Newsletter No. 56 – December 2022
Download Here
It seems no time at all since I was wishing everyone a happy summer and we are now preparing for winter and securing our beach huts for everything the British weather has in waiting for us over the next few months!
Thank you to all our members who attended our AGM in the sunshine in early September and to everyone who has kindly renewed their membership to date. We have had a fantastic swift response and additional details can be found later in the newsletter.
We continue to strive to enhance the value of 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 was held on Sunday, 4th September and 67 members from 54 huts signed the attendance record sheet. The following updates were provided from the previous year’s AGM :-
Red lines: Removed at the end of March 22. Proposals to improve lines on esplanade and extend time from 8am to 10am to enable hut owners access for drop-off etc. 6pm will remain. Current position is that proposals will be accepted but who will pay for changes is ongoing.
Dog fouling: conversation ongoing with CBC about signage.
Putting Green: CBC to take responsibility for upkeep in 2023, WMTC for the remainder of this year.
Parking: removal of red lines has alleviated parking for the disabled.
Lifeguards: lifesaving training dates not available at present.
Fairhaven toilets: Closed again today and general standard poor. Talks continuing with WMTC.
WMBHW logo: Completed
Subscriptions – The AGM approved that the annual subscription should remain unchanged at £5 per hut owned for the 2022/23 season for all members. Members who patrolled in the last seasons and signed the Patrol Book will receive complimentary membership for the 2022/23 season. For those patrolling in this season, please ensure the log in sheet is signed when collecting the patrol bag to qualify for your free annual membership for 2023/24.
Committee Officers
I am delighted to advise you that the following committee members were re- elected at the AGM:-
Chairperson (Bob Winnington)
Secretary (Ann Taylor)
Treasurer (Ros Kelly)
Patrol Officers (Clive & Sue Jenner)
Membership Secretary (Lorraine Carter)
Publicity Officer (Lynn Hartley).
Committee Members: - Andy Thompson, Peter Rowlinson and. Mo Graves
Matters Arising
I highlighted 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.
A number of members raised the matter of the removal of the floating rafts and I highlighted that this matter had been brought to the attention of WMTC. WMTC has set up a “Bathing Raft Working Group” which has not yet met at the time of writing. Apparently the WMTC Councillors have expressed concerns about the public liability insurance and associated costs and that the requirements of the MMO for licensing any replacement moorings were onerous.
I will continue to track developments closely and look to update on progress in future newsletters.
Beach Hut Members Day
Some interest was expressed in holding an Open Day in Spring 2023. We have been considering some options and we thought it would be an ideal opportunity to tie this in with the King’s Coronation weekend. Therefore, we would like to suggest Sunday 7th May, 2023, as the West Mersea Beach Hut Open Day. We would like to invite you all to “dress” your huts with a Right Royal Theme, but this is not compulsory! We can provide a laminate sheet to display that you are a Proud Member of the Beach Hut Watch and also look to encourage non- members to join up. We will also look to provide a map highlighting the huts participating. If you would like to support this and / or provide an input into the planning please email us through wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com
Thank you Mo Graves- Committee Member
OTHER INFORMATION AND ACTIVITIES
Victoria Esplanade Car Park: We have been receiving conflicting information on the status of the car park opening arrangements and so have entered into protracted discussions with both West Mersea Town Council (WMTC) and North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) on the subject. The outcome is that the car park will now be closed until 1st April. The current ground is unsuitable to accept vehicles but a feasibility study will be conducted by NEPP to determine whether an all weather surface may be installed.
On a linked note, we have had enquiries from members seeking clarification on the parking permits issued by NEPP. WMBHW Members receive a discount on the purchase of a parking permit (see Membership Benefits below). Unfortunately all Car Parking prices in West Mersea are rising in 2023 and the indicative figure advised to me by NEPP will now be at a cost of £85 for a 12 month permit. Whilst the fees were agreed by cabinet, there is a 'calling in' period of a couple of weeks where there could be a request for amendment/review. NEPP should be able to provide formal confirmation of the fees later this month and we will confirm in the next newsletter. We will also seek to obtain clarification as to whether the permit covers Willoughby and Seaview car parks in addition to Victoria Esplanade.
Full details can be found under Membership Benefits below:
WMTC Parking Working Group:
You will recall proposals for enhancing the current yellow line configuration on Victoria Esplanade to make it safer and more accessible to beach hut owners. Discussions have progressed with West Mersea Town Council, Colchester Borough Council and North Essex Parking Partnership and the proposals were considered by NEPP at their full committee on 27th October. This comprised of all the Councils in Essex involved with their work. The officers from CBC recommended rejection of the WMTC proposal purely on the grounds of cost.
Councillor John Akker attended and made a statement to the Committee speaking to the WMTC proposals and obtained a deferment so there could be further discussion between WMTC and CBC. This was not easily secured but I am pleased that the Committee accepted this.
I will naturally keep you all advised on future developments.
Colchester Borough Council :
We have developed a good working relationship with the Parks and Recreation team at Colchester Borough Council and regular meetings with WMBHW are now in the diary. We have discussed ways in which the presentation of the beach hut area can be enhanced and we are looking to upgrade the signage in the area too. Any ideas and suggestions are always welcome.
Any questions for CBC can be directed to Parks@colchester.gov.uk for any beach hut enquiries WMBHW members might have.
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. We have issued our winter patrol schedules and invited patrollers who both live locally and those who live outside Mersea. Patrollers may carry out as many patrols as they wish, but we expect a minimum of one patrol during each week of the winter patrols.
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. Please ensure that you 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.
Routine patrols enable owners to be promptly notified of any problems requiring attention that may arise with their huts. Since July, patrollers reported two cases of criminal damage one of which involved a hut break-in. We also received reports of waste materials and timber being left between, and in the vicinity of huts. Such debris could be used to start fires on the beach. We remind hut owners to properly dispose of discarded materials
Patrol Officer Vacancy
Clive and Sue Jenner announced at the AGM that they will be stepping down next year after many years valuable service to WMBHW. We therefore have a vacancy for a Patrol Officer and it would be great to receive any interest in the role. We are looking for someone with energy, commitment and a desire to make a difference.
The role will involve preparing patrol rotas for both the Winter and Summer seasons and then sending invitation letter to the selected patrollers. You will be required to compile and maintain records of inspection reports received from patrollers and to advise hut owners of reported hut condition/damage in line with established reporting guidelines.
I will be keen to sit down and review existing procedures and see if we can develop the role to fit with your expectations and the needs of our members. It is an important role at the core of our activities and interested parties should send a short note and their CV through to wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com
WMBHW CHARITY SUPPORT
The WMBHW Committee initiated a Charity Hut Rental Initiative as our Community commitment this year. The Watch provided vouchers for days out in a beach hut using the hut managed by Ty “The Beach Hut Guy”. WMBHW financed the purchase of vouchers that were donated to local charities and causes; Women’s Refuge, Salvation Army and the Porch Pantry. Feedback was very positive with many days enjoyed by families who might otherwise be unable to afford to rent a hut. The Mersea community supported the initiative by providing hot meals, toiletries, provisions; an amazing response. The scheme was a great success, investing in people and also in the community. Ty received a “Highly Commended” Award in the Inspirational Youth category at The Pride of Essex Awards last month.
We are now looking for ideas for next year. If you have any suggestions for our Charitable initiative please send them through to us at wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com
BEACH HUT OF THE YEAR
A family has been voted to have the best beach hut in Britain, and it’s a beautifully designed hut on West Mersea beach. The family entered their lovely pastel painted hut in the Love Your Hut of the Year competition, taking home the big prize against stiff competition. One of the five runners up was a hut in Walton on the Naze, while another one was also from West Mersea. The other three were in Hove, West Wittering and Grandborough. Recent research by Love Your Hut shows that the average price of a beach hut soared by 411% last year.
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
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 2022/23 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 2023 will be £85 which includes up to two vehicles from a single household. You are also able to register two separate vehicles from two separate households. However, in both cases, only one vehicle may be parked in the car park at any given time. If both vehicles are found parked at the same time, North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) will issue a Penalty Charge Notice.
You will need to notify NEPP if you change your car after submitting the application.
For further information and to renew / apply for car parking in 2023 apply through NEPP: 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
David Young, bridgewatercarpentry@gmail.com - 07854 578309 Roger Newton - 07770 845 287
Matthew, a Mersea based local carpenter who has worked on beach huts ranging from basic repairs to new builds using various materials. “I am always happy to discuss various options from repairs through to new builds for members of WMBHW.” Please call- 07811 267065.
Patrick Dawson, “Mersea’s Maintenance Man”
“I do most jobs around the home and more recently have started repairing, re- felting, re-cladding and painting beach huts. I’m always happy to come out to a job and give free advice on your hut as I live on the island. My mobile is 07743 489357 and my email is patrickdawson66@hotmail.co.uk “
Wayne Tapner – “I am a qualified Carpenter with over forty years’ experience in the building industry, domestic and commercial. Currently I am refurbishing Beach huts on Park Hoildays UK site, I also build garden rooms, loft conversation and property refurbishment. Free advice anytime, including if you want advice before you purchase a beach hut, please call me on 07711201093.”
Gavin Butler - “Bespoke beach hut builds and renovations work undertaken can range from complete new beach hut builds to installing new decking, specialising in cladding such as Hardie Plank and installation of rubber roofing system. Other work includes building bespoke beach hut furniture including back boxes, beach hut repairs and internal refits. Please contact me on 07889093314 or alternatively via email, gav020181@hotmail.co.uk “
Larger companies who supply and install new huts, standard or bespoke: -
Maydays of Mersea, Richard, East Mersea based. 01206 386528
Tom’s Farm of Tiptree, Maldon Road, 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.
NEW COMMUNITY SPECIAL CONSTABLE APPOINTED
After a lengthy training process, Constable Bryant officially took up his position as our Community Police Officer on 1st November 2022. Some of you may have already seen or met him out on foot patrol, in the lead up to his official start date. Formally welcomed at the recent Town Civic Ceremony on 23rd October, he has since been out on the beat, speaking to members of the public, local businesses, and community groups. Constable Bryant is already in discussion with a number of parties in regards to community based initiatives, aimed at making our Island a better and safer place. I have had the opportunity to introduce myself to SC Bryant and provided him with an insight into the activities of WMBHW and he is keen to work with us moving forward.
WEST MERSEA BEACH HUT WATCH WEBSITE
Our search for support to develop our own website has met with a wonderful response from Katie Frankl and we have commenced work to set up the www.westmerseabeachhutwatch.co.uk website.
We are making positive progress and we are looking to have the website up and running before our next Newsletter in the Spring. I want to ensure it meets our members’ needs as much as possible so if you have any thoughts and ideas on what we could and should include, please us know through wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com
We can’t promise we can include everything you suggest but we will certainly commit to explore all your ideas. The website will certainly include some useful details including tide details which you can find 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
Thank you to everybody who has already returned this year’s application form, if you have sent your form but are yet to receive your membership card please let me know in case it has got lost in the system! Just a reminder that I can only issue membership cards once I see your form to ensure that the data base stays up to date and that we are GDPR compliant. I will be sending out a reminder application form with this Newsletter for anyone who still needs to join this year.
Tide tables have been sent out to members who asked for their membership cards to be returned by post. Unfortunately Moores informed us of a printing error after I had posted out the bulk of the tide tables. Tide heights are correct to dates but the black line indicating high tides is incorrect on some months so please read tide height rather than relying on the thickness of the line. As a rough guide the tide tends to cover the Strood at 4.8m and above but as this is weather dependant the website ‘Strood Cam’ gives live images so worth a look before you travel.
Exciting news is we now have our own Instagram account ‘westmerseabeachhutwatch’. This will run alongside the posts that we put on to the Mersea Hutters Facebook page. Please give us a follow and feel free to tag us in your brilliant Beach Hut ideas. Do you have a fantastic lighting idea? What’s your trick for keeping your huts free of damp over the winter? Have you used a contractor that did amazing repair work on your hut? Do you want to share pictures of your refurbished hut? Our members would love to see your ideas.
Please contact us on wmbhwmembership@btinternet.com or 01206 386085 for any membership and general queries.
YOUR WMBHW MEMBERSHIP
Thank you for your continued support and we trust you are gaining full value from your WMBHW membership.
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.
I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may wish to consider taking up the role of Patrol Officer. I’m happy to chat through the role and you will receive strong support from all the committee.
Enjoy Christmas when it arrives and I look forward to seeing many of you next year.
Bob Winnington, Chair, West Mersea Beach Hut Watch December 2022