THIS week in Down Memory Lane I would like to think the Thurrock community will support this week’s Armed Forces events.

The fact we have Coalhouse Fort and Tilbury Fort, which have both been garrisoned during the Great and Second World War, providing coastal defence as well as the anti-aircraft gun batteries dotted around the borough, should remind us of the commitment we showed to protecting the country.

I hope many will attend the event on Sunday, June 30, from 10am to 4pm, at the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre, which is housed within Magazine No.5, which was part of the Royal Gun Powder Magazine, situated on the edge of the River Thames next to the Mardyke.

Constructed in 1759, the five magazines and Proof House were used to test, store and supply gunpowder to the army and navy, being exceptionally busy during the Napoleonic wars.

Each magazine could hold 10,400 barrels of gunpowder, which increased to 10,800 barrels in times of emergency.

The magazines were protected by outer and inner security walls with a garrison of soldiers guarding the site.

The work within the magazines was undertaken by civilians. The magazines remained in use throughout the 19th and 20th century until 1962, when the land was purchased from the MOD by Thurrock Council.

Four of the five magazines were demolished in the late 1960s to make way for the new Garrison housing estate, while No.5 was preserved and looked after by the volunteers of the Purfleet Heritage group, with extensive heritage displays and artifacts.

There will be an entrance fee on the day of which £1 will be donated to the SSAFA Armed Forces Charity.

Further information on the centre can be found at www.purfleet-heritage.com