The Harwich Society

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The Harwich Society

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http://www.harwich-society.co.uk/

EMAIL: [email protected] It erects commemorative plaques on Historic Buildings and Sites.

In late 1968 two events took place which were responsible for the foundation of the Harwich Society: an exhibition of muniments at the Town Hall arranged by Len Weaver together with a display of photographs and prints of yachts by Frank Hussey, historian of the Royal Yacht Club, and a collection of old prints and photographs of Harwich by Winifred Cooper, and the other, the appearance on Anglia Television of Bob Wellings and Winifred Cooper on the Redoubt, which developers wished to demolish for the er****on of flats, but in the nick of time it was listed as an Ancient Monument and the idea abandoned. Many people were disturbed at the changing character of the old town and the disappearance of many historic buildings, both Len Weaver & Winifred Cooper were pressed to start a historic society. To test the water a meeting was organised on the 7th February 1969 which was attended by around 60 people, and so was born the Harwich Society. The Harwich Society is restoring the largest ancient monument in the area,The Harwich Redoubt Fort, part of the Martello chain built during the Napoleonic Wars.It established and maintains a Maritime Museum in a disused lighthouse, and two other iron lighthouses fully restored.

31/10/2026

👻⚓ What a wonderfully spooky evening with Mark Lewis and “Lighthouses and the Paranormal”! 🔦🌊

A fascinating subject for our winter talks programme, exploring the mysterious side of these much-loved coastal landmarks. Ghostly tales, phantom lights and lighthouse legends—perfect for the Halloween season! 🎃👻

👏 A huge thank you to Mark for an intriguing talk, to everyone who joined us, and to our volunteers for helping make the evening possible.

Has a lighthouse ever given you goosebumps? Let us know below! 👇🔦

21/10/2026

⚠️ Bobbit’s Hole – Temporary Closure ⚠️

Bobbit’s Hole will be closed this Sunday, 25 October, while essential maintenance is carried out to keep visitors and volunteers safe.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. 🌿

21/10/2026

👻🔦 LIGHTHOUSES AND THE PARANORMAL! 🌊🌙

The Harwich Society Winter Talks Programme 2026/27 begins with a spooky twist! 👻

Join us for a fascinating evening as Mark Lewis explores the mysterious world of haunted lighthouses, ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena! 🏚️✨

Lighthouses have long been associated with supernatural stories, strange happenings and maritime folklore. But is there a scientific explanation behind these mysterious tales? 🤔

Mark, a freelance artist, designer-silversmith, retired university lecturer and passionate lighthouse enthusiast, will take us on an intriguing journey through ghost stories, folklore and paranormal phenomena reported at lighthouses around the world.

📅 Friday 30 October 2026
📍 The Navigator, Barrack Lane, Harwich
🕢 7.30pm start

☕ Teas and coffees available
🎟️ Raffle on the night
🆓 FREE!

Harwich Society Chairman Andy Schooler said:

💬 "Anything connected to lighthouses always creates interest in Harwich and this unusual look will certainly be no exception."

Our popular Winter Talks Programme offers members a wonderful opportunity to discover fascinating subjects, enjoy interesting speakers and get together during the colder months. ❄️

❤️ Not a member yet? Why not join the Harwich Society and enjoy free monthly Winter Talks, unlimited free admission to our visitor attractions during the summer season and our quarterly magazine, Highlight?

👻 An evening of mystery, maritime history and perhaps a few things that go bump in the night!

📞 For further information, contact Garry Calver on 01255 551940.

18/10/2026

11/10/2026

A seven-year cinematic exploration of one of Europe’s largest and least understood ecosystems. Diver and cameraman, Peter van Rodijnen, endured extreme conditions to reveal a fascinating and vibrant underwater world that is undiscovered and has never been portrayed until now

🗓️ Mon 19 Oct 2026
📍 Electric Palace Cinema Harwich
⏰ 2:30PM

Mon 19 Oct

07/10/2026

PRESS RELEASE: Harwich Society Quiz team reach two milestones

Run by the Harwich Society Quiz Team, the Harwich Society runs a monthly quiz in the hall of the Royal Oak Public House on the first Monday of each month.

These quiz nights, open to all, began in July 2013 and this Monday’s October quiz was the 200th quiz run by the team over that time.

Garry Calver, who writes the monthly quiz, says, “The majority of these quizzes have been to raise funds for the Harwich Society although we have run many quiz nights to support other good causes in other venues. We started out with Colin Perry as quiz master and Wilf Rose marking each quiz and the team now consists of Richard Diaper, James Smith, Gavin Vacklavik and Pam Morrison. It’s incredible to think that we have reached 200 quizzes and there have certainly been a lot of laughs along the way!”

The other milestone reached in September was a total of £50,000 raised for good causes. This has been around £32,000 for the Harwich Society and around £18,000 for other good causes.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has been so generous and supportive over the years by coming to our quiz nights,” continued Garry Calver. “We are always pleased to see new faces or those we have not seen for a while so please come along for an enjoyable night’s quizzing and become part of the Harwich Society quiz family. Our next quiz is on Monday 2nd November at the Royal Oak and everyone is welcome.”

For further information please contact:
Press Officer, Garry Calver on 01255 551940

06/10/2026

⚠️ NOISE ALERT! ⚠️

Cannon and gunfire will be heard at the Harwich Redoubt during the Harwich Shanty Festival, 09–11 October 2026. 💥

Please be prepared for loud, sudden bangs, particularly if you are sensitive to noise or have children or pets who may be startled. 🐾

Please share this notice to help keep local residents and visitors informed. Thank you for your understanding! 🙏

Further information contact: [email protected]

Address

5, Church Street
Harwich
CO123DR

Telephone

+441255502872

Website

https://www.harwich-society.co.uk/contact/

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