Mistral. Journal of the Mersea Island Society. 2009 Page 43.
Fen Farm by Wenda Lord contd.

More people wished to bring their tents and caravans, and as Arthur got older, he was able to do less, so, although his daughter Mabel lived at Fen Farm, she was happy to help, but as a teacher did not have time to run the place. None of his other children were interested, so his eldest grandson - Ralph - came to live at Fen Farm in 1961, working on the land for 2 local farmers and maintaining the camp site at the same time.

In the 50s, Lexden and Winstree Rural District Council gave permission for 12 static caravans. The "bucket and chuck it" sewage disposal system was replaced with the first toilet block and sewage treatment plant built in 1967 and the number of static caravans rose to forty. There were at this time 6 ducks which used to waddle down to the caravans and demand to be fed - to the great amusement of the caravan owners.

Over a period of time, despite resistance from Arthur, Mabel and some of the caravan owners electricity was taken to all the static caravans. In 1976, mains water was installed to the stand pipes, as the well, which had been used for years, became polluted. The hand pump still remains in situ, and the water from the well is used to flush the toilets and wash cars and boats.

During the eighties, due to customer requests, showers were added to the toilet block, and water and sewage system were laid on to each caravan. There was also the hurricane when 3 caravans were blown over and one roof ended up very nearly in Cudmore (or Cumber) Grove.

It then became apparent that both touring caravans and tents also required electricity hook up points so these were installed, together with more water points.

Fen Farm continued page 44

Date: March 2009