Dutchman Frank van Wezel began living in Southend on Sea in the early 1970s when he was tasked to develop a new fertilizer business in England after working for a decade in Kenya. The coastal town with an airport operating short flights to his native Holland seemed like the ideal place to live – plus the local beaches were a big attraction. He and his family felt immediately at home, thanks in part to two factors that were important to him.
‘Sport, sport, sport and great genuine people,’ says Frank. ‘There’s no better feeling than being at home on a Sunday morning enjoying a cup of tea with the newspapers – English newspapers are the best in the world in my opinion – watching people at the seafront, enjoying a famous Rossi ice cream or running, walking the dog, cycling, sailing, and swimming. On a sunny day — and that’s most of the time, despite foreign perceptions — it beats anywhere in the world,’ Frank reflects.
In terms of the local population, Frank quickly came to a positive conclusion. ‘I mostly liked their sense of humor, the privacy they allow others and the genuine nature of the British people. We were always impressed with the quality of life here and the commitment shown by members of the local sports clubs who organized excellent events and some memorable dinner dances.’
This story is from the November 2019 edition of Essex Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2019 edition of Essex Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The rise of maskne
With the term ‘maskne’ becoming an increasingly common search online and on social media, Krystal Prince explains what it is and how you can control mask-induced acne
The forgotten lady
Charlotte Christie shares the life story of Anne Knight, an Essex pioneer for the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage who’s achievements have almost been air-brushed from history
Stride out in the Sampfords
This charming, circular winter walk takes you on a tour from the village of Great Sampford to its neighbour, Little Sampford, and back again
MUCH TO TALK ABOUT
As a presenter on Sky Music and the host of two TV talk shows of her own on Gidea Park-based Sky channel Spotlight TV, Hayley Palmer is never short of words. Nicky Adams asks her how she came to be in front of the camera
LIFE and SOUL
Radio 1 broadcaster and producer Charlie Hedges began her career as Britain’s youngest breakfast show host and is now one of the world’s most successful female DJs. Denise Marshall caught up with the Essex-based queen of the air waves
Lest we forget
Remembrance Sunday will have a special poignance this month as 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. Stephen Roberts profiles how much the county of Essex contributed to the war effort and how much it cost
Lakeside Magic
The Lake House, nestled in Mill End on the outskirts of the village of Bradwell on Sea, has been owned by the same family for 60 years and was once a thriving four-buoy water-ski lake.
Keep on running
BBC presenter and director David Whiteley shares his insightful view on stories from across the county of Essex
Cheers!
Starting to get that festive vibe? Why not plan ahead by selecting not only the drinks you want to serve this Christmas, but also ticking off a few presents too?
A doggy day out on… Saffron Walden
Join Ernie, the county’s most famous Westie, as he steps back in time on a trip to this medieval market town