Much has been written about the community spirit that can be engendered in people living on an island. Be it an island like Britain or one much smaller, such as Aitutaki where I undertook part of my medical training, the islanders have a distinct identity and a purposeful mentality, particularly when defending their island’s best interests.

Yesterday, I visited the Castle Point Annual Show on Canvey Island. Besides the obvious fun being had in the fairground or whilst playing football, what was most evident was the real sense of community on display. One particular marquee was full of stalls illustrating the importance of local services, both state-funded and charity-supported. Being a doctor, I was interested in the new arrangements for primary care on the island, in particular, the new Paddocks health centre that is being developed. The local parish council stall also appeared a popular place to stop and chat, primarily, I suspect, because it has only been existence since 2007 (following a successful local petition to Westminster), and is thereby locally viewed as important to the Island’s future good governance.

Following my afternoon visit to Waterside Farm, I took a brief trip along the Seafront. To my astonishment, the Thames Estuary is visibly above the level of the great majority of houses on the Island. The wall itself is an impressive piece of engineering, having originally been installed following the devastating Great Flood of 1953 (it was further enlarged in the 1980s). As you can tell from the windswept photograph above, it clearly plays a vital role in Canvey’s existence. Judging by the sterling work being undertaken by local volunteers to strengthen community spirit, long may the wall continue to hold back the sea.