by Tom Walsh
A Maldon campsite is celebrating its 80th birthday this month following a remarkable transformation over the years.
Osea Leisure Park was originally established as a camping facility for travelling pea-pickers in 1933 and has undergone a complete revamp over the past 80 years to become the family-orientated site that it is well known as today.
Mabel Speakman first opened the park prior to the outbreak of World War II as somewhere where the fruit and pea pickers could enjoy time with their family.
Today, Mabel’s great-granddaughter, Janie Robinson is managing director of the site and has managed to allow the business to evolve and develop an extra 33 acres to the park attracting visitors from all over the country to stay in static caravans, touring caravans, camping tents and many more.
“A lot has changed since 1933, but one thing that has remained constant is the need for families to have a place where they can relax, spend time together and be close to nature. That is the true essence of Osea Leisure Park – family, friends and fun,” Ms Robinson explained.
