Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

'The Basin Rally'

Military Vehicle Rally Held each January in the 1980's & 1990's

Second only in size to the annual 'Reggata', the 'Basin Rally' as it was called, just like the 'Regatta' it's origins also began in the 'Jolly Sailor'. There was always a great deal of drinking and celebrating happening over the New Year, in both the 'bottom' and 'top' pubs as they were known by the locals. Colin Brookes was having a quiet drink and chat in the bottom pub with Eric Priestley when Colin passed the comment that all seemed very quiet in the village with no one about and that both pubs were about empty. Eric commented that the week-end after New Year was the quietest and worst time of the year for business. A few days later after giving it some thought, Colin who had a collection of vintage military vehicles including tank's, and was on the Committee of a nationwide group of collectors, suggested to Eric that if he was agreeable he could probably arrange a trial Rally for the following January. It was agreed and with the help of the added use of the extra land by the pub from Tony Abbott, co-operation of the 'Newham Outdoor Centre', and the Lock Keeper, the first of a very successfull series of Rally's begining in 1986 were held over the next nine years. On several occasions the front door area of the 'Jolly Sailor' was sand-bagged up and in later events a large market was laid out in an area behind the pub. The static event in the area near the 'Jolly Sailor' always finished with an assembly in the Daisy meadows car-park and a convoy drive to Maldon Prom and thence to home destinations. There were several ex-service personel living in the Village who proudly wore either their old uniform or medals, or like Bill Coulson who wore his Naval CPO uniform and his medals.

(above) the Brookes family by the sentry box and barrier at the car-park corner. early 1990's

(above) a sand-bagged front entrance to the 'Jolly Sailor'. early 1990's

(above) at the start of the day preparations. An 'AMX13' tank and 'Ferret' armoured car, with a 'GMC" truck behind from the collection of Colin Brookes. 1989.

(above) a picture taken by Shaun Morgan of the last 'Basin Rally'.

(above) a congested Basin Road. Colin Brookes standing front right with his 'Sexton' tank on his low loader parked on the left. mid 1980's

(above) vehicles from the collection of Colin Brookes. L to R ... Austin K6 Coles Crane, T16 Bren Gun Carrier, Ford F60 Gun Tractor, Norton 16H motorbike. mid 1980's

(above) Tony Abbott's packed front garden, early 1990's