Hundreds of people discovered the Wild Coast of Wallasea Island for the first time this weekend. Families arrived with granny and the dog and the children ran free or went on a safari to the Far East! Despite poor weather forecasts, the driest part of England lived up to its reputation and visitors were once again able to relax on the grass outside the beer tent, listening to the band and letting 'the Wallasea Effect' take over.
For those with money to spend there was craft and food stalls laden with local produce. The Artful Bodger whittled his wood, displaying an ancient skill not often seen in this modern age. Fresh from the National Tractor Pulling championships, where the cup was brought back to Wallasea again, Blue Lightening ( yes it's spelt that way) was on show for fans of Big Toys, while those who walked along the seawall could view the project's contractor's machines on site.
None of this would have been possible without my magnificent team of untiring WalVols. We were joined by members of Sussex's Hailsham Bonfire Society, once again, who took care of the car park, while local volunteers provided information and bon homie. Our favourite drivers from Wyvern Community Trust provided transport around the island, ensuring that anyone who wished could visit the eastern end of the island before it becomes a construction site next year.
For more photos of the days' activities look at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rspb_wallasea_island_wild_coast_project/
The day after the event, a visitor of a very different kind came along for a tour of the island. Peter Shirley brought his lovely wife along, to show her where he had spent the last 2 years of World War II. Its incredible these days to imagine a young lad of fifteen years being posted on Wallasea in charge of two dozen Prisoners of War - half of which were Italians and half Germans - who were employed digging drainage ditches. He remembers Wallasea as being a very remote and barren place, with Burnham being tantalisingly close, though across a dangerous stretch of river. His tales have been recorded for posterity as part of our Heritage project, which it is hoped will result in a small book telling the amazing history of the island through the centuries. if any of you should know of anyone who could contribute to this record please do get in touch. :)
I've gone wild on Wallasea!