canvey past

The changes made on Canvey Island since the 1950s

[@BradleyWilliams-vu4us]

I am 75 years old,lived on canvey 70 years ago, seeing these pictures are making me cry

[@philiprussell3338]

A great before and after look back. I lived in May Avenue for several years during the 80's.

[@bobcraske2139]

Thank you Eddie.

[@Robob0027]

I lived on the Island until 1969 and remember every one of the places in the video. I became very emotional watching this and would love to go back for a visit but as I will be 80 next month I doubt that I could cope with the long flight from my home in Johannesburg. Thank you Eddie for posting this video.

[@waynezahra9213]

Great video. Great to see the seaside before the wall got built. Great memories.

[@maryrawson4324]

I was born on Canvey, Grafton Avenue, I think our neighbours were called the Butchers, he was a coalman. Moved to Walthamtow when I was very young, but came back after moving around a lot, and lived in Barbara Avenue. I went to school there, and after many years am still friends with three of my school mates, Brenda still lived on the Island. I cannot believe it when she tells me it is a nightmare to get off the Island...it was so easy years ago. I used to love the Casino, looks like that has gone now. We used to frequent a place called "Cockle Jacks", of course that must be long gone. Canvey holds a special place in my heart..always loved it, I just think of the lovely times I spent there as a teenager.

[@nigeldavies596]

Very good great to see the before and after!

[@headsup2433]

There are a few images that do not line up with past and present.

[@manofweed1]

So sad. Why must they ruin every single place in the country ?

[@waynezahra9213]

When did the Dutch workers come over? Wasn’t it to clean/unblock the drains or something like that?

[@Robob0027]

As I heard it, it was the "owner" of the island, a farmer from Benfleet who used to drive his sheep across Benfleet creek to graze. The problem was that he had to drive them back to the mainland before the tide came in. It is said that it was he who brought in the Dutch to build the seawall in return for part of the island. Don't know if this is true but a good story anyway.

[@waynezahra9213]

@@Robob0027 Hey, I’m 100 certain the Dutch didn’t build the sea wall. I believe the Dutch came over way before the 50s. When? I absolutely have no idea.

[@Robob0027]

@@waynezahra9213 The sea wall was built back at the beginning of the 17th century. The seawall that you are referring to was the old seawall that was repaired and heightened after the flood of 1953. The present seawall was built on the seaward side of the old Dutch built seawall. Not sure when that was but it has to be after I moved off the island in the early 70s.

[@enidrushforth4215]

i would love a copy of the photo of Gouldings workers as i am in the photo and i would like it for my son.my address is Ben Rushforth . 15 Crofts Cres Spence 2615 Canberra A.C.T. AUSTRALIA. On another note what a shame about the Casino and also about the Kursal in Southend.Both had rearly great dance floors.In the late 50,s we danced the night away every Friday and Saturday. Charley Hall on piano. Dave Rodman on guitar Tony Arthers Singer and the other members of the my memory fails me.I was known as old rubber legs and my dance partner was Janet Watts,whose parents owned a drapery shop at the top of Hanut Road. They were some of the happiest times of my life. The teenagers of today have no idea of what they are missing out on. BEN.

[@penrithgradecricket]

Benny Rushforth that name is a blast from the past you were a great mate of my oldest Canvey mate Harry Court and we still communicate I have so much information for you send an email to me at [e-mail] so I can then get in touch with you, I have a school photo of Leigh Beck Primary School with you and your sister in it

[@michaelturner5443]

Ahhhhh. Convey island the land of mystery