Canvey Island Early 1960's (Part 2)

Every weekend we would take what seemed like an endless drive from the East End of London to Thorney Bay Caravan Site where my Grandparents had a caravan.  My Granddad’s Brothers and Sisters also had caravans on the site so each weekend was a real family affair. The site was self contained with its own shop and had pathways that lead up to the sea wall.  Through the centre of the site ran a small brook that was bridged half way along where the washroom/toilet block was located.  Where the brook met the sea there was a huge metal sluice from which we would drop crab lines into the sea and pull out crabs using winkles as bait.  The Army campsite adjacent had to be explored, we climbed into the concrete gun turret on the sea wall through the gap in the front.  I also remember having mud fights in Thorney Bay when the tide was out and then walking out to the sea to wash it all off – great fun!

At the beginning of this clip is what I think may be the old bridge that seperated the boating pool at Thorney Bay that used to hold water when the tide went out.  Also you will see the caravan site jam packed with caravans right up to the sea wall. My granddad’s Vauxhall Victor that had a bench front seat, a 3 speed column gear stick and a ratchet handbrake that came out from under the dashboard.