Blog - Essex Sunshine Coast

Hospitality tickets for Clacton Airshow are on sale

Posted on 28th March 202310th October 2023 by Sarah Daniells

Tickets have gone on sale for the hospitality area at the 2023 Clacton Airshow.

Operated again by the Black Jacket Group, the hospitality area offers an elevated viewing area for the flight displays, a three-course meal and refreshments, as well as shelter should the weather not play ball at the event.

Staged by Tendring District Council (TDC) the Clacton Airshow – taking place on 24-25 August this year and celebrating its 30th anniversary – is one of the biggest events in the East of England, and the hospitality tickets have now gone on sale.

Nicola Denny, Operations Director at Thorrington-based Black Jacket Group, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the hospitality marquee again this year at the Clacton Airshow and look forward to working with Tendring District Council to make this another successful event.”

Mike Carran, TDC Assistant Director for Economic Growth and Leisure and Clacton Airshow Director, added: “It is fitting that the hospitality tickets have gone on sale in English Tourism Week, which this year is celebrating amazing businesses, experiences and places to stay.

“We are pleased to welcome back a Tendring-based firm to run the hospitality area, and know how important the Clacton Airshow is to the district’s economy – whether it is people staying in local accommodation, spending on food and drink or at the wonderful attractions we have here on the Essex Sunshine Coast.

“As we mark 30 years we hope people will be celebrating amazing memories, and that they join us to create new happy memories too – your support is what keeps the Clacton Airshow flying.”

Hospitality tickets can be purchased via our partner overseeing the area, the Black Jacket Group, and are priced at £59.50 for Thursday 24th August (the hospitality area will be open from 11am until 8.30pm, a hot evening snack will be provide) and £51.50 for Friday 25th August (the hospitality area will be open from 11am until 6pm).

Included in the ticket price is-

Parking.
A welcome drink.
A three course meal with wine.
Unlimited tea & coffee.
An official souvenir programme.
A chance to meet the flight teams.
A cash bar.
Private toilet facilities.
and much more.

For further information and to book tickets visit https://www.blackjacketgroup.com/event-tickets or email the Black Jacket team at events@blackjacketgroup.co.uk

English Tourism Week 2023

Posted on 14th March 202310th October 2023 by Sarah Daniells

#EnglishTourismWeek23 takes pace from Friday 17 March to Sunday 26 March 2023. The theme of this year’s national event is, ‘celebrating amazing experiences and amazing people’.

VisitEngland is proud to lead the annual English Tourism Week campaign celebrating our diverse, exciting and vibrant sector, and showcasing the quality, range and value of English tourism to stakeholders. The week provides an essential opportunity to raise awareness of the sector to key stakeholders including MPs, with VisitEngland working to support English destinations with political engagement nationally, regionally and locally, and the recovery of the sector.

Making up 80% of the UK’s visitor economy, English tourism in 2019 generated over £100 billion a year and supported 2.6 million jobs and is a major employer of school leavers and young people, as well as an incubator for entrepreneurs and innovation. It provides a spotlight to put tourism front of mind with key stakeholders and showcase the amazing work that goes on each and every day to build strong and resilient destinations. Local MPs will be supported with the information they need to understand just how important tourism is in their local area.

Local businesses can download the VisitEngland toolkit at https://orlo.uk/AFhYR

Clacton Airshow set for landmark 30th event

Posted on 14th February 202310th October 2023 by Sarah Daniells

Planning is underway for this year’s Clacton Airshow, which is marking its 30th event. Tendring District Council’s Airshow organising team is planning options with its flight director partners TSA Consulting Ltd to make the landmark an extra-special event on 24-25 August. Flight organisations such as the RAF are assessing our bids for flight displays.

The 29th Clacton Airshow, held on 25-26 August last year, saw one of the event’s busiest-ever days on day two. The flight display included the RAF Red Arrows (sponsored by Lightspeed Broadband), the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (sponsored by Befibre) and a twilight display on the first evening.

Drone footage taken during the 2022 Airshow has been revealed this week on the Essex Sunshine Coast social media channels and the Clacton Airshow website. TDC worked with the flight director team to fly the drone shortly before the Red Arrows took to the Clacton skies on the second day of the 2022 event, and will use the footage to promote the area. It is thought to be the first time a drone has been flown at the Clacton Airshow, which has strictly controlled airspace for safety reasons, and the video reveals the scale of crowds at the 29th event.

Green Flag bids to be made for Tendring

Posted on 25th January 202310th October 2023 by Sarah Daniells

Bids are being made once again for Tendring’s open spaces to be recognised with a prestigious quality award.

Green Flag awards will be entered again by Tendring District Council (TDC) in 2023 as the authority looks to retain the award for four of its managed gardens; which all kept their Green Flag status last year.

The four sites hoping to keep their Green Flag are Clacton Seafront Gardens; Crescent Gardens, Frinton; Cliff Park, Dovercourt; and Weeley Crematorium Gardens.

The Green Flag Award Scheme is a nationally recognised benchmark for parks and open spaces. Any spaces which are freely open to the public and which have a specific management plan can apply.

They are judged on several criteria including how welcoming they are, tidiness and good maintenance, security, sustainability, and community involvement.

TDC’s open spaces are managed by a team of staff, supported by volunteer groups who give their time in all seasons to keeping the areas looking excellent.

Michael Talbot, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said the support of local communities was vital.

“Our horticultural staff do excellent work year-round to keep our open spaces looking incredible, but they cannot manage it without the support and involvement of local community groups and volunteers,” Councillor Talbot said.

“Working together their efforts ensure these spaces look vibrant and pleasant for local residents and visitors alike, with visitors often commenting to us about how great the planting is.

“It is absolutely right this hard work is recognised with Green Flags, and I hope the judges will be suitably impressed again this year.”

Judging for the Green Flag takes place during early summer with the results announced later that season.

Anyone interested in volunteering to look after a public open space in Tendring can contact Sean Biswell, TDC’s Temporary Community and Volunteer Projects Manager, on 07786 660603 or at seanbiswell@tendringdc.gov.uk.

Find out more about the Green Flag Awards at www.greenflagaward.org.

A new informal café-bar to open in Clacton

Posted on 18th January 202310th October 2023 by Sarah Daniells

A new informal café-bar, the Martello Lounge, will be open all day, every day for long, lazy breakfasts, sociable brunches and lunches, and relaxed dinners and drinks in Clacton-on-Sea on 25th January.

The café-bar will offer all day food selection’s that accommodates all dietary requirements including options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free.

In addition, the bar will be both dog and family-friendly as dogs will be treated with refreshments and children can be entertained with board games and toys.

To find out more:
Visit: www.thelounges.co.uk/martello
Email: martello@thelounges.co.uk
Call: 0117 930 9971
Located: Atlanta Building Kings Promenade Pier Group, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1FS • •

New seafront business opportunity

Posted on 13th January 202310th October 2023 by Sarah Daniells

Rickshaw rides along the Essex Sunshine Coast could be a possibility as part of a new business opportunity.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is inviting expressions of interest from local businesses or entrepreneurs to maximise use of the area’s 36 miles of coastline.

In particular the council is looking for a seafront train operator in Clacton, rickshaw operators, outdoor sport and fitness activities, water or beach sports, mobile bike-based food or drink businesses, and deck chair or sun lounger hire – but other ventures will be considered.

Alex Porter, TDC Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said new ventures would help to keep the Essex Sunshine Coast an attractive place to visit.

“We already have a fantastic offer along our coastline, from the sandy beaches and fabulous kiosks, to the amusements and other attractions; but it is important for any area to keep its offer fresh and diverse,” Councillor Porter said.

“We have a lot of untapped potential and it has long been our ambition to make better use of our coastline, which is why we are inviting these expressions of interest now hopefully for implementation ahead of this summer season.

“So if you think you can deliver something exciting along part of our seafront – whether it is one of our suggestions above or something else – please do get in touch with us.”

To submit an expression of interest for your proposed venture email propertyservices@tendringdc.gov.uk by 5 February 2023.

Pupils help to plant 150 trees as a legacy for Clacton’s anniversary

Posted on 16th December 202210th October 2023 by Sarah Daniells

Tendring Council’s Open Spaces team was joined by year four pupils from Great Clacton Junior School for the initiative.

The new woodland has a mix of native trees that have been positioned on the open space next to Burrs Road, Great Clacton.

The mixture of species and sizes will provide blossom in the spring, as well as coverage for people to enjoy all year round.

The woodland will include a “contemplation and chatty” bench, as well as information boards, and these are due to be installed in the New Year.

Work took place earlier in the year to clear the site of overgrown bushes and brambles to reveal a footpath that has increased accessibility to the new woodland and public right of way.

Michael Talbot, cabinet member for environment, said: “It was great to see the students getting involved in planting these trees, as the younger generation will hopefully benefit from them for years to come.”

Alex Porter, leisure portfolio holder, added: “Having planted these, it’s now all of our responsibility to cherish and protect these trees which should stand tall and enhance the area for decades to come.”

The team look forward to welcoming the students back as the school will be incorporating the area into their Forest School sessions, so the children can see the trees grow.

Great Clacton Junior School Year 4 Teacher, Lee Caffull said: ”We were really excited to be asked to help plant some trees in our local area for Clacton 150.

“We visited the area and were given a talk about the trees and how we expected them to help remove a million tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere over the next 100 years.

“The children took the job of planting extremely seriously and their work will have a lasting impact on their local community.”

The Clacton 150 celebrations received £250,000 from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, which has paid for the Clacton heritage trail, two staff to co-ordinate and events and activities.

Clacton underpass brightened up with student artwork

Posted on 2nd December 202210th October 2023 by Sarah Daniells

A Clacton underpass has been brightened up with artwork created by local students.

The subway, which connects the two Brook Retail Parks, had been covered in graffiti before this project to make it more user-friendly.

A popular walking route between homes and local schools including Cann Hall Primary School and Clacton Coastal Academy, the initiative was drawn up to revamp the underpass to make it brighter and more pleasant for users.

Artist Scott Irving of Brave Arts led workshops with pupils from Clacton Coastal Academy who came up with ocean, space and cartoon themes to create the colourful murals for the walls of the subway.

The preparation of the site and installation of the mural was carried out by Tendring District Council (TDC).

Michael Talbot, TDC Cabinet Member for Environment, said the new-look subway was much-improved.

“The transformation of this underpass is incredible, largely thanks to the amazingly vibrant artwork by the artist and students involved,” Councillor Talbot said.

“I hope that the local community will now look after this lovely space in recognition of all of the hard work which has gone into this initiative.

“A huge well done must go to the ward member for driving this project forward, along with our TDC staff who have helped make this happen.”

Princes Theatre team to help deliver letters from Santa

Posted on 21st November 202210th October 2023 by Sarah Daniells

Staff at the Princes Theatre are once again taking on elf duties this Christmas to help deliver and return letters to Santa.

With the exceptionally high number of children in Tendring on the good list, a post box in the foyer of the Clacton theatre will allow youngsters to write to Father Christmas – and receive a reply.

Alex Porter, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council – which runs the Princes Theatre – said he was pleased the venue could assist Santa for another year.

“I am very glad the Princes Theatre team has managed to negotiate a North Pole agreement to ensure good children can get their letters delivered to Santa in time for Christmas,” Councillor Porter said.

“This was a popular service last year, and we hope it will help put smiles on children’s faces this Christmas.”

The post box is available now for children to put their letters in, and last posting to guarantee a reply before Christmas is on 9 December.

As the theatre team is only helping with the letters – and do not have access to Santa’s full list – a return address must be included with missives to ensure a reply can be sent.

The theatre to North Pole postal service is free, though there is a donation pot close to the post box should anyone wish to contribute to the Princes Theatre’s access fund, which helps disadvantaged children access the exciting world of live theatre.

Harwich’s iconic Treadwheel Crane removed from at Risk Register

Posted on 14th November 202210th October 2023 by Sarah Daniells

Harwich’s iconic Treadwheel Crane has been removed from Historic England’s Risk Register following completion of vital restoration works.

Historic England has published its annual Heritage at Risk Register for 2022. The Register is a yearly health-check of England’s most valued historic places and lists those most at risk of being lost.

Restoration works on the Grade ll* listed Treadwheel Crane, a unique building in Historic Harwich, began earlier this year which included works to the structure – such as repairing a ground slab causing subsidence – as well as restoration to the roof, timber frame, and the crane itself.

A grant of more than £140,000 was awarded to Tendring District Council (TDC) to fund the restoration through Historic England’s Heritage Stimulus Fund. TDC, which owns the crane, has funded the remaining 25% of the repair cost – almost £47,000.

An experimental but traditional technique using tar and sail cloth, rather than paint and other materials, was used to weatherproof the conical roof; which is one of the reasons Historic England supported the grant bid.

Carlo Guglielmi, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance & Governance, said it was important to protect the area’s heritage.

“I am delighted that this iconic and historic building has been removed from the Risk Register. It is testimony to the hard work and devotion put in by all members and partners involved in the restoration project, saving the Treadwheel Crane,” Councillor Guglielmi said.

To find out more about Historic Harwich visit www.historicharwich.co.uk or for further details about the Treadwheel Crane go to the Harwich Society website at www.harwich-society.co.uk

Tide	Time	Height
Low	04:06	1.0m
High	10:08	3.7m
Low	16:23	1.4m
High	22:26	3.7m

Clacton

Tide times for 19 April 2024