet will be lit by the Purfleet-on-Thames Community Forum at 9.30pm, Thursday 8 May to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, one of many beacons being lit across the nation to commemorate this historic event. #ThurrockVEDAY

Thursday 8 May is the 80th anniversary of VE Day. At 9am there will be flag raising at the Town Hall, with Grays Royal British Legion, and services at the Gray War Memorial and the Tilbury Memorial. More info and other events: orlo.uk/vccu3

Novelist Abi Dare talks about ‘And So I Roar’, the evocative follow up to her much acclaimed debut ‘The Girl With the Louding Voice’, 7pm, Tuesday, 3 June, Grays Library, Thameside Complex, part of Essex Book Festival. For tickets and more information: orlo.uk/HkQf6

On Thursday 8 May, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. A flag raising at 9am at the Town Hall, with Grays Royal British Legion, and services at the Grays War Memorial and the Tilbury Memorial. #thurrockVE80 For more info: orlo.uk/RgEtp

What iconic Thurrock event is this a picture of? Let us know in the comments.

Today is National Learn To Swim Day (there truly is a day for everything). Now, we're not saying that you should swim in the Thames, but swimming has always been part of a day at the beach and we couldn't resist finding an excuse to post this lovely postcard of Grays beach.

Museum collections contain a lot of things that you wouldn't even consider and one thing we have a lot of is boxes. How cute is this little thing? Even if it did come from a dentist.

Discover the past with a Friends of Historic Essex membership. Friends of Historic Essex is a registered charity that supports the Essex Record Office in its efforts to make more of Essex's history accessible.

We love Thurrock's history, the view over Grays from our office windows, the mixture of buildings old and new, our incredible green spaces. What do you love about Thurrock?

Today is Windrush Day where we honour the contributions of Afro-Caribbean migrants to Great Britain. We are proud that the HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury 77 years ago today, carrying with it hundreds of workers that helped shape modern Britain.

We had a great day at Saffron Walden Museum on Monday. We explored their galleries and collections store whilst learning how they adapt their old spaces for modern displays. This was part of our Routes To Roots project, with thanks to National Lottery players.

Tell Them Of Us, A new exhibition by Thurrock Museum coming soon.

Excited to see more of what Thurrock girl Michelle Agyemang can do. bbc.co.uk/sport/football…

Explore an exciting future with HOME:Zero at the Thameside, August 13-18th This interactive exhibit uses paintings from the National Portrait Gallery to provide a creative base from which to view sustainability in our own homes. Suitable for children aged 6-10 and their families.

🌍 Letters from the Global South exhibition is heading to ThurrockMuseum! 🗓️ Sat 9—Thur 11 Sept 👉 Be sure to check out the other exhibitions: ⭐️ “From Here to Zero”—a look at Thurrock's history towards becoming a net zero borough. ⭐️ “Home:Zero”—an immersive installation.

From the collection: a series of programmes of local productions 1920s-1970s

Tell Them Of Us A free exhibition honouring those who served in the Far East during WW2. Open until September 4th.

These five Midlands lace bobbins have been in our collections since the 1950's. Midlands bobbins are characterised by the beaded 'spangle' attached to them. Although bobbin lace is now officially classified as an endangered craft there is still an active Thurrock community.

From the Collection: Two Essex Regiment forage cap badges picturing Gibraltar Castle and a Sphinx. One brass shoulder title. The Essex Regiment was formed by the merger of the 44th and 56th Regiment of Foot. The 56th Regiment had served during the siege of Gibraltar.