Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

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Blackwater Timbers

Almost opposite the entrance to 'May & Butcher' in Basin Road was the premises of 'Blackwater Timbers' 

 The land was owned previously by Arthur Butcher before joining up with 'Wally' Burr and forming 'Blackwater Timbers'. Arthur Butcher and Mr Blott bought huge quantities of ex-army tents and erected many for sale and auction in the open field. Many ended up in the early days of the creation of the Millbeach Camp Site.

 (above) many of the old army tents still in use at the 'Millbeach Camp Site'. Pictured about 1950-51.

 'Blackwater Timbers' started off as a joint enterprise in 1946 by Arthur Butcher and Walter 'Wally' Burr. 'Wally' was also trading in Danbury under the name of 'English Timbers'. The two eventually seperated with 'Wally' carrying on until closing down in 1985. Margaret Burr continued to live in the house that was also the offices by the entrance.

 (above) an advert from 1958

 (above) an arial photo of the 'Blackwater Timbers' yard at it's height of operation. A lorry can be seen leaving the entrance about to enter the Basin Road. The building on the corner with the white fence outside at the entrance is the offices of the company, which at that time was run by Molly and Gordon Burr.