Sandy Bay Park Residents Association (SBPRA)

Postcode SS8 Local and surrounding areas news and information from the In Your Area Website. Live feed updated regularly.

Community Transport for Castle Point. Castle Point Social Car Scheme is a local registered charity based at The Tyrells Centre in Seamore Avenue, Benfleet providing travel for the elderly and disabled residents of Castle Point allowing them to keep their independence. The ‘Car Scheme’ is open to all older people over the age of 60 or disabled within the Castle Point Area. (Hadleigh, Thundersley, Benfleet and Canvey Island area). Nothing is too much trouble if we can get one of our team of volunteer drivers to take you there we will. Need to get your hair done or visit friends? – no problem we can get you there. Whatever your transport needs we are here to help.

Your very own Town Council, did you know residents of the island pay an additional charge as part of their Council Tax to fund the Town Council? In 1972 an Act of Parliament saw a reorganisation of local government and in 1974 the Canvey Island Urban District Council joined Benfleet, Hadleigh and Thundersley to become part of Castle Point District Council. During December 2005, a consultation document was sent by the Borough Council to each of the 15,699 households on Canvey Island to gauge public opinion about the formation of a parish council. On 2nd December 2006, the Secretary of State, made an Order for the constitution of the new Canvey Island parish council with effect from 1st April 2007.

Visit the Castlepoint Council Website for information on all council services.

If the history of transport is up your street, then the Canvey Island Transport Museum is the place to visit! Located at the end of the island, close to Leigh Beck school, the Museum is located in the old Eastern National Omnibus Garage. In addition, the Museum has its own impressive, functioning Model Railway layout, plus there's a wide variety of transport artefacts on display. The Museum shop sells die-cast models, souvenirs and other transport related merchandise.

Support your local cinema, all the latest films at prices you can afford. IMPORTANT: Don't forget to register your car number plate at the ticket desk to get free parking in the car park opposite. You will get fined if number is not registered.

Look beyond Castlepoint, visit or explore other parts of Essex.

For something different Visit Cressing Temple Barns near Braintree, soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful heritage site and find out about its fascinating history. Wander around the walled garden to learn about Tudor plants and how they were used or simply relax in the immaculate grounds with a picnic. Why not make a day of it with a visit to the Wilkins & Sons, Tiptree Tea Room for a special cream tea and browse in the shop and the plant stalls for a special memento of your visit. Granted to the Knights Templar in 1137, Cressing Temple Barns is of significant historic interest for its unique buildings and garden. Internationally renowned for its impressive and remarkably well preserved medieval carpentry, the barns attract visitors from around the world, providing them with a remarkable insight into the building techniques of the time and a glimpse into the lives of the people who built them. The Grade I listed Barley and Wheat Barns are the oldest known timber framed barns and amongst the few remaining Templar buildings in England.

Click link to take you to the Visit Maldon Website, find out lots of information on the Promenade Park located on the banks of the river Blackwater. Avenues of mature trees and recreation areas lead down to the ornamental lake complete with fountains and resident swans and other birds and wildlife. Smaller children will love the sand pit which is located at one end of the lake. The pit is adjacent to one of the many refreshment kiosks in the park so you can relax with a cup of tea and watch the kids enjoying themselves. There is also a seafood bar which is open weekends and bank holidays. Perfect place for a relaxing sunny day out, or take the grandchildren and let them loose in the Splash park and Galleon activity feature. Walk along the Promenade towards the town and check out the Thames Sailing Barges moored alongside. Be warned it gets busy in the summer, so arrive early to get a good parking spot.

For a lovely day, nothing is better than walking around the Hyde Hall Garden, always something to see at any time of the year. Visit one of the many events and shows held throughout the year, from craft fairs to vintage cars shows.

Tiptree Essex is the home to the famous Wilkin & Sons jam manufacturers factory and museum/shop plus their popular tearoom. If you have ever had one of those little pots of jam or marmalade in a restaurant or hotel then it has most likely been supplied by Wilkin & Sons The company have now extended their tearooms to other locations, many of which are in Essex. The closest locations to Canvey are Barleylands near Billericay, Bond Street Chelmsford and Heybridge Basin Heybridge near Maldon. Click on heading to navigate to the Wilkin & Sons website for more information on the company and its museum/shop and tearooms.

Check out the latest news, offers and information on the Thurrock Lakeside website.