Commemorative Event for the 70th Anniversary of the 1953 Flood.
Canvey Island Town Council working in partnership with Essex Record Office, Canvey Community Archive, The Environment Agency and Canvey Library held a two day event over the 1st and 2nd February 2023 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the 1953 flood.
The first day saw a commemorative plaque unveiled outside of the library by HM Lord Lieutenant Jennifer Tolhurst, that will act as a permanent memorial for those affected by the tragic event in 1953. The plaque was very kindly donated and installed by local business S. Stibbards & Sons. The event included a historical exhibition inside of Canvey library, with both interactive and static displays from Essex Record Office and Canvey Community Archive, where visitors could learn more about the history of this significant event. Inside of the Town Council meeting room, there were representatives from the Environment Agency, Lead Local Flood Authority – Essex County Council, HM Coastwatch and Coastguard with displays to inform visitors about upcoming projects and current flooding issues on Canvey Island.
The second day saw the exhibitions in both the library and Town Council offices continue with primary schools on Canvey invited to attend the library to learn more about the history of the flood and take part in activities centered around the flood and flood resilience.
Town Mayor Cllr Doreen Anderson, said “The event was a great success and I am proud to have been part of the commemoration of such a poignant and significant event in Canvey’s history. I would like to thank all of the organisations on such great partnership working to create an informative and interesting series of events.”
For more information, please contact the Town Clerk on 01268 683965 or email clerk@canveyisland-tc.gov.uk