The Parish Council offices are located close to the centre of the village in their own building on Little Wakering Hall Lane. The office is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (excluding Bank Holidays). Residents wishing to meet with the Clerk are advised to make an appointment to ensure availability.
The Parish Council consists of thirteen councillors representing three wards. The current Chairman is Cllr. Ros Efde, and the CEO/RFO/Clerk is Ms S. Hyatt.
The Council is responsible for several local assets, including the village allotments, the Parish Burial Ground, the Parish Clock in the St Nicholas Church tower, the Duck Pond, bus shelters, and various areas of street lighting. Each year it organises an Annual Allotment Competition, and in 2025 is also running a Villager of the Year award and a Christmas food-parcel giveaway. Although the Council has no formal connection with the Church, it funds the grounds maintenance of St Nicholas churchyard.
The village of Great Wakering, situated between Shoeburyness and Foulness Island in Essex, has grown significantly over the years. What was once a small rural settlement around the original High Street has developed into a thriving residential community. Historically, the village was known for its brick-making industry, and its long past is marked by the footsteps of Romans, Saxons, Danes and Normans, all of whom left their influence on the area. The parish church, built in the Norman period, even contains sections repaired using original Roman materials.
Great Wakering is also reputed to be one of the driest places in England, recording an average annual rainfall of well under 20 inches.
The site of St Nicholas Church has likely been a place of worship since before the current building was constructed around 1100 AD. A board inside the porch lists Rectors and Vicars dating back to the year 1200, beginning with “Robert” followed by “Peter.” The church clock was added in 1911 to commemorate the coronation of King George V. In addition to St Nicholas, the village is also home to both a Methodist and an Evangelical church on the High Street.
Great Wakering offers a wealth of natural beauty for residents and visitors alike. Surrounded by open fields, salt marshes and vast coastal views, the parish is home to an abundance of wildlife throughout the year. From wading birds along the tidal flats to the rich plant life that thrives on the sea wall, the village provides countless opportunities to enjoy nature at its best.
Whether you’re taking a gentle stroll along the footpaths, exploring the scenic walks around the village, or following the sea wall as it winds across the landscape, Great Wakering remains a peaceful haven where countryside and coastline come together.
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