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There was a variation in the route from that originally planed with the start being moved to Church Hill
Map of original route
The walk started at the bottom of Church Hill at lunch time in near perfect spring time weather conditions. The Laindon Park Conservation group was led by Phil one of the original members that set up the band of like minded people way back in 1998. They have been working tirelessly on the whole area surrounding the church over the years clearing paths, laying hedges, putting in marker posts and information boards so people can enjoy their local open spaces. They are helped by Community Pay Back Volunteers who add a great deal using skills they have learned over the time spent doing such valuable work in the area.
With a group of 13 walkers we set off on our walk on the east side of Church hill on the newly created Fox View foot path winding our merry muddy way along the small well kept paths. With the blossom just emerging on the bushes and brave daffodils at last showing their brilliant heads amongst the grass it was hard to believe we were so close to the habitation just a few short yards away beside St. Nicholas Lane.
 The group have just emerged from Fox View |  St Nicholas Church |
Crossing a large swathe of short grass south of the church reveals a great vista of St. Nicholas Church in all of its glory high above silhouetted against the sky. Most people must often miss this imposing sight emerging between the trees and bushes driving along the roadway.
 Just about to enter Blossom Hill path |  Phil checking his notes |
We turned eastward onto another path called Blossom Hill, Phil gave us a lot of information on the work they continue to do throughout the woodland and also pointing out where bungalows used to be.
Barry another member of the group prepared notes and photographs (many of which he has taken over the years) for the handouts given to us beforehand so we could follow the information given on the walk.
We then reached the junction with Hilly Road, an original road sign still exists on the north side of St. Nicholas Lane nearly opposite Ballards Walk. Details of articles found or unearthed during their forays into the shrubbery over the years was interesting. We were shown the old paths laid by the owners of the properties that formed the plot land areas.
 Laindon Park Conservation tea break area |  The group enjoy the tea break |
We were kindly treated to a drink at a welcoming “camp” along the pathway manned by more of the volunteers. The path eventually led onto Church Hill beside Laindon Park School which was built in 1877 Walking along the roadway various sites were pointed out, one of which was where Laindon Hall was situated before being burned down in 1964. We then continued up the road towards the church where we wandered around the church yard taking in the whole 360 degree view of this special precious corner of our community. Hopefully with this special band of caring folk we can keep what is a vital piece of our heritage for the future generations.
St Nicholas Church yard
Some more pictures from the walk, including a loverly Ash tree that provides habitat for wild life and a much needed windy break for the Church
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 DSCF1052a.jpg |  The Ash tree |
The Ash tree |
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Further to the Hilly Road properties of 1949, Sara A and George A Hunt who lived at “Sunrae” were my grandparents and I vividly remember visiting them as a child. I shall upload some photographs of them and the cottage “Sunrae” to this website.
We really enjoyed the walk last Sunday. It was a pleasure to be able to view the large area that has been cleared due to the hard work of the conservation group over the last nine years or so. In particular we were fascinated by the unnamed bungalow where a lady lived alone in isolation for many years. We can’t resist a challenge so after a trip to the Library and a trawl through the Electoral Register, we strongly believe, she was Alice E Hatchman of ‘The Croft’.
Hilly Road, Properties and Residents 1949. ‘Ivydale’ – Florence and Edmund Saunders. ‘The Croft’ – Alice E and Francis T Hatchman. ‘Sunrae’ – Sara A and George A Hunt. ‘Bolivar’ – Lily Bush. ‘Hilly House’ – Jenny and Bernard Sweeney. ‘Emprise’ – Emily and William Murfitt.
In 1955 only three of these were left. ‘The Croft’ – Alice and Francis Hatchman. ‘Ivydale’ – Phoebe B Nice. ‘Sunrae’ – Sarah and George Hunt.
In 1960 only two were left. ‘The Croft’ – Alice E and Francis Hatchman. ‘Ivydale’ – Gladys and Leslie Barnett.
In 1965. Only ‘The Croft’ was still there. Alice and Francis Hatchman plus Emma Back (who I think was probably Alice’s mother). I found the marriage record of Alice E Back and Francis T Hatchman at Southwark in 1922.
In 1970 the records show that both Francis Hatchman and Emma Back (age 93) died. Alice is then recorded as living alone at ‘The Croft’ for 13 years until 1983, which ties in with the bungalow being demolished the following year, 1984.
Church Hill – 1949. ‘Church Bungalow’ – Arthur John Dunlop plus Helen and John George. ‘Laindon Hall’ – Gertrude, Frederick, and Leonard Lancaster plus Rose Leighton. ‘Drumcondra’ – Ann, Richard and Thomas Creagh. ‘Ernville’ – Maggie, Margaret and Sidney Piper. ‘Briar Mead’ – Mabel and John Dodd plus Constance Wood. ‘Hillside’ – Melinda Bennett plus Rosa and Frank Larkins. ‘The Anchorage’ – Harriett and Millicent Grimmer. ‘Ruscombe’ – Harry Clubb.
Note: Connie Wood was the mother of Jennifer and Pam Wood. Pam was our PE teacher at LHRS from about 1960.
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