Roberta Donnan continues.....

"My father told me that a Mr. Fielder, who I believe was a solicitor, owned much of Canvey Island ( in the 1950's). He seemed to own the land on which the Canvey Hotel stood, and also I believe sold the land for a holiday camp at Thorney Bay. I have no documentary evidence of this, but my father was generally accurate."

1952: Cars queuing at the Bridge to leave the Island

"We also stayed at "Wheel Cottage" in about 1953 and 1954. Can't recall the name of the road, which was just a grass track.This was really grotty with a tin roof which echoed both to pouring rain and the sound of starlings nesting under it. After this we rented a posher place, and I can still remember the excited owner showing us the flush toilet and pulling the chain again and again, and inviting US to have a go! Such memories explain why Butlins became so popular !!"

Roberta's Mum and Dad on the old Sea Wall

"My parents hated crowds however and shunned Shell Beach as being over crowded. We only passed by it on our walks along the sea wall. The Casino was a place full of delights, we had to save up for weeks beforehand to be able to enjoy it's pleasures"