IMG2038Last Saturday (10 March) people gathered at the Children’s Centre at the Garrison Estate in Purfleet to witness the unveiling of the latest Thurrock heritage Plaque commemorating the fact that Rev John Newton – writer of the world’s most famous song, Amazing Grace – lived for a few years on Thurrock soil.

Pictures
1: The Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Charlie Curtis, and Mrs Curtis, listen to Marylynn Rouse of the John Newton Society give a short talk on Newton’s connection with Thurrock and the impact of the Gospel in his life, and through him, upon British history.
On the right is Jonathan Catton of Thurrock Local History Museum.
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2: The Mayor unveils the plaque.

IMG20413. Rev Andy Hudson of St Stephen’s, Purfleet, gives thanks for the life of John Newton and his connection with our borough.

IMG20424. A view of the sizable crowd that gathered by the Thames for the event – the stretch known as Long Reach where the young Newton boarded ship.

IMG20435. The Plaque