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FROM THE CHAIR 2
FORESTERS 200 CLUB 2
CURRENT COMMENTS 3
AMENITY SUB-COMMITTEE 4
REDOUBT FORT REPORT 5
FROM THE LIBRARI AN & ARCHIVIST 5
MARIT IME MUSEUM 6
FOOTP ATH REPORT 7
THE HARWICH SOCIETY ANNUAL DINNER 8
MORE OF LEN’S STORIES 8
TAKE PART IN OUR CHARITY STROLL…….. . 9
FORESTERS OPEN DAYS 9
UNVEILING OF BENCH IN MEMORY OF MIKE ME ALING 10
RECENT EVENTS 10
DRAWING L INES IN THE P ARK 11
PORTRAIT OF A MEMBER 12
STE AM DRIFTER JE ANNIE McINTOSH BCK209 13
POSTBOX 14
WHAT IT ME ANS TO BE OCCUPIED (CONT) 17
OFFICIAL PROGRAMME FOR HARWICH WEEK - Da te? 18
THE GRE ATEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE 19
EV ACUATION MEMORIES 20
FIRE MARKS 21
HARWICH FROM THE AIR c1950 22 YE ARS OF MY L IFE CONTINUED 23 WHAT DID THE ROMANS DO FOR US? 24 OBITUARIES 25 HARWICH BOROUGH COUNCIL 1951 25 MEMBERSHIP NOTES 26 COMING ATTRACTION S 27
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FROM THE CHAIR Bernie Sadler
For many years the Society has been a member of the Civic Trust, the umbrella organisation which
offered advice and support to Civic Societies and represented us at regional and national levels.
Regretfully, in April last year, the Civic Trust announced that it could no longer continue to function
due to a lack of funds. Following a period of consultation and debate a new national charity has been
launched called Civic Voice which it is hoped will continue and extend the work carried out by the
Civic Trust. Fees for membership of the new body were originally suggested to be on a per capita
basis which for a large organisation like the Harwich Society would have been prohibitive. It is now
agreed, however, that a cap will be provided for the larger societies. On this basis we have enlisted in
the new organisation recognising, of course, the need for improved funding and the benefits which
would flow from membership. Watch this space!
On Saturday the 15th of May a number of members met at Foresters for the unveiling of a garden
bench in memory of Mike Mealing. Mike was Treasurer of the Society from 1976 to 2008. He was
also chairman of the House Committee which looks after Foresters. As Treasurer Mike oversaw the
financial repercussions of the massive increase in Society membership, the advance of IT re book
keeping and the meeting of the increasingly vigorous demands of the Charity Commissioners. The
bench was unveiled by Mike's wife, Judith, and the event was attended by their children and
grandchildren. The Social group provided excellent refreshments and the weather too was kind to us.
(see photograph on page 10)
By the time this copy of Highlight is delivered to your doors the Flower Baskets initiated by the
Society should be on display at various locations round Harwich and Dovercourt. The scheme is
funded by individuals and businesses in the town as well as some Tendring District councillors,
Harwich Town Council and the Society itself. Historically the baskets have been hung from lamp
posts but over recent years many lamp posts have been ruled out by the highway authority on safety
grounds. Apparently the modern concrete lamp posts are made to break on impact thereby
minimising damage to vehicles, drivers and passengers. Because of this they are not strong enough
to safely support the flower baskets. This affects in particular the number of baskets in Dovercourt
town centre. We are working with the Dovercourt traders to secure funding for stronger removable
posts in the town. In the meantime many of the baskets originally planned for the town centre will be
hung in Cliff Park, close to the band stand.
FORESTERS 200 CLUB
The winner of the Foresters 200 Club draw for March which was drawn at the AGM was Mrs Gibbs
of Little Clacton. She has kindly donated her prize to the Harwich Society to further the work at
Foresters.
You have the opportunity to help the Society raise funds and to win a cash prize of £200 each
quarter. If you want to help, with the possibility of winning money, send a cheque payable to the
Harwich Society for £25 (or cash by hand) per membership to The Harwich Society, Foresters Club,
c/o Miss S Marshall, 23 Station Road, Harwich, Essex CO12 3LY. Please provide your address and
to whom the winning cheque should be made payable.
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CURRENT COMMENTS Andy Rut ter
Your Executive Committee
was re-elected en bloc at the Annual General Meeting, and all Groups and Subcommittees were
subsequently re-appointed
noted that 79 members enjoyed the Annual Dinner in the Pier Hotel when Mike Riches spoke
about Harwich High School
was pleased to learn that 43 members enjoyed the St George‟s Day Dinner in the new Crown Post
Restaurant in Church Street when they were entertained by the Vice Chairman David Whittle
has approved a smart new uniform for members on duty for the Society, it consists of navy blue
sweatshirts and polo shirts with the Society logo in light blue
thanks the team who took the Society exhibition to represent Harwich at the County Tourism and
Leisure Show
thanked Vice Chairman David Whittle and Mrs Jacky Whittle for arranging the Society display at
the Tour de Tendring Cycle Race by the Swimming Pool
was delighted at the gathering of members present to see Mrs Judith Mealing unveil the memorial
seat to our late Treasurer Mike Mealing at Foresters
welcomed two American visitors from Harwich Massachusetts who spent a week in our town.
Highlight of the visit was a re-union dinner at the Crown Post with those members who went to
Harwich MA in 2002
deplores the procrastination of Taylor Wimpey in providing an adequate wildlife corridor around
Bobbits Hole Nature Reserve, now four years behind schedule. The situation is exacerbated by
the developer placing social housing next to the reserve
was pleased to hear Chairman Bernie Sadler speaking about Harwich and the Harwich Society on
Felixstowe Radio, a new radio station
learned that the decorative lights on The Quay have been removed because TDC felt they were
dangerous. Has this ever happened at Clacton?
has joined Civic Voice, the successor organization to the Civic Trust
is repairing vandalism damage to the Flood Plaque on the Ha‟penny Pier and to the Post Box on
Harwich Town Station
has purchased a new lap top computer to give improved power point presentations to the
members
thanks the Bury St Edmunds, Colchester, Felixstowe, Frinton & Walton, Hadleigh, Ipswich,
Kelvedon & Feering, Norwich, Sudbury and Wivenhoe Societies for the receipt of their
newsletters
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AMENITY SUB COMMITTEE Ron Farnwor th
Planning Application - no comment made:
Capital House Estate, Dovercourt - change approved plan of plots to include 50 new build
dwellings, to include 3 affordable. Replaces upmarket houses with mid market types to reflect
current conditions. No changes would be approved unless the criteria were met
Alexandra House, Marine Parade - minor changes to existing approval
Bathside Bay development various - defer all works until 2021
10 Marine Parade, Dovercourt - 2 flats with office on ground floor + parking
Don Thompson Care Home, Low Rd, Dovercourt - 2 x 2 storey extensions to increase bedrooms
from 28 to 70 with additional amenity area and recreational space on adjoining land to be acquired
from the caravan park
48 Kings Head St, Harwich - balcony to form viewing platform from bedroom overlooking sailing
centre
Flat 3, 20 Market St, Harwich - 2 front dormer windows instead of larger single dormer (approved)
Extracts from TDC minutes:-
Planning Applications approved:
Bucks Lane, off Stones Green, Gt Oakley - two “earth sheltered” eco houses for agricultural
workers
Old Bakehouse, Ramsey - single storey extension
Kingsway House, 21 Kingsway, Dovercourt - change of use of ground floor offices to Class A3 cafe/
restaurant
10 Marine Parade, Dovercourt - 2 flats with ground floor office
Planning Applications refused:
“Whispers”, High St, Gt Oakley - listed building, 3 solar panels considered too incongruous and
only 30% efficient
Stonehall Farm, Stonehall Lane, Gt Oakley - detached outbuilding, too large and out of character
with street scene
1 Midland House, High St, Dovercourt - change use from sandwich shop to pizza takeaway. 10%
rule for class A1 premises.
Other matters:
Corporate Plan - A new draft plan for period 2009/2016 has been prepared for final approval, based
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AMENITY SUB COMMITTEE C ont inued
on existing Plan.
Budget - Budget for 2011/12 proposed at £21.9m with capital expenditure of £8m and reserves of
£3.9m, subject to amount of Government grant award. No increase to Council Tax. An alternative
budget had been voted on and approved in which all projects had been put back
Coastal tourism - It is proposed to enter into a “Coastal renaissance partnership” with E.C.C. to
better foster coastal tourism and the coastal economy for the whole of Tendring
Committee programme issues for discussion - December: future of Barrack Lane site and users
aspirations; Manana: Local Development Framework; May: funding options for improving
Dovercourt boating lake: January: investigate feasibility of “revolving fund” to restore/sell back at
risk listed buildings
REDOUBT FORT REPORT March saw the completion of the electrical rewiring of the entire Redoubt Fort, indeed a momentous
occasion. It is the culmination of four years‟ work, and it is a tribute to our electrical team (Dan Beck
and Paul Catton) that they have seen this massive programme through to completion. 18 rooms, 11
annexes, 3 staircases, 9 upper level shelters, a kiosk and external lighting, all done to exceptionally
high standards, the project will rank among the major achievements in the history of the renovation of
the fort.
Don Hambling continued with his single handed restoration of the 12 pounder gun at Queen St
embrasure, carrying out repairs to the wooden carriage and repainting everything. It will look very
smart for the summer season. John Spearpoint continued his meticulous maintenance of the grassed
areas, the grass on the central parade and in the moat has never looked better.
Ghost hunting parties continue to come and seem to have good time. Some of the parties even send us
photographs of the ghosts they have encountered! Paul Catton plays a leading role as host.
Raffle tickets are in the process of being issued for our annual fund raising appeal. We hope that you
will support our work, for while the loyal band of workers give their services free, money is still
required to buy materials. This year the raffle will be drawn on August Bank Holiday Monday 30th at
an Open Day at the Redoubt Fort, when we plan to show off our work, and our latest exhibits. There
will also be a barbecue and a tombola stall and any unwanted gifts would be appreciated for the latter.
FROM THE LIBRARI AN & ARCHIVIST
The Archivist is very grateful for the gifts of artefacts and books from members or their family.
Recently we have received an excellent collection of photos taken by Michael Woodward and
numerous papers and books from the family of Kate Jackson. Other individual gifts have added to our
archives. Please accept my grateful acknowledgement if you have not already received one.
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MARIT IME MUSEUM Jacky Wal ton
Two thousand and ten is the thirtieth anniversary of the Harwich Society‟s Maritime Museum. The
Maritime Museum was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Sir Andrew Lewis. About 120
people attended the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, including Tendring Council Chairman,
Mr Fred Good and Harwich Mayor, Mr Lindsay Glenn. The Harwich Society Vice Chairman, Mr
Peter Brunning stood in for Chairwoman Mrs Winifred Cooper as she was recuperating in Harwich
and District Hospital following an operation. Sir Andrew visited her later in the day. An unusual
visitor was the Dulux dog accompanied by a representative from ICI. The company gave 60 litres of
paint towards the museum project following an ICI sponsored competition for buildings of unusual
interest. Dulux paint is still used in the Maritime Museum to the present day. Our Secretary, Andy,
struggled across Harwich Green with two great big cans of Dulux last year, most of which is now on
the walls.
There have been many custodians of the Museum over the last thirty years; all have given their time
and expertise making the museum the popular tourist attraction it is today. Most were before my
time but Peter Gates stands out and members of his family call in to the museum from time to time.
In 1750 Harwich Green had many trees, by 1820/22 the trees had disappeared; I can only guess they
were used in the cement mill. By April 1875 trees formed an avenue leading to the door of The Low
Light House. These trees also disappeared. Earlier this year six trees were planted, three by the Low
Lighthouse and three near the tea shop. Museum volunteers and Lady Lewis have been watering the
trees near the Museum; there are two hawthorn trees and a horse chestnut. Some of our older visitors
tell me there was a big horse chestnut on the green and they used to collect conkers on their way to
school.
I have been unable to carry on with the painting of the top floor in the Museum, as it was too cold to
work, also in February I stupidly and most annoyingly fell and damaged my wrist and arm.
On April 24th David Whittle met 14 Colchester Blue Badge Guides at the Visitor Centre then
escorted them to the Maritime Museum, before going to lunch and then on to the Redoubt. The
Guides seemed to enjoy themselves in the Maritime Museum commenting on so many items on
show in a small building. One lady came back for another visit.
A Potted History
A pair of leading lights was built in 1818 by General Rebow to guide ships through the treacherous
shoals. When the light from the High Lighthouse was positioned above the light from the Low
Lighthouse, as seen from the sea, the ships were on the correct course into Harwich Harbour. The
two lighthouses together cost £8,000 to construct but revenue from the lights at the time was
estimated to be £9,000 per annum from light dues on passing ships. The Low Lighthouse was built
9ft to the south west of the original site of the old wooden lighthouse. The old wooden Low
Lighthouse of 1665 was built on the beach and is portrayed in a painting by John Constable. The
High Lighthouse was over the Town Gate. Both the earlier lighthouses were coal fired.
In 1836 General Rebow sold the lights to Trinity House for £31,730 (a vast sum). It was rumoured
that he knew the channel for the harbour was changing direction because of shifting shoals. And it
was precisely for this reason that Trinity House was obliged to discontinue these Harwich lights in
1863, and replace them with the new high and low iron lighthouses situated on Dovercourt Bay sea-
front. The iron lighthouses were discontinued for the same reason in 1917 and the channel marked by
lighted buoys.
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MARIT IME MUSEUM Cont inued
Around the turn of the century Harwich Borough Council obtained permission to put the “umbrella”,
around the base of the Low Lighthouse to provide shelter for promenade walkers. The Council
purchased the Harwich Lighthouses in 1909. The Low Lighthouse was vested in the Harwich
Corporation for 10/- but with the condition that it should be returned to Trinity House if needed for
navigational purposes.
Trinity House in fact took over again in 1970 and converted it into a pilot signal station. In 1973 it
reverted to Tendring District Council on completion of the new pilot station at Angel Gate. It became
the Harwich Society Maritime Museum in 1980, a Harwich Society Voluntary Project.
FOOTPATH REPORT Jo Har r ison Thirteen walkers and three dogs enjoyed the walk along The Hangings and back via Blacksmiths Lane
and Manor Lane in April. We took a photograph of one of the shopping trolleys on the route! At
present the vegetation is hiding much of the litter and The Hangings is a pleasant stroll or bike ride at
this time of year with a splendid show of buttercups, red campion, herb robert, cow parsley and more
than a few nettles lining the route, quite colourful and shady in hot weather. When the vegetation dies
down in the autumn all will be revealed and perhaps it will be time for an organised litter pick. If only
everyone would take their litter home with them this would not be needed.
It is proving difficult to get a response from Tendring District Council about reconsidering the decision
not to dedicate The Hangings as a Public Right of Way so it will be necessary to use historical records
to make a formal application to Essex County Council. I may be contacting a few members to sign
some documents about walking the route over the years.
Circa 1750 Circa 1822
Circa 1860 Circa 1872
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THE HARWICH SOCIETY ANNUAL DINNER David Whi t t le
The Annual Dinner of The Harwich Society took place at the Pier Hotel on Friday 12th March with
80 Members and Guests in attendance. The special guests were The Mayor of Harwich, Cllr Jacky
Wares, and The Chairman of Tendring District Council, Cllr Nick Turner. Grace was said by Roger
Packer, Bernie Sadler proposed The Loyal Toast, Louis Roskill proposed the Toast to the Guests
and The Mayor proposed the Toast to The Harwich Society. The evening concluded with Mike
Riches, a former Staff Member, who spoke on the history and traditions of Harwich County High
School that first opened in 1910. The photo is of The Mayor & Mike Riches.
MORE OF LEN’S STORIES
“More of Len’s Stories” is the title of a new book published this month by
Harwich Society member Len Holder. Len‟s first book “A light-hearted look at
seafaring and other stories” was published in July 2008 and income from the book
allowed donations to be made to Missions to Seamen in Liverpool and overseas,
(with Gift Aid) of over £3,000, and to the National Association for Colitis and
Crohn‟s Disease of over £1,500.
The second book contains more anecdotes about interesting, amusing and surprising incidents.
According to the Reverend Canon Bob Evans who wrote the foreword, it is even better than the first.
There are more stories about schooldays in Harwich, sailing and sea scouting, serving at sea on the
Far East and Australian run with Alfred Holt and Company‟s Blue Funnel and Glen Lines, doing
research and consultancy worldwide, studying and lecturing in Liverpool, and family life on the
Wirral and in Towcester.
Proceeds will again be donated to maritime and medical charities. In order to maximise the profit for
the charities, the book is being sold from home. Orders please (£12 including postage, payable to LA
Holder Charity Account) to: L A & E A Holder, 88 Belle Baulk, Towcester, Northants NN12 6YE.
Email contact for further information: [email protected]
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TAKE PART IN OUR CHARITY STROLL Gar ry Calver NO TRAINING NECESSARY I have great admiration for all of those hardy souls who spend countless hours pounding the streets in
order to prepare for the London Marathon. On the fateful day they then put themselves through untold
agonies in order to complete the arduous course around the streets of our capital city. The Harwich
Society‟s version is somewhat more relaxed, requires no training and can be completed without any
fear of being overtaken by a pantomime horse. I am talking, of course, about the Bobbit‟s Hole
Charity Stroll. It isn‟t sponsored by Flora Margarine, it isn‟t organised by David Bedford and there
are unlikely to be media helicopters flying overhead. It is, however, the perfect fund raising event for
anyone not really inclined to half kill themselves in order to raise a few bob.
Everyone who visits the Harwich Society‟s nature reserve at Bobbit‟s Hole is amazed by what the
small band of dedicated volunteers has achieved. Last summer, as a way of celebrating this
achievement, the Society held a „charity stroll‟ to encourage visitors to the reserve and to raise money
for a good cause at the same time.
Bobbit‟s Hole is a haven of peace and tranquillity only a few yards from the Main Road and is open
to the public throughout the season free of charge between 10am and 12 noon each Sunday morning.
On the designated day visitors were asked to stroll around and make a donation to the Royal British
Legion‟s Poppy Appeal for the privilege of doing so. The Bobbit‟s Hole team were on hand to show
people around and to provide light refreshments. The result was 72 happy visitors who raised
£162.40.
Colin and Aileen Farnell were so pleased with the day that they agreed to make it an annual event and
this year‟s Bobbit‟s Hole Charity Stroll will take place on Sunday 8th August between 10am and 3
pm. This year the team has chosen „Riding for the Disabled‟ as its charity and I would ask anyone
with a half hour to spare to support the event by enjoying a leisurely stroll around one of the most
peaceful and picturesque places in our town. Unlike the London Marathon, you won‟t get a medal at
the end but I can assure you that you will leave feeling very relaxed and very impressed. Even better
– you will leave happy in the knowledge that you can take part again next year without any training
whatsoever!
FORESTERS OPEN DAY S
* Sunday 4th July and Sunday 11th July, 10.30 am to 4.30 pm
* Albums of old local photographs to peruse
* Situated at 5 Church Street, Harwich
* An opportunity to look round The Society Headquarters (circa 1450)
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UNVEIL ING OF BENCH IN MEMORY OF MIKE ME ALING
Over 40 people assembled in Foresters on Saturday 15th May to welcome Judith Mealing who
unveiled a bench in memory of her husband. The photo is Judith and her family sitting on the bench.
RECENT EVENTS Garry Ca lver
The Harwich Society played hosts to The Colchester Blue Badge Guides on Saturday 24th April for a
familiarisation tour of Harwich. The Group were greeted by James Cole, the Harwich Town Crier on
the Ha'penny Pier and were then conducted around the town by David Whittle, taking in visits to The
Electric Palace, Treadwheel Crane and Jacky Walton was on hand at The Maritime Museum to show
them round. After lunch they were met by Andy Rutter and Bernie Sadler at the Redoubt to complete
their look at Harwich.
Sixty members attended the last talk in the winter series of Harwich Society lectures, when Angela
Blakeway gave an interesting and very informative talk on the Bayeaux Tapestry. The tapestry which
is 230 ft long depicts the conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. Most members
were surprised to learn that the tapestry was made in England, possibly at Canterbury, commissioned
by Bishop Odo (half brother to King William) for the consecration of his new cathedral at Bayeaux.
Now over 900 years old it obviously was embroidered some years after the events depicted on it. Mrs
Blakeway's enthusiasm for the subject was very infectious.
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DRAWING LINES IN THE PARK
Members will recall that the two projects to celebrate our 40th anniversary were firstly writing a
history of the Society and secondly marking out the site of Cliff House in Cliff Park. Built in 1845,
Cliff House was the home of the Harwich MP, John Bagshaw. It was a very grand house, quite the
biggest in town, and what is now Cliff Park was the extensive gardens to the house. It was
demolished in 1909.
In September 2009, once the summer rush of looking after our five tourist sites was over, we called in
Maldon Archaeological Group who made a geophysical survey of the area, enabling us to pinpoint
and mark out the site of the house. Activities came to an abrupt halt when the water company turned
off the water supply to the park for the winter. Work started again when the water was reconnected at
the beginning of May.
It was decided to outline the site of the house with a line of bricks, laid as a simple rectangle thus
emphasizing the great size of the mansion which was 100ft long and 50 ft wide. The bricks have to be
lower than the surrounding grass to allow grass mowers to go over the top of them. Digging the
trench for the bricks provoked a lot of local curiosity, even causing one ill informed local resident to
write to the Standard suggesting the project was in the wrong place! Pity he hadn‟t looked into the
trench where the foundations of the house were revealed.
800 bricks were laid in the project which was carried out by Mark‟s Garden & Landscape Services
for the Society and paid for by a legacy from the late Mr Albert Goddard. The finishing touch will be
the erection of an interpretation board explaining what it is all about.