Eastlife Spring 2020

Essex
Explore
Essex
in 2020
undertaken by Wessex Archaeology (commissioned by Historic
England), revealed the outline of the original mud dock where
she was dismantled and these investigations were recently
featured on ‘BBC One Inside Out East’, with further analysis
ongoing. This event is designed to be an authentic, interactive
experience for the whole family to enjoy. discover2020.co.uk
A new year brings new openings and events, and we’re not short
of things to see and do in Essex. Here’s a round-up from Visit
Essex (www.visitessex.com) about some of the new things
you can expect in 2020.
Essex 2020
Mayflower 400
A whole range of events, activities and ambitious projects are
being planned for 2020, to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of
the ‘Mayflower’ sailing to the New World. Essex is proud of its
strong links to the ‘Mayflower’ and the United States. It is thought
to have been built in Harwich and its Captain, Christopher Jones,
hailed from the town. Christopher Jones’ house will be open
to the public from March 2020 and also the Mayflower Visitor
Centre, which will be the ideal place to learn about the roots
and culture of America’s early colonists, opens in April. For more
information about tours of the house and opening times, contact
The Harwich Society.
Inspired by the British Science Festival which will be taking part
in the city of Chelmsford, 8-12 September. The first time in its
189th year history to be in the region. There will be a year-long
festival of events related to STEAM – Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts and Mathematics – exhibitions, workshops,
events, festivals and more.
www.essexfuture.org.uk/essex-2020
Lee Valley Regional Park
A new Wildlife Discovery Centre will be launching in River Lee
Country Park at Fishers Green near Waltham Abbey. It’s hoped
that this will be built and ready to open from mid-June and will
include state of the art facilities with a viewing tower providing a
completely different perspective to watching wildlife and
a two-tier viewing platform inside the hide for enhanced
viewing angles and photography opportunities. A CCTV
system will provide stunning up-close footage allowing
visitors to get closer than ever to the wildlife in this signature
spot in the Lee Valley. www.leevalleypark.org.uk
Wivenhoe House Hotel, Colchester
Discover 2020
A year-long festival of events and activities to mark various
anniversaries of heritage assets in the Rochford district, including
HMS Beagle.
200 years of HMS Beagle, 30 – 31 May
Taking place at The Freight House, Rochford, this free entry
event will celebrate 200 years since the launch of HMS Beagle.
This prestigious ship circumnavigated the globe with famous
passenger Charles Darwin and is synonymous with discovery in
the fields of science, meteorology and even space exploration.
HMS Beagle was finally decommissioned by the Royal Navy
in 1845 when she was transferred to the Coastguard and
repurposed as a watch vessel stationed at Paglesham in
Rochford District, where archaeologists have been searching for
her remains in the estuary mud. Last Summer, exploratory work
Spring 2020 will bring an exciting time for Wivenhoe
House Hotel, with a bedroom expansion on the horizon,
this beautiful 4-star country house hotel will be offering five
new luxury rooms for guests to enjoy.
www.wivenhoehouse.co.uk
The Electric Palace Cinema, Harwich
One of the oldest, purpose-built cinemas to survive, with its silent
screen, original projection room and façade still intact, re-opens
in April after major renovations.
www.electricpalace.com
Intu Lakeside
The shopping centre and leisure destination has seen huge
changes over the last few years including the development of
The Quay, new stores and leisure pursuits. The newest addition
for 2020 will be Nickelodeon Adventure, the first in the UK. An
indoor play adventure which gives little ones the chance to
immerse themselves in the worlds of their favourite characters
form PAW Patrol to Dora the Explorer.
Working with Harrods, ‘H Beauty’ the first stand-alone Harrods
beauty hall, will also open in April.
www.intu.co.uk/lakeside
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