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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 was to reinstate the roof in its original form and consequently open the tower to the public on race days. The Colne Yacht Club managed the project through a small committee and match funded the process by volunteer labour and use of 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, was responsible for supervising the construction of the roof.
Local firms were used where possible.
A formal opening of the restored tower took place in the spring. At the base of the tower there is 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 is open to the public when it is being used on race days.
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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