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Bateman's Tower Restoration
The new look Bateman's tower
As it was Bateman's Tower is a folly built in 1883 by John Bateman as a recuperation area for his daughter who was suffering from consumption. It is situated on Westmarsh Point on the River Colne at the entrance to Brightlingsea Creek.
The roof of the folly was dismantled during the war so that the tower could be used as an observation post for the royal auxiliary observer corps. The Colne Yacht Club, Colne Smack Preservation Society and other sailing organisations use the tower for the administration of sailing races in the Colne estuary. The project, supported by Heritage Lottery, funding is to reinstate the roof in its original form and consequently open the tower to the public on race days. Colne Yacht Club is managing The project through a small committee and is match funding the process by volunteer labour and use of the expertise from club members.
The newly constructed roof, clad in copper, was placed on the top of Bateman’s Tower on 21 December. Mike Runacres, project manager, has been responsible for supervising the construction of the roof.
Local firms have been used where possible. Further work that has to be carried out is painting the outside of the tower, which is to take place with a working party on the weekend of 8 and 9 January. Any club members that are available to volunteer their time however short on this weekend, please contact Mike Runacres ( 302618). Hardwood windows which have been built are to be installed along with refurbishment of the inside of the tower.
A formal opening of the restored tower is take place in the spring. At the base of the tower there will be a static display along with a model of the tower clearly depicting its history, and how it has been restored, with thanks to Heritage Lottery funds. The tower will be open to the public when it is being used on race days. An information board will be erected outside the tower.
Above photos by Adrian Espin. (Pre war post card photographer unknown)
Fully equipped for race starts.
On Saturday 7th May 2005 the public had their first guided tours.
All thanks to Heritage lottery funding
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