In 1972 the Colvin Swing Bridge was found to be in a dangerous state. It had to close and plans were put in place to build a new bridge nearby. The Benfleet Yacht Club was on the North side of the Creek near where the buses used to turn round at the ferry tea rooms. The yacht club had bought land from Fred Leach the farmer on Canvey where the club is now situated.
It was decided they had to get a tug down from London at high tide to pass through the swing bridge when it opened for the last time. (We are assuming here that the tug was moving the actual Benfleet Yacht Club which was an old Trinity Light boat) Ray Howard and Fred McCave stayed on the bridge all night waiting for the tide and the tug. Ray Howard told me because of this he was made honorary member of the yacht club.
Later the boat was sold and the bridge eventually demolished in 1973.
Comments about this page
Re the bridge. What was the purpose of the tug? Regards Sparrow
They had to open the bridge for it to go through. That was the last time the bridge was ever opened. That was all I was told
Does anyone know if the photographer mentioned above, Terry Legerton, is still around?
Hi, Does anybody know the exact date for the opening of the new bridge in 1973? We need it to go onto a plaque in the projected ‘Canvey Gateway’ park/garden on E.side of Canvey Rd next to the creek. Thanks, Graham.
Add a comment about this page