Celebrating 50 Years

A LOCAL group celebrated its 50^th anniversary of community focus with a special event.

Chalkwell Ward Residents Association (CWRA) proudly reached the remarkable milestone this summer and celebrated in style at Chalkwell Hall, to honour and delve into the rich history of the ward.

A serendipitous overlap of the 50th anniversary with the mayoral tenure of Chalkwell councillor Stephen Habermel provided an extraordinary touch, as he is also the Association’s current vice-chair.

The event was a collaborative effort that enlisted the expertise of specialised volunteers in addition to the diligent members of the CWRA committee.

The event commenced with an opening address by Adjowa Afful of Metal at Chalkwell Hall, and was followed by a sequence of presentations highlighting the historical tapestry of Chalkwell.

Sally Holland, the Chair of the Association, led an engaging overview of the most significant moments in the CWRA’s history.

A local surveyor and avid collector of historical photographs, Simon Deacon, then captivated the audience with a slideshow featuring archived images of Chalkwell, including a striking glimpse of Kings Road during its rural days, complete with a pond situated at what is now the intersection of Old Leigh Road and The Drive.

Chris Izod, a video producer, showcased a specially commissioned video capturing interviews with longstanding CWRA members and other esteemed residents of Chalkwell.

Following presentations, attendees savoured fine wine and prepared canapés as they perused wall exhibits featuring historic maps, photographs, and press clippings – a labour of love by CWRA’s devoted volunteers.

These exhibits were complemented by boards featuring succinct written reminiscences from residents about their experiences in Chalkwell, as well as an article from The Leigh Times in 1994 that covered their 25^th anniversary.

One touching account recounted a childhood memory of residing in Chalkwell at the advent of World War 2, a time when the area was transformed into HMS Westcliff, and anti-aircraft barrage balloons adorned the skies above Chalkwell Park.

Another resident recalled Lulu, a bear confined in a small zoo within Chalkwell Park during the 1960s and 1970s, sparking a petition for her liberation.

Further memories were triggered by the recollection of Essex and England cricket captain Graham Gooch’s inaugural first-class cricket match for Essex, held at Chalkwell Park in 1973.

Adding to the intrigue was an engrossing exhibit showcasing a World War 2 bomb map of Chalkwell, delineating locations of both detonated and unexploded ordnance.

Moreover, earlier cartographic records, such as the 1777 Chapman & Andre map, visually captured the transformative evolution of the area over time.

The atmosphere on the evening was abuzz with appreciation and nostalgia, and an official toast was raised to the association’s future, followed by the ceremonial cutting of an exquisitely crafted anniversary cake by SS9 Bakery of Leigh, adorned with real flowers sourced from a local micro flower farm.

Guests were also able to take away with them a meticulously researched 24-page illustrated booklet chronicling Chalkwell’s history penned by Chalkwell-based genealogist Kate Sansom, in tandem with the CWRA committee.

CWRA chair, Sally Holland, said: “It was wonderful to hear about the history of Chalkwell Hall Estate, some great research by the Project Team, such interesting facts – Chalkwell first mentioned in the fifteenth century.

“The stories from our residents sharing their memories of times gone by was heart-warming, some really funny anecdotes of life in the 1930/40s, how different Chalkwell looked then.

“I was amazed to see that many bombs landed here in the Second World War and to see there was an unexplored bomb near my house – not sure I saw that on our survey when we bought it. I would love to see this history shared with local schools for their history projects, and create a historic legacy for the area.”

The Mayor added: “I have been a Chalkwell councillor for more than 16 years and a CWRA member for all of that time, and so was delighted to be able to attend the 50th anniversary celebrations.

“The association really is an asset to Chalkwell and is an excellent forum for residents to meet, raise their concerns and have their say.

“It’s been a privilege to work with each of its chairs through the years – Keith Osborne, Albert Wallace, Lucy Courtenay and, now, Sally Holland – for the benefit of the ward.”

CWRA continue to evolve, and now have a ward Speed Watch group (new members always

welcome), a book group, and they also undertake occasional litter-picks and have a programme of social events, including the forthcoming quiz in October.

Further information about Chalkwell Ward Residents Association and future meetings is available at: chalkwell.org.uk For day-to-day updates.

Pictures: by John Hendry

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