Castle Point Council is pulling out all the stops later this month to commemorate the terrible floods of 1953.
Fifty-nine islanders died in the tragedy 50 yeats ago on Saturday, January 31.
Thousands of others lost their homes and their possessions as they fled Canvey to take refuge with relatives or in rescue centres.
However, the victims of the floods will not be forgotten by the people of the borough.
A beacon sponsored by local businesses will blaze continually for 48 hours from Friday, January 31, in memory of those who died.
Historian Geoff Barsby is providing old photographs for an exhibition at the Paddocks Community Centre in Canvey's Long Road, which will also include artwork created by local schoolchildren.
The hall will be open from 1pm on Friday, January 31, and on the Saturday until 1pm.
That Friday evening Castle Point mayor Charles Smith will host a commemorative service at the Paddocks.
The ceremony will start at 7.15pm and will include music from the Thundersley Brass Band and contributions from councillor Ray Howard and pupils from nearby schools.
St Nicholas Church in Long Road will be open throughout the night of January 31 and on the Saturday morning there will be a requiem mass at Our Lady of Canvey Church, also in Long Road.
The island's Methodist Church, in Waarden Road, will be open from 10.30am until 2pm on the Saturday for private prayer.
Published Tuesday, January 21, 2003
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