Canvey Island

What makes CanveyIsland, and any place come to that, are the people – and on Canvey there is a wonderful community spirit that exists. Having been born on Canvey, I experienced the floods (be it my second birthday) and I have heard about so many heroes – including the family who rescued my family (and birthday cake) and took us in. Perhaps the flood was the inception of this close community. All I know is that the majority of people who live on the Island are positive, loyal, friendly, honest and not afraid to speak their mind.  I speak from experience as I was educated on the Island and later taught at secondary schools on and off the Island for thirty five years. At all of the schools, the pupils demonstrated an honesty, generosity and friendliness – usually with excellent inter-personal skills. I hear of thousands of ex – Canvey pupils who are very happy and who have done extremely well for themselves. I always found that when a pupil left the Island, invariably they would be back again. Likewise, I have come back to the Island three times – always knowing that I would end my days here. It is so comforting to know one’s neighbours who will always look out for you and to go out on Canvey and to almost always see someone you know.

I walk the sea-wall almost every day and I would challenge anyone who cannot be inspired by the beauty of the river. Have the critics ever walked the sea wall? I very much doubt it! There are beautiful walks on the Island with stunning views and very good and outstanding schools. The council appear to be doing an excellent job of continuing to make Canvey an inspiring place to live: renovated parks; new sea front facilities; a state of the art sports centre to name but a few.

Sadly there is crime on Canvey – but where isn’t there? The majority of us Islanders are extremely proud of our community, our schools and our facilities.