Canvey History

Welcome to canveyhistory.com – The website dedicated to the history of Canvey Island in words and pictures, as written and published by Geoff Barsby. Canvey History also proudly hosts a free discussion page which allows residents, ex-pats and those with an interest in local history to post memories, share history photographs and publish appeals. I very much hope that you enjoy visiting this critically acclaimed, award winning website and I trust that the wealth of content on this free to view site will inspire your love of local history, whether you are new to the topic, or an expert historian, there’s something here for everyone! Canvey is far more than a just a seaside town, it has a very rich heritage, and I am proud to share this information and offer a valuable insight into the history of the Island with you here today.

About The Author :

Geoff Barsby

Geoff Barsby was born in 1945 to parents who were Islanders themselves, as were their parents before them. He has lived all his life on Canvey and is a well known local figure, both for his efforts in charity work in the community, for which he has won a National Caring Award, and as the publisher of a long established local newspaper. As well as The District News, his publishing interests include a local history magazine, Years Gone By, which includes photographs from his own extensive collection.

A keen participant in many sports in his younger years, he encouraged youngsters on the island to apply their energies to football by starting the very first teams of Canvey Mites F.C. which he supported financially in the early years. He has also played an active part as a fund-raising organiser for the P.T.A.s of Canvey schools and he still works very hard raising funds through The District News Registered Charity to help island doctors and residents with medical equipment.