FIRST to arrive at Waldegraves holiday park in 1948 was an old single decker bus, which became a converted caravan, and a few tents.

It was post war Britain and as the country started to recover, the park grew with converted buses, removal vans and tents.

A toilet block was made from breeze blocks with a water tap outside for holiday makers to fill water containers.

Fresh milk and eggs could be bought from Jack Lord’s farmhouse. Bread from Fred Smith’s bakery in Mill Road on the island would be delivered to the farmhouse for holiday makers too.

By 1958, when Jack’s son David took over Waldegraves, there were 12 caravans.

It is a far cry from the holiday park today which includes a swimming pool, fishing lakes, crazy golf, club house, shop and entertainment facilities.

At peak times up to 80 staff are employed with millions of pounds having been invested over the years to keep it up to date.

As for the farmland, which until the 1980s had included 3,000 pigs, the remaining 150 acres is now contracted out to a farmer.

David said: “It started from nothing. It has just grown.

“The location is good, people don’t like to travel for more than an hour or an hour and a half so we are easily accessed from Romford, Ilford and nowadays people from Colchester and even Mersea have got caravans.”

David has resisted any offers to sell the site to a larger operator, wanting to avoid it becoming too commercial.

Park manager of four years Chris Parsons, added: “Everybody here knows everyone by their names.

“We’ve got long-standing staff, such as our chef who’s been here eight years, everybody knows everybody.”

In addition to holiday makers, a number of people have opted to own caravans at Waldegraves including Pat and Keith Mills.

Their memories span back to the mid 1970s and include how when a former cornfield was cut, mice would invade the caravans.

In written memoirs, they said: “Showering was hit and miss. After lathering up, the water would run out. Sitting in the dark evenings was a regular thing.

“Everyone kept candles ready as electricity supply was not a sure thing.

“Sometimes, hoe-downs were arranged.

“A square of bales of straw were positioned for tables and seating and music and lights set up. Bales of straw were collected by tractor by the caravanners.”

Sports including rounders and tug of war were organised as well as entertainment by holiday makers.

Dave Seakins and his wife, Sandra, have owned a caravan there for 27 years. Their permanent home is in Hornchurch, Essex.

Dave, 77, like other caravan owners, is permitted to stay in his 11 months of the year.

“I’m here as often as I can be, probably most of the time. During the month we are closed, there is still a community here.

“About six to eight of us go on holiday. We just came back from a cruise in Russia.

“It is the atmosphere of the site, the friendliness, not just of the residents but all of the staff.

“Considering the size of the site there is very little trouble.”

One of Dave’s standout memories is bittersweet; his brother Bryan died seven years ago and had a caravan there too, and staff ensured was given a fitting send off.

He had loved the park and his cortege went from there.

“As you drive away from here all of the staff were lined up and that brought me to tears,” said Dave, who became an owner not long before he retired as a highways manager.

“My view is right to the estuary - if it was a house it would be worth £1 million,” he added.

His arrival at Waldegraves was five years before it had a swimming pool and 13 years before the club house was built.

But as the park has grown, the closeness has endured.

“You know the staff names here and can actually talk to the owner - he doesn’t hide and you can find him if you need him.”

The park has had to constantly evolve to keep up with its clientele, with the park’s aim being to offer what abroad package holidays might - bar the weather.

Manager Chris added: “People who used to have two weeks in Spain will come here in a caravan and expect the same standards they would in a hotel.

“In the last 20 years, standards have improved.”

He said: “Every year we invest big money in our hire fleet.

“We replace six to seven caravans a year which is a significant investment.

“In the winter period last year we spent a fortune doing paving work, roads, investing in play areas.

“All facilities always get a paint and whatever repairs are needed over the winter.”

And the rest...is history.