1 - The Bay Museum and Research Centre

In Remembrance

Lord Petre unveiling the plaque

Last Saturday was a wet and windy day but it did not stop the plans of three men who have spent the last few years fighting to get the funding and the building ready for the opening. They had to overcome many problems but with the support of Veolia Cleanaway Trust, who supplied the funding, plus many local people and businesses they have made a remarkable transformation of a once derelict degaussing station. A fitting remembrance to the fallen, ‘Lest we forget’.

David Thorndike, Allan Reed and Martin Daniell, the founders of the museum, had arranged a great event despite the dreadful weather, with entertainment by a Pipe Band and a fly pass by a WW2 Mustang. Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre, formally opened the Museum before we all had a chance to have a look at the many items on display. The first floor was mainly dedicated to WW2, with many items associated with Canvey residents.

Lots of interest in the displays on the ground floor which mainly covers WW2

Churchill greeted you when you took the stairs to the first floor, carved in stone by Allan Reed, he was very imposing. The first floor holds a collection of Prussian military helmets, a gun collection and some decorated WWI shell cases adorning the windowsill. There is also an extensive library and a computer for research.

The displays will be changed from time to time and different events will be arranged throughout the year. The Museum is open every Sunday. The telephone number for the Museum (Sundays only) is 01268 513718.