Old Leigh Fair

A few years ago, the Old Leigh Regatta, which had been held on the first decent weekend high water each September for as long as many of us can remember, looked as if it was going to become history.

Step forward the good old dependable Leigh–on-Sea Lions Club, who stepped up  and continued the tradition on the appropriate Sunday.

Much had to change. The greasy pole failed the health and safety test (boo!), road closures became untenable and water activities were drastically curtailed. Football on the mud became forgotten. Over recent years, COVID-19 and the death of her Majesty the Queen again meant that the Regatta did not take place as expected.

This year, the Leigh Lions’ busy schedule dictated that the event would take place on 10th September. Sadly, the tide peaked at 10am at nearly 2 metres lower than the optimum.

Not daunted, the name was changed to Old Leigh Fair and the festivities continued in and around the Strand. The decision was taken to leave Endeavour on her mooring dressed (right) and set up our gazebo as close to her as possible. This too posed a problem as the walkway adjacent to the mooring would have been completely blocked.

An enquiry to the 4th/6th Leigh Scouts and our problem was solved! We were given permission to set up the gazebo in the Coal Hole’s southern gateway.  

New committee member Andrew Millham and Chris, ably assisted by Linda Marshall, staffed the stall and spoke with a steady stream of interested visitors, some of whom joined the Trust there and then—thank you!

We sold some of our Endeavour merchandise and a steady stream of donations was received, but the main aim of the exercise was simply for us to be noticed by the visitors to promote the work of the Trust. On such a lovely day, this aim was certainly achieved.

The next evening Andrew found Endeavour had become part of the Leigh illuminations!