Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

Village Outings

The community spirit of the village was often demonstrated in special outings by bus or in earlier times by charabanc. Outings were often organised to Clacton or Southend, or just to other drinking establishments for inter pub challenges like darts etc.Fondest memories seem to have been of Joe Osborn and his buses, not just for their regular services but for special events, like the collection of children en route from Tollesbury to Heybridge for the 'Saturday Morning' pictures at the Embassy in Maldon. Not only would they make sure all crossed the road safely to the cinema, but they would be waiting outside to collect at the end of the show ..... making sure that no one was ever left behind.

Swimming & Paddling

Crossing over to the other side of the canal and Basin A footpath led from here to Heybridge past the home of the Reverend Herrings, there was also a footpath to a cottage just around the point facing Maldon for many years occupied by Morgan Poole. This led past he 'Paddle Dock', a favourite place frequented by the villagers for bathing. A footpath ran from this side of the lock to this little sandy beach opposite the Maldon Promenade. A regular ferry from Maldon also carried bather's to this little beach. THis beach was often preferred to the one directly infront of the area by the 'Jolly Sailor'.

(above) a charabanc outing of 'Basiners' to the 'Chapel Inn', at Coggeshall.