Newsletter No. 55 – August 2022
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Summer has certainly arrived and I hope you and your families have been able to enjoy the sea breezes at your beach huts during the hot weather. This is one of the reasons we all bought our beach huts I’m sure – to spend warm sunny days relaxing with our family and friends.
The WMBHW Committee has continued to progress with our work to make the environment more welcoming to our members. Part of this activity has been to develop our links with both West Mersea Town Council (WMTC) and Colchester Borough Council (CBC). As chair of West Mersea Beach Hut Watch (WMBHW) I have been involved with the WMTC Parking Working Group to ensure the needs of beach hut owners have been represented in plans to improve the existing parking facilities on Victoria Esplanade. I will comment further on this below.
Furthermore, I have recently undertaken a site visit with the Head of Parks and Recreation from CBC and again I have made reference to a number of the points that we reviewed when we undertook a site visit to the beach hut area in mid July. Again I have commented on aspects of our meeting below.
One of the aspects we did discuss was under Article A9 of the Beach Hut Agreement which states "Not to use the hut and surrounding land in a manner which may be a nuisance or annoyance to other people and, in particular, to ensure that radios, televisions and similar equipment and musical instruments are not played outside the hut or in a manner which can be heard outside the hut". We have been alerted to a number of cases which have been in contravention of this Article and I felt it was worth bringing this to everyone’s attention to safeguard everyone’s enjoyment of their beach huts.
I am delighted to report that due to the hard work of our committee and in particular, Lorraine Carter and Ros Kelly, we have seen a further increase in the number of WMBHW members and now proudly boast 337 members (314 reported in the last newsletter and 160 the time of the previous newsletter in November).
You may recall we extended the payment options for our members to pay their annual subscription by way of cash, cheque, bank transfer or PayPal. Unfortunately the PayPal option did not prove very popular and it was administratively problematic so we will be removing this option for the forthcoming renewals – see later for further information.
Clive and Sue Jenner have continued their sterling work in organising the Summer Patrols and thanks to everyone who have taken their turn in patrolling; your contributions are much appreciated.
We continue to strive to provide you with great value for your membership and I’m pleased to report we have made further enhancements to the membership benefits which are detailed in the relevant section of this newsletter. We are always open to receive your feedback and questions on matters relating to your beach huts and the local environment. Please feel free to let me know further ways in which we can ensure you gain maximum value from your membership subscription.
WMBHW AGM 2022
Our AGM will be on Sunday, 4th September at 3.00 pm. We will again be meeting on the beach. Our thanks again to the West Mersea Lions for the use of their front row hut (no. 236) near the Esplanade Car Park. The Lions will supply a few chairs, but these will be insufficient for all those wanting to attend. If it is easy, please bring your own chairs so we can all sit down. Please stay to join us for refreshments afterwards.
AGM Agenda
Apologies for absence
Minutes of previous meeting – 5th September 2021
Matters arising not on agenda
Chair’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
Membership Secretary’s Report
Patrol Officers’ Report
Election of Officers and Committee
Annual Subscriptions for 2022/23
Any other business
Subscriptions – Committee agreed an unchanged subscription of £5 per hut owned for the 2022/23 season for all members. Members who patrolled in the current seasons will receive complimentary membership for the 2022/23 season. Please ensure the log in sheet is signed when collecting the patrol bag to qualify.
Committee Officers
I am delighted to advise you that most committee members wish to stand for re- election and we will be seeking your approval for the following posts to be confirmed:
Chairperson (Bob Winnington)
Secretary (Ann Taylor)
Treasurer (Ros Kelly)
Patrol Officers (Clive & Sue Jenner)
Membership Secretary (Lorraine Carter)
Publicity Officer (Lynn Hartley).
Committee Members: - up to 5 (Andy Thompson, Peter Rowlinson, Philippa Fairbanks. Mo Graves and 1 vacancy).
Philippa wishes to stand down at the AGM and so we are actively seeking two new Committee members so if you are keen to be involved, please contact us by email at wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com
Matters arising from the 2021 AGM and recent developments
There were a number of points raised at last year’s AGM and I am pleased to provide a further update on the following:-
WMTC Parking Working Group: I reported in the previous newsletter that the double Red Lines in place along the Esplanade and Coast Road were removed by the end of March. I have attended a number of meetings of the WMTC Parking Working Group since then. At the time of writing, WMTC have considered a detailed proposal for a revised configuration of the yellow lines to address both safety and parking issues. This work has been extensive and a full proposal was presented to WMTC by Cllr. John Akker on 27th July which I attended to represent the views of WMBHW. The proposals were approved by WMTC. The recommendation will now be submitted to Essex County Council by the end of October. They include a recommendation for the existing seasonal restrictions from 8am to 6pm (1st April – 30th September) to be amended to 10am to 6pm to enable beach hut owners to gain easier access to their huts in the mornings. I will keep you updated on developments in future newsletters.
Colchester Borough Council: I have recently held a meeting with the newly appointed Head of Parks and Recreation at Colchester Borough Council. We have agreed the need for closer collaboration and there is a real desire on behalf of the Council to understand our needs and to work together on common issues. These will include the signage and the general presentation of the beach hut area.
The commitment to cut the grass every three weeks from 21st March has been upheld albeit to some enforced delays due to prevailing weather considerations. There was also an environmental initiative from CBC to only cut the “frame” of the Old Putting Green during May to enable the grasses to attract bees.
I expressed concerns on the quality and consistency of the cutting and this is to be reviewed by CBC. I discussed the wider environmental aspects of the beach hut area with the CBC representatives including the provision of groynes behind certain beach huts where sand has blown and caused issues and this will be reviewed.
We also discussed the introduction of improved signage across the entire beach hut area to inform visitors about the facilities in the locality. Some of the existing signs are old, out of date and poor quality and this is an area CBC wish to improve. We will work collaboratively with them on this. Similarly we will look to provide input into the presentation of the area as some of the fencing is not up to standard and the shrubs in the old putting green area are also substandard.
Any questions for CBC can be directed to Parks@colchester.gov.uk for any beach hut enquiries WMBHW members might have.
Fairhaven Toilets: The toilets reopened immediately after Easter as planned and we have been monitoring the cleanliness and upkeep very closely and reporting any shortcomings immediately to WMTC and will continue to inform them if the toilets are not maintained to a satisfactory level.
Beach Hut Open Day: Following a suggestion from one of our members we will be exploring the opportunity to run an Open Day in Spring 2023. We will be sharing our outline plans at the AGM to see if any of our members would like to be involved in helping to plan the event.
Beach Hut Rental Initiative: You may recall we agreed to consider opportunities to utilise some of the WMBHW funds to undertake a local community project and the Committee discussed a range of issues at length as to how best we could utilise the monies to “add value” to our immediate environment and community. We decided to pay for 14 days at “Ty the Beach Hut Guy’s Hut” and to provide vouchers to local groups to enable disadvantaged families and individuals to enjoy a special day at the seaside. You may have seen articles about Ty in the local press, social media (he is very active on Facebook!) and even on a recent ITV Anglia News article and he has received many plaudits for his outstanding work as the Manager of his Hut; the next article from Sophie Weaver also references the work he has done.
The vouchers were presented to three separate groups with links to the WMBHW; West Mersea Porch Pantry, Colchester Salvation Army and Next Chapter. Our role was to pay for the days (at a kindly discounted rate agreed by Ty) and then to present the vouchers to the group representatives who then allocated to worthy families and individuals. A number have already enjoyed a memorable day at The Hut and others will visit between now and the end of September. We will be reviewing the outcomes of the initiative and, all being well, we will look to repeat the initiative next year although not necessarily with the same recipients to enable others to benefit from the investment.
Your thoughts and feedback on this will be much appreciated as always.
CHANGING PLACES FACILITY OPENS
West Mersea Town Council (WMTC) has successfully completed its project to install a specialist Changing Places facility at Victoria Esplanade. It becomes part of a national network of facilities to provide fully accessible toilets with specialist equipment. Despite some initial concerns and misunderstandings over its use, a Changing Places facility brings life-enhancing freedoms to the growing number of disabled people. Recent research by the disability charity, Sense, shows there are currently 14.7 million disabled people in the UK, and of those there are 1.6 million with complex disabilities. This figure is expected to rise to 2 million by 2029. The number of Changing Places facilities around the country is 1729, which is not enough.
Like many locations around the country, WMTC made its own commitment to provide such a facility for our residents and visitors. WMTC worked closely with the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) and Colchester Borough Council to agree the location, size and style of building. We are grateful to both organisations for their support and encouragement.
WMTC secured funds of £55,000 from Essex County Council’s Short Breaks capital programme established to assist children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities. This programme supports projects enabling disabled children and young people to have greater access to their community and days out with family and friends, and enjoy life on a more equal basis.
As many locals will be aware, the project had some challenges and unforeseen issues. WMTC Project Manager Cllr Sophie Weaver explains:
“While the project took longer and was more complicated than expected to execute, the specialist contractor was responsible for all the additional cost so this facility represents fantastic value to the community. So far we have had only positive comments from those who need this facility. That makes it all worthwhile.”
The facility has already been very beneficial to visitors of The Hut, a beach hut that has been made more accessible by Ty, or ‘Ty the beach hut guy’ as he is becoming known. Ty creates some very special days and memories for his visitors. In the first week of opening, a school for children with special needs visited and used the Changing Places facility for the children needing the hoist to transfer to a beach wheelchair. Some were experiencing the sea for the first time ever. Proof, if it were needed, of how Changing Places can change lives.
With the facility now registered on the CP website it will literally put Mersea on the map for being a welcoming and inclusive place to visit and live.
Further information on Changing Places can be found at: https://www.changing- places.org/
Pictured above: Mayor Cllr Carl Powling, Cllr Sophie Weaver and Colchester Mayor Cllr Tim Young at the opening
If you have any queries or comments, please contact Councillor Sophie Weaver at: cllr.weaver@westmersea.org
BEACH HUT PATROLS
The Committee would like to express its sincere thanks to all members who have carried out the routine patrols during the past year and for their reliable and diligent reporting. Now that there are now, no travel restrictions, we have reverted to our normal summer patrol schedules with those who live locally carrying out the mid-week patrols and those who live outside Mersea, patrolling at weekends.
Patrollers may carry out as many patrols as they wish, but we expect our members to patrol a minimum of 2 days Monday to Thursday and 1 day Friday to Saturday over Summer (1st April to 30th September) and a minimum of 1 day between Monday and Sunday over the Winter season (1st October to 31st March). We are pleased that the Island Supermarket, in Mersea High Street, has again agreed to look after the ‘Patrol Bag’ for us. The shop is open until 2100 hrs in the evening. Before patrolling, patrollers can collect the bag and return it after their patrols. Patrollers should make sure that they sign the equipment sign- out/sign-in sheet as it is the only record that our Membership Secretary has, to be able to offer complimentary memberships for the following year.
Please contact the Patrol Officers immediately if the patrol dates allocated to you are not convenient. Alternative dates may then be offered.
To comply with the conditions of GDPR more closely, we have decided that, when patrollers report beach hut damage or insecurity, they should inform the Patrol Officers or the WMBHW Chairman, instead of contacting the hut owners directly. Please use the email address wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com or contact Clive by phone direct on urgent matters.
Routine patrols enable owners to be promptly notified of any problems requiring attention that may arise with their huts.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
I highlighted in the previous newsletter that part of the mission of the new WMBHW Committee is to develop wider and more far reaching benefits for our members. We have progressed this work and have developed our contacts with all the organisations below to provide the following benefits to our members in the 2021/22 year:-
DISCOUNTED CAR PARKING IN VICTORIA ESPLANADE, SEAVIEW AVENUE AND WILLOUGHBY PARK CAR PARKS
Members of WMBHW can purchase a Season Ticket at a reduced rate. The price for 2022 will be £60 which includes up to two vehicles from a single household. You are also able to register two separate vehicles from two separate households.
You will need to notify North Essex Parking Partnership if you change your car after submitting the application.
For further information and to renew / apply for car parking in 2022 apply through North Essex Parking Partnership: https://secure.mipermit.com/northessex/application/home.aspx
You can also use the MIPermit App https://secure.mipermit.com/northessex
SUPPLIERS
Kent & Blaxill – minimum of 5% off all purchases * upon the production of WMBHW membership card
* Discount may be higher on certain products
INSURANCE
A 10% discount is available to all WMBHW members through the following Insurance companies. Just mention you are a member of WMBHW and, if required, your membership number is your hut number.
o Insure Homes: http://www.insurehomesdirect.co.uk/ - also quote Reference: WMB-22
o Love Your Hut / CETA: https://loveyourhut.co.uk/
o Ryans: https://www.ryans.co.uk/personal-insurance/home- property/beach-hut-insurance
LOCAL BUSINESSES
o Moores Estate Agents – Free Tide Tables
o Two Sugars - 10% off all purchases upon the production of WMBHW membership card
o Mansion House Florists - 10% off all purchases of flowers and plants (minimum spend £25) upon the production of WMBHW membership card
o The Little Kitchen Cakery - 10% off all purchases upon the production of WMBHW membership card
o Sheer Elegance - 10% off all purchases (minimum spend £25) upon the production of WMBHW membership card
o Blackwater Pearl - 10% off all purchases (minimum spend £10) upon the production of WMBHW membership card
o The Trove - 10% off all purchases (minimum spend £25) upon the production of WMBHW membership card.
o The Gilt Rooms - 10% off all purchases (minimum spend £20) upon the production of WMBHW membership card. Deliveries available to the beach huts on request (subject to small delivery fee).
o Mersea Island Watersports - 20% discount across all lessons and hires except kids club
o Mersea Mudcakes - 10% off all purchases -type in the code WMBHW10 and it will last until 30th September
Dukes Seafood - 10% off all purchases upon the production of WMBHW membership card
We will continue to engage with other organisations to extend the list of member benefits and we will keep you informed as they are agreed.
RENOVATIONS, REPAIRS AND CLEANING
We have received a number of enquiries from Hut Owners asking for contact details for local individuals and firms providing support for maintenance, renovations and repairs to beach huts. Whilst not a definitive list, here are some useful contact details:-
Patrick Dawson, 07743 489357 - patrickdawson66@hotmail.co.uk
Gavin Butler, 07889 093314 -gav020181@hotmail.co.uk
David Young, 07854 578309 - bridgewatercarpentry@gmail.com
Matthew Hayward, 07811 267065
Larger companies who supply and install new huts, standard or bespoke:-
Maydays of Mersea, 01206 386528
Tom’s Farm of Tiptree, 01621 891081
Poultons of Danbury, 01206 222550
“Beach Hut Cleans”
Get your beach hut sparkly clean for just £10.00, whether you own or hire we are available 7 days a week.
For further details or bookings call Erika on 07949 099659 or email info@cleanmybeachhut.co.uk
These details are provided for your information but WMBHW cannot be held responsible if any work undertaken does not marry up with your expectations surrounding the quality expected.
Please let us know if you have any further recommendations.
WEST MERSEA FLOWER FESTIVAL 2022
The Platinum Jubilee Flower Festival was held at St.Peter and St. Paul's Church over the Jubilee weekend at the start of June. WMBHW produced an entry, "The Royal Yacht Britannia' which was designed and composed by two members of the WMBHW committee, Lyn Hartley and Ros Kelly.
The church was full of displays and looked amazing, well done to everyone involved - West Mersea at its best!”
WEST MERSEA BEACH HUT WATCH WEBSITE
In our quest to provide more help and support to our members, one of the next steps we plan to take is to set up our own bespoke website and we have secured the domain www.westmerseabeachhutwatch.co.uk Our committee would welcome the help and advice from any of our members who have knowledge and experience of website design so, if you can help, please contact us at wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com
You may also welcome some useful details if you are making plans to travel across to your beach hut from off the island – you can access tide details here:- https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/west-mersea-tide-times and view the current position on crossing The Strood here:- http://stroodcam.co.uk/newwp/
WEST MERSEA HUTTERS
If you use Facebook we would like to encourage you to follow the page 'West Mersea Hutters'. The page was set up by beach hut owners to share information regarding car parking charges, storm damage, tidal surges etc. The administration of the group have very kindly said that WMBHW can use this page to contact our members with Beach Hut Watch news regarding membership, when our AGM will be taking place etc. Please remember the first port of call for existing members with any enquiries is wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com and the Facebook page will not be replacing our normal system of contacting members by email or post, but an additional way of getting information out to all beach hut owners.
WEST MERSEA BEACH HUT WATCH MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
New members have been joining us over the last few months thanks to continued advertising of WMBHW through social media, posters and the Jubilee Flower Festival. We are delighted to say that 72% of huts on the Spinney and Colchester Borough Council land are members and we are pleased to welcome our new members from the West Mersea Holiday Park site. Huts are still changing hands and local Estate Agents are doing a great job of giving membership forms to new owners but if you are a neighbour to a new owner please tell them about all the benefits of becoming a WMBHW member!
Its great to see that so many of you are now following the West Mersea Hutters page on Facebook. Its a quick way of sharing information and asking questions to Mersea Hut owners so please like and follow the page if you have not yet done so.
We are aiming to email/post next years membership forms in mid August. These can be returned by email to wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com, post or to Lorraine Carter at the AGM. Membership cards can be returned to you by either email or a physical copy. We will no longer be offering the option of paying by PayPal but can accept payment by BACS, cheque or cash. Our membership year runs from 1st October to 30th September.
If you are entitled to complimentary membership you will receive a slightly different membership form. In the past membership cards have automatically been issued to members who kindly patrolled during the previous membership year. To ensure that we are GDPR compliant and that we have your up to date details I will not be issuing membership cards until I have received a form.
The bulk of membership forms will be sent out by email but if you would rather have it sent to you by post then please let me know. (If you have received this newsletter by post then you will already be on the postal list)
YOUR WMBHW MEMBERSHIP
We continue to strive to develop the WMBHW and the benefits to all of you as valued members and we endeavour to listen to your questions and queries and to address them and to take appropriate action.
Please contact us at wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com if you wish to raise any matters with us. We are always open to offers of help, fresh ideas or if you wish to air your concerns. We will always commit to do what we can to support you and to do what we can to make your beach hut experience enjoyable.
In a similar vein, please advise us of any changes in your personal details as it is important we hold the correct information for you on our database.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the AGM on 4th September and wish you many more sunny and happy days at your beach huts between now and then.
Bob Winnington, Chair, West Mersea Beach Hut Watch August 2022