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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Essex => Topic started by: WildKiwi on Sunday 20 June 10 15:54 BST (UK)

Title: Foulness Island
Post by: WildKiwi on Sunday 20 June 10 15:54 BST (UK)
Hi again, I'm on a roll!!

My grandad worked at Foulness through the years of WWII as a carpenter.  I would like to know as much as possible about the place.  I'm not sure if it is correct, but think it is possible to do a tour?
 Is there anyone who might have known Leon Dobson?

Regards
Wild Kiwi
Title: Re: Foulness Island
Post by: crimea1854 on Sunday 20 June 10 16:16 BST (UK)
Hi

In the early 1950's the Island became the home to the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (AWRE), and was also the site for the testing of conventional weapons. The site, although now mostly empty, remains in the ownership of the MoD, and has limited public access.

Martin
Title: Re: Foulness Island
Post by: WildKiwi on Sunday 20 June 10 19:31 BST (UK)
Martin,

thank you. I knew that the whole area was owned or operated by MOD but not the atomic nature.
Do you have any information on tours as I'm sure I was told that you could go in as part of a group only.

Regards
Wild Kiwi
Title: Re: Foulness Island
Post by: crimea1854 on Sunday 20 June 10 19:48 BST (UK)
While the site is owned by the MoD, it's actually operated by Qintetiq, can I suggest you approach them:

Qinetiq
Environmental Test Centre
Foulness Island
Essex
SS3 9XJ

tel: +44 1702 383000

Martin
Title: Re: Foulness Island
Post by: LardLadPA on Monday 21 June 10 15:38 BST (UK)
Organised tours of Foulness Island are available:
http://www.visitessex.com/discover/rural/Foulness_Island.aspx

"The Heritage Centre is open from 12 noon till 4pm every first Sunday of the month from April to October. Because the island is owned by the Ministry of Defence the access is restricted to the general public. You are however, very welcome to visit during the open days of the heritage centre."

Leon Dobson is still alive and still living on Foulness Island.

If you have any questions about the Island I might be able to answer them; my parents live there too.
Title: Re: Foulness Island
Post by: WildKiwi on Tuesday 22 June 10 19:15 BST (UK)
Martin and Lard

Wonderful stuff.  I'll definitely try and come for a visit very soon.

Lard, as mentioned my grandad was a carpenter there, must have been on and off through the 1930's.  I cannot remember the firm he was with but he cycled from Westcliff and back each day!  His name was Fred / Mac Hindmarsh.

Mum mentioned Leon Dobson - a father and son - were they both Leon?

Kind regards
Wild Kiwi
Title: Re: Foulness Island
Post by: WildKiwi on Tuesday 06 July 10 20:53 BST (UK)
Lard,

a few distractions and away last weekend so missed the Heritage Centre opening and don't know if I'll make the next one either.

Is it possible that you could put me in touch with Leon Dobson?  This would be great.

Regards

Wild Kiwi
Title: Re: Foulness Island
Post by: littlebarney127 on Monday 26 May 14 22:34 BST (UK)
Hi WildKiwi,

Are you still trying to get in touch with Leon Dobson?

Regards,

Littlebarney127