Mayor of Castle Point

24/08/2026

🚂😊 The Mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Kate Knott, accompanied by her Consort, Cllr John Knott, was delighted to attend the Canvey Island Miniature Railway charity fundraising event on Sunday in support of her chosen charities, Send the Right Message and the For Isla Foundation. 💙💜

The visit provided a wonderful opportunity to meet the dedicated volunteers who keep the railway running and to see families enjoying the train rides and friendly atmosphere, with plenty of smiles and waves throughout the day. The Mayor and Consort also enjoyed learning more about the railway's history and the work that goes on behind the scenes. 🚂

A special mention goes to Jim, aged 97, who has been volunteering at the railway for 40 years and continues to welcome visitors each week. His commitment is truly inspiring.👏

Thank you to Terry and the team, and to everyone who supported the event and helped raise funds for two wonderful local charities. ✨

24/08/2026

🎉📚 GCSE Results Day at USP College 📚🎉

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Michael Dearson, accompanied by Cllr Lynsey McCarthy-Calvert (Past Mayor), was pleased to attend USP College's GCSE Results Day on Thursday.

It was a fantastic opportunity to meet students collecting their results and those enrolling for the next academic year, and to hear about their ambitions for the future. The visit also included a catch-up with Clare White, Principal of USP College, to discuss the college's continued success and future plans.

👏 Congratulations to everyone receiving their results. Whatever your outcome, there are many pathways to success, and support is available to help you take your next steps with confidence.

🎓✨

17/08/2026

🎉🏡 On Saturday, the Mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Kate Knott, and Consort, Cllr John Knott, were delighted to join Oakdale Care Home's 25th Anniversary celebrations.

It was a wonderful occasion, with residents, families and staff coming together to mark this special milestone. The Mayor and Consort enjoyed meeting guests and hearing so many positive comments about the excellent care and family atmosphere that makes Oakdale such a special place. ❤️

Congratulations to Melanie and the whole team on 25 fantastic years of caring for the local community, and best wishes for many more years of success! 🌟👏🎂

🎉🏡💜

17/08/2026

🎉📚 On Thursday, The Mayor, Cllr Kate Knott, and Consort, Cllr John Knott, were delighted to attend USP College's Seevic Campus on A Level Results Day.

It was fantastic to meet students and staff and share in the excitement of the day. The dedication shown by staff, who gave up time during their holidays to support students, was truly inspiring and reflects their commitment to both the college and its learners. 👏

There was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the campus, with students happy to chat about their grades, future aspirations, and the exciting opportunities ahead. Congratulations to everyone receiving their results, and we wish you every success in your next chapter! 🌟🎓

✨🎉

13/08/2026

🌞🎉 A Day Full of Smiles at Holiday at Home! 🎉🌞

The Mayor and Consort had a wonderful time attending the Holiday at Home event on Tuesday. It was fantastic to see so many people coming together to enjoy a day filled with music, dancing, laughter and great company. 🎶💃🕺

From fish and chips and ice cream 🍟🍦 to the ever-popular conga line and some very special donkey visitors 🐴, there was something for everyone to enjoy!

The event created a real sense of community, and it was lovely to see so many happy faces making the most of a fantastic day.

A huge thank you to Robbie for warm welcome. We were made to feel so welcome from the moment we arrived, and the church provided a truly beautiful setting for the occasion.

🐴☀️💙

04/08/2026

🌟 What an incredible day! 🌟

The Mayor, Cllr Kate Knott and Consort, Cllr John Knott, were absolutely delighted to officially open the new Lucy Watts Memorial Playground at South Benfleet Playing Fields. 🎉🛝❤️

Seeing children explore the playground, enjoy the sensory features and experience the fantastic inclusive equipment was truly heartwarming. This wonderful new space has been designed so that children of all abilities can play, learn and have fun together, creating friendships and memories that will last for years to come. ♿🎠🎶🌈

The playground is a fitting tribute to Lucy Watts MBE, whose passion, determination and commitment to inclusion touched so many lives. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations through this amazing community asset.

A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in making this project a reality. We can't wait to see local families enjoying this fantastic facility for many years to come! 😊💙

🛝🌟❤️♿🎉

Children and families across Castle Point are invited to enjoy a brand-new inclusive playground at South Benfleet Playing Fields, which was officially opened by the Mayor, Cllr Kate Knott on Monday 3 August.

https://orlo.uk/l8Q9j

03/08/2026

🍺🌭🎶 The Mayor, Councillor Kate Knott, and Consort, Councillor John Knott, were delighted to attend the Beer, Sausage and Cider Festival at St Mary's Hall on Saturday.

It was fantastic to see residents of all ages coming together to support St Mary's Church and enjoy an afternoon of great food, refreshments, live music and family activities. ☀️

Events like this showcase the wonderful community spirit in Castle Point and the dedication of the volunteers and organisers whose hard work helps make them such a success.

A sincere thank you to everyone involved in organising the festival and to all those who came along to support it. 💙

🍺🌭🎵☀️

03/08/2026

🥏🎉 The Mayor and Consort were delighted to help officially open the new Disc Golf Course at Waterside Farm Leisure Centre on Saturday!

After cutting the ribbon, they joined fellow Councillors in giving the course a try and quickly discovered that disc golf is harder than it looks, with a few discs finding their way into the bushes! 😄🌳

This fantastic new attraction is completely free to play, making it a great activity for residents of all ages. Simply borrow a disc from reception and you're ready to go.

A big thank you to everyone involved in bringing this brilliant idea to life and creating another opportunity for residents to get active, enjoy the outdoors and have fun. ☀️🥏

🥏🌿☀️

31/07/2026

🌊☀️ Mayor Explores Canvey on Thames Blue Space Event ☀️🌊

Earlier today, the Mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Kate Knott, and her Consort, Cllr John Knott, visited the Canvey on Thames Blue Space Event at Thorney Bay Beach.

The Mayor and Consort enjoyed meeting a wide range of community groups, speaking with staff and volunteers, and learning more about the activities and opportunities available to local residents. The event offered plenty for families to enjoy, particularly younger children, with a variety of interactive and hands-on activities throughout the day.

Cllr Rob Lillis, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Housing, and Consort, Cllr John Knott even got involved in one of the physical challenges on offer! 💪

It was fantastic to see the event so well supported by the community. Special thanks to Romina and the Leisure Services Team for helping showcase the many groups and activities on offer throughout the day. 🌊🤝☀️

31/07/2026

🌟 Mayor Visits Hadleigh Old Fire Station Community Lunch 🌟

On Thursday 30 July, the Mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Kate Knott, and her Consort, Cllr John Knott, attended the community lunch at Hadleigh Old Fire Station (HOFS).

The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about the wide range of activities and events offered at HOFS, meet local artists and residents, and hear about future plans to expand opportunities for children and young people.

Originally restored through the dedication of local volunteers, HOFS has become a vibrant community hub, hosting everything from exhibitions and creative workshops to social events that bring people together and celebrate local talent.

Thank you to Sue and Alan for their dedication to Hadleigh Old Fire Station and to everyone who contributed to a wonderful event. 🎨🏛️🤝

To find out more about upcoming events and activities, visit:
👉 www.hofs.org.uk/events

📸 Group photo outside (left to right): Artist Amanda Jackson, The Mayor, Cllr Kate Knott, Consort, Cllr John Knott, Alan Hockett and Sue Willis.

📸 The Mayor chatting with artist Amanda Jackson.

📸 Inside HOFS: The Mayor in conversation with Amanda Parrott, the Council's Assistant Director for Climate & Growth, artist Thea Bergman, and fellow guests.

📸 The Mayor viewing the exhibitions and displays at Hadleigh Old Fire Station.