Archived Laindon Forum Messages

The following 732 forum entries have been recovered from the old Laindon site and republished here.

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Posts are ordered by date (earliest post first). Responses to posts are grouped under each source post with a “Re:” indicating that thay are responses. Responses are also ordered by date (earliest response first). 

Do you remember? : A Walk Through Laindon by Emma Thomas added 23/03/2011
I have just got back from Ken Porter’s A Walk Through Laindon talk at the library and would just like to say how great it was. I’m only 27 (pretty sure I was the youngest there by a good few years lol) but I find old Laindon fasinating, my family first moved to The Chase in Langdon Hills in the early 1900’s and I’ve grown up hearing many interesting stories. I will be asking them to dig out there old photo’s and memory’s for this site and for Ken’s new book on the POW camp :o) Would recomend his talk to all so make sure to go along next year everyone!. Emma

Do you remember? : Blue House farm by Dave/Eve Wilkins added 26/03/2011
We have just registered with this site,as local history is of some interest to us and we was wondering if there was any photos of blue house farm as my wife remembers it when she was very young, she must have been about 5 or 6 yrs old and was trying to tell me how scary the old farm was. So if anyone has any pics of the old farm we would love to see them, thanks

Do you remember? : Re: blue house farm by Brian Baylis added 03/04/2011
I don’t have any photo’s, but do memories of walking through the farm to school every day, even to being chased through mud, by some pigs and losing a shoe. Yuk! I can remember a certain amount about the layout, but whether I could put it on paper or not, is another matter.. I can remember when my brother, the lad next door and I tried ‘fishing’ in the pond there for sticklebats and the farmer told us to “Clear off!” and we Ran for it.

Do you remember? : Re: blue house farm by Dave/Eve Wilkins added 07/04/2011
well that all rings true with my wife, “clear off” was one thing, but she remembers a gun being wedged up in the window to scare kids off, well that worked, until next time.

Do you remember? : Re: blue house farm by Dave/Eve Wilkins added 16/04/2011
In the same area along Markams Chase, it seems there was an old tin “shed” which was used as a shop, does anyone remember this, or is there any pictures,

Do you remember? : Re: Blue House farm by John Bathurst added 26/05/2011
Any attempt to answer Dave and Eve Wilkin’s enquiry of 16th April 2011 concerning an old tin shed being used as a shop contains difficulties without a somewhat detailed explanation. Firstly it not absolutely certain that an old tin shed did not at some time become a shop except that all the shops in Markhams Chase were anything but made of tin.. Markhams Chase is difficult for a start. The practice of naming roads in rural areas like Laindon or Lee Chapel is a modern one. In the past they were usually referred to as « ways », either being spoken of as « the way to » or « the way from ». The road now known as Markhams Chase was, in fact, earlier known as « the way to Corringham » or « the way to Willow Park ». This is the manner in which it is referred to on the map of Laindon Hall Farm in or about 1700. Like many such tracks of a rural nature it was never more than what we would now call a bridle way since traffic making use of it would be either humans on foot, cattle or horses on the hoof, or the occasional farm vehicle. Un-surfaced and probably virtually unusable in bad weather it would be a Green Lane of which there are countless numbers throughout the UK, and, because of that, where the name « Green Lane » appears in fully urbanised areas, there is a clue to what it was that once existed. The name Markham Chase arose from the fact that Blue House farm was in the hands of the Markham family for some time at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. The Essex Education Committee, needing to extend school places in the Laindon area, acquired from Charles Markham, last of the line farming at Blue House, a field (shown as field No. 11 on the map schedule) to construct a new Junior School. The site actually lay in Lee Chapel, east of the Green Lane and, in order for building work to commence, it was necessary to provide a hard surface to the track from its junction with St Nicholas Lane and Church Hill, both of which roads having already been provided with such hard surfaces.. In deference to the former owners of the new building site, this newly constructed section of road was renamed as Markhams Chase. The remaining section of the original road remained, and subsequently was shown on street maps as « Green Lane », Until this part of the original road was eventually obliterated by the development of the New Town Development Corporation Lee Chapel North estate no greater improvement other than that of providing an asphalt covered footpath along its length as far as its junction with Northumberland Avenue.. (It is worth noting here that, in their usual Cavalier manner the Commission or whatever one of the several names they were employing at that time may. in destroying this old track or thoroughfare, have been also destroying centuries of history. It has long been thought that this was a path trod by many a pilgrim en route to Canterbury. A straight, or moderately straight, line can be drawn from Billericay via Great Burstead through Green Lane, Laindon. and on via The Bridleway and One Tree Hill to Corringham, a line that approximates to known existing, or previously existing, « rights of way ». The Medieval citizens of Corringham were known to have had grazing rights on both sides of the Thames, so would have had the means of ferrying their cattle and others across that otherwise formidable barrier to progress.). By the time the new school (Markhams Chase County Junior and Infants) was constructed and taking in pupils in 1933 there were two specially constructed shops in the new Markhams Chase with a third opening fairly quickly afterwards. The first two lock up shops were built on the east side of the road just to the north of the school. Semi detached, they were a speculative gesture and one of them (that closest to the school) was never operated as a business and was eventually demolished with its partner still unused when both were acquired by the Basildon Development Corporation.

Do you remember? : Re: Blue House farm by Dave/Eve Wilkins added 05/06/2011
Well thanks to John for the very in depth answer,the shop in question was there when a friend of mine moved in the top of Belstedes,Markhams chase end,as the end i now live in was yet built,so that may help date wise,it would have been the great knightlys end,but he does describe it as “a tin shed”,but as he was a school boy of about 8,maybe his memories arnt quite right,.. As you have explained how Markhams Chase got its name,ie they used to own Blue house farm,they must have been the ones who put a gun in the window of the farm to freighten of the kids,as my wife remembers this part but not the shop,,and the information you gave John is very interesting,and full of historical facts.

Do you remember? : Re: Blue House farm by Brian Baylis added 06/01/2013
The owners of Barkers Store, I met up with some years ago, in a pub in Norfolk, and by pure chance. They were in Salvation Army uniforms, and selling War Cry.. I had attended a wedding at Laindon in the 1950’s, so asked if there was any chance they could trace the same couple for me, when I discovered they had owned the shop.

Do you remember? : Elizabeth Drive by Jeff Footer added 07/05/2011
Hi, I’m a Laindon boy born and breed. I now live the other side of the world have done now for some 40 odd years. Looking at this site it brings back some great memories, the shops the people and the surrounding areas. I have’nt seen anything on Elizabeth Drive thats where I was born, in a little house called Kenwood. So if anybodys got photos of the Drive or the people please post. We lived just up from Ebenezer Hall. I along with a lot of other people don’t understand why they killed a little town like Laindon. I look forward to some photos of the Drive and the people that lived down there.

Do you remember? : Re: Elizabeth Drive by Emma Thomas added 28/05/2011
Hi Jeff. I’m helping out with the archive and am currently typing up someones memories, they mention Elizabeth Drive, I’ve also found these pages that mention Elizabeth drive for you, hope the articals bring back some great memories!. http://www.laindonhistory.org.uk/page_id__70_path__0p6p18p52p.aspx . (the paragraph under the second photo). http://www.laindonhistory.org.uk/page_id__11_path__.aspx . (second paragraph). . http://www.laindonhistory.org.uk/page_id__22_path__0p6p54p32p.aspx . (in the comments about this page at the bottom). http://www.laindonhistory.org.uk/page_id__155_path__0p19p.aspx . (second from last paragraph). Will comment again if i find any other information for you. Emma

Do you remember? : Where was the billiard hall? by John Bathurst added 10/05/2011
In the October 1923 edition of “Laindon, Pitsea and Stanford-le Hope Advertiser” (cost 1d monthly) appears the following as part of a report on the meeting of Billericay Rural District Council (forerunner of the BUDC and today’s Basildon Borough Council):-. Under the heading: “Building Activity” appears: “The Sanitary Surveyor” (Mr H B Mayhew) reported that since its last report plans had been submitted for 90 buildings, including 82 dwelling houses. The others included a billiard hall.. The Clerk: Where is the billiard hall?. The Surveyor: At Laindon (loud laughter)”. Has anybody any suggestion as to where or even if “Laindon’s Billiard Hall” that occasioned so much laughter in 1923 was ever built and where it might have been located?. The reason I ask this question is that it was in the 20s I think that Walter Sorrell who lived at “The Homestead”, Northumberland Avenue, built his bungalow which, he always claimed, was done by erecting the full-sized billiard table it contained first and then building the house around it! He was a bit of a joker, so perhaps he was just having us on.

Do you remember? : Mr Parkinson, bicycle mechanic by Fraser Russell added 26/05/2011
Can anyone tell me more about Mr. Parkinson? In the late 1990s he used to repair our bicycles in his shop at the corner of Durham Road and the High Road – now Parkinson’s Corner.

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Parkinson, bicycle mechanic by Ian Mott added 27/05/2011
The Parkinson family played a significant part in the history of Laindon and there are a number of references to the family on the site. There is an article titled Parkinson Brothers Motor Engineers (Discover our Community – see how others see our Community through their Memories, Laindon – Community) and their snippets in the the old photographs of Laindon. We are trying to produce an article on the individual members of the family, but the remaining members are unhappy at the moment and unwilling to sanction us to proceed.. There must however eventually be a detailed article as the history of Laindon would not be complete without one

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Parkinson, bicycle mechanic by Gloria Sewell added 29/05/2011
Hello Fraser the Parkinson family have had a workshop in Laindon as long as I can remember, it was on the cornor of Somerset Rd this was opposite which is now Laindon Link, I think thats still there. My uncle Ken did his apprenticeship there they moved to Durham Rd when the council bought them out what happened to him when he retired i’m sorry I don’t know.

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Parkinson, bicycle mechanic by Ian Mott added 08/06/2011
There is now an article Cliff Parkinson. (see Discover our Community, Noteworthy People)

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Parkinson, bicycle mechanic by William Diment added 26/09/2011
While Cliff Parkinson has been well documented nothing appears in respect of Bill of the garage near the Fortune on War. Bill was m/cycle enthusiast and connected to the grass track racing which took place opposite the Summerhill garage on Sundays. Bill did not ride but loaned cycles to ‘his’ riders one of whom was a Bert Flashman and also his son who died after being shot down over Germany. Perhaps this is the reason for not seeking publicity. Bill’s penchant was the performance of m/cycles and his favourite was a twin horizontally opposed Douglas which had no clutch or chain and was propelled by means of a leather belt. It had no automatic engine lubrication which supplied by a manual pump on top of the underslung petrol tankand which had to be operated manually. Despite this if one arose early on a Sunday morning, this machine could be seen scorching up and down the Arterial road once again with Bert Flasman as rider. It was suggested that it could attain a speed of 80mph although I do not know how this was estimated as it had no speedometer, but no one questioned the veracity of this.

Do you remember? : POW Camp at Langdon Hills and Army Camp by Ken Porter added 27/06/2011
Is there is anybody out there who has any memories, information on the POW Camp that was on the corner of Dry Street and Crown Hill. Also any knowledge on the Army camp at the bottom of Old Church Hill.

Do you remember? : Re: POW Camp at Langdon Hills and Army Camp by Gloria Sewell added 09/07/2011
Hello Ken I don’t remember to much about the POW camp except that the prisoners made toys for the local children. I do have quite strong memories of the army camp, most of the lads there were on national service so they were all quite young. The ones I recall were nice lads they used to have dances up the camp and they picked us girls up in army lorries to go to the dances. There was a lad there I can’t think of his name but his nickname was “rubber legs” because he could rock and roll so well, he and I used to win the jive contests up there. We would win chocs for me and cigarettes for him we always swapped because he didn’t smoke and I did. Most of the boys were known as Scouse, Jock, Paddy, Jordie depending where they came from. One dance came to a sharp halt and we were all ushered out onto the lorries and driven up Old Church Hill with the lights off, quite scarry for a 16yr old, we later found out it was an IRA scare. Some of the lads used to drive through the village in little jeeps called champs they were not allowed to give us lifts but they often did. I remember one lad I was friendly with his name was Geordie Appleby he had a motorbike, on his way back from leave to Laindon he was killed. I don’t know why I can,t recall why but he was not taken back home to be buried he was laid to rest in the tiny church next to the camp, Old St Marys, it is now a private dwelling. His headstone read best I can recall “In memory of corporal Ken Appleby Royal signals”. I wonder if it is still there, I last saw it in 1962.

Do you remember? : Re: POW Camp at Langdon Hills and Army Camp by Jemima Chapman added 13/04/2012
I remember the POWs working on the farms, with the land girls and farm workers.

Do you remember? : Re: POW Camp at Langdon Hills and Army Camp by Don Joy ( Smith ) added 13/08/2015
Was told years ago that my grandfather William ( Bill ) Turner, Laindon’s coal merchant had been a warden at the p.o.w camp.

Do you remember? : Harry Lowes café by Keith Nock added 19/07/2011
I wonder if anyone remembers Harry Lowes café it was between the Fortune of War and Pound Lane, my mum worked there. I remember passing it when I went to the High Rd school.

Do you remember? : Re: Harry Lowes café by Albert Merrison added 07/08/2011
I remember Harry Lowes café from when I worked at S.X. Tools in Pound Lane, my fondest memories was going to have steak and kidney pudding during my lunch break. Does anyone remember S.X. Tools in Pound Lane, I did my apprenticeship there and stayed for 20 years until its closure in 1975. Albert (Bert) Merrison

Do you remember? : Re: Harry Lowes café by Keith Nock added 08/08/2011
hi bert yes i remember s.x tool what a lovely road pound lane was do you remember ted underdown he lived in bungalow in pound lane didnt they turn s.x.tool into a medical supply factory for awhile before they pulled it down

Do you remember? : Re: Harry Lowes café by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 11/08/2011
My husband Chris remembers Harry Lowe’s café – Peter Cackett used to work there; I think Rita Tuttle used to work there too. It was a long American diner-type building. He frequented it in 1956/57. It had a juke box, place not over popular, probably because it was out of the way. Think Harry Lowe sold it and went to Spain. Also think Harry was an ex boxer.

Do you remember? : Re: Harry Lowes café by John Bathurst added 26/08/2011
Harry Lowe’s Café was on the Southend bound side of the A127 (Southend Arterial Road) approximately 200 yards east of the (New) Fortune of War. Those who have access to the old Basildon Street Map published by Barnetts of Barking after the New Town was announced can see a photograph of the café much as it is described by Andrea Ash because Harry used to advertise by this particular medium. As his original intention had been to catch the passing trade, in the pre WW2 days when a run out to Southend was popular with cycle clubs (most of whom disdained using the expensively-constructed cycle track alongside the carriageways) he was also listed in the CTC (Cyclist’s Touring Club) and displayed the club’s sign prominently on the building’s facade. This meant that at weekends and bank holidays there were often large numbers of bikes parked against the café’s walls.. At the time of the 1945 General Election, Harry ( a staunch Labour Party supporter) allowed the use of his café as the local (Laindon and District) office of Charlie Letherland (1898- 1992) who was acting as agent for Captain (later Lord) Ray Gunter !1909-1977) standing as Labour Party candidate for Parliament. It was in this office that, in those pre-computer days, that volunteers spent hours laboriously addressing envelopes in order that every voter in the large South East Essex constituency received Ray’s election literature through the post.

Do you remember? : Modley’s tea shop by Keith Nock added 26/07/2011
Hi I wonder if anyone can remember Mrs Modleys tea shop, it was on A127 between Church Road and Pound Lane on London bound carriageway. Mrs Modley used to have tables and brolleys outside selling teas and ice creams, near by was postoffice and Davis the builders merchant also Coles body builders.

Do you remember? : Re: Modley’s tea shop by Gloria Sewell added 28/07/2011
Hello Keith I think I remember this little tea shop I had a friend living in Royston Ave. i’m sure we used to go there, was there also a butchers along there somewhere. I can also recall an old gipsy lady living behind it in a proper old round colourfull gipsy caravan which was burnt when she died proberly in the 50s.

Do you remember? : Re: Modley’s tea shop by Keith Nock added 29/07/2011
Hi Gloria. Yes there was a butchers also a newspaper shop near pound lane. I remember gypsy lady and her son living on land which went up to church. I lived in bungalow on the A127 between Church Rd and the flyover, until we moved to Royston Ave. Are you related to Ken Davis of Kens Autos, I remember Ken and his son Keith. Keith was my best man at my wedding, how Laindon has changed, we had so much fun in those days

Do you remember? : Re: Modley’s tea shop by Gloria Sewell added 31/07/2011
Hello Kieth; yes I am indeed. Ken was my uncle he opened his workshop at the back of the old Fortune of War when he left Parkinson’s. We lost Ken to Cancer a few years ago, after he moved up here to suffolk. I took care of him at the last to help poor Norma out. Keith still lives in the area but Sandra has moved this way and I still keep in touch with his son Geff and wife Jean. Ken had a small market garden here in Suffolk before he died.. The butchers in pound lane used to deliver my mums meat to use every Tuesday when we lived in King Edward Rd. and the dog always chased him, it didn’t like his white coat reminded him of the vet.

Do you remember? : Ted’s café by By Robin Lockhart added 04/08/2011
Does anybody remember Ted’s café, well known for its ‘frothy coffee’  It used to be at one time the hang out for the Spooks Scooter Club. It was the 1st property you came to on the Southend bound carriageway before the New Fortune of War. Does anybody have any photos?

Do you remember? : Re: Ted’s café by Gloria Sewell added 18/08/2011
Wow! yes Robin another memory, I don’t recall to much about it as I was a Motor Bike girl in the 50s 60s, but yes now you have said it I think it had quite a large car park didn’t it and was also used for lorries. It would be nice to hear a few of your scooter day memories even though I was a “Rocker” of course. When I was a teenager there was no mods and rockers thanks for the memory. Gloria

Do you remember? : Clarks Bicycle Shop by Richard Haines added 05/08/2011
Does anyone remember Clarks shop situated near to the Station end of the High Road. The left hand window was always full of Dinky Toys and Hornby Trains, the right hand side I think was Raleigh bikes, anyone have more detailed memories of this aladdins cave? I used to buy the Meccano Magazine there when I was about ten in 1957.

Do you remember? : Re: Clarks Bicycle Shop by Ian Mott added 06/08/2011
I remember Clarks cycle shop, with the link through behind the counter to the wool / needle work shop next door. My first full size bike was purchased there in the 50s, a Rudge special. I had many years and many miles of enjoyment riding that bike, well into the 80s. I still have some bits in my shed.

Do you remember? : Re: Clarks Bicycle Shop by Anne Burton added 12/08/2011
Yes, I remember buying a bicycle from Archer Clark around 1957. (I can’t remember how much deposit I paid but it took me about 18 months to pay the remainder at 30 bob a month, that would be £1.50). I believe Archer Clark was married to the sister of one of my school friends, Elizabeth Ferris, head girl at Laindon High Road School.

Do you remember? : Re: Clarks Bicycle Shop by Richard Haines added 12/08/2011
Anne, thanks for this, what make of bicycle was it? – must have been a nice one. My biggest purchase in the shop was a Hornby-Dublo train set I got for my birthday in June 1958. It cost £4-18-6, a huge amount for my mum to pay in those days. I already had my bike, a dark red New Hudson bought in Manor Park. Just right for the unmade sections of Tavistock and Claremont Roads. It was good then, sometimes a car would actually use those roads as well, interesting in the winter, dusty and bumpy in the summer!

Do you remember? : Re: Clarks Bicycle Shop by Anne Burton added 16/08/2011
Hi Richard. I think it was a Rayleigh, red and white. It lasted for years and years. It had three speeds and dynamo lights which were good but didn’t work if I went through a puddle. It was the largest purchase I had made to date. I worked at the library in Laindon at the time and so was able to cycle home for lunch. Incidentally, when my mother was a young girl, for a time, she did housework for Archer Clark’s mother. . I know what you mean about unmade roads.

Do you remember? : Re: Clarks Bicycle Shop by Gloria Sewell added 18/08/2011
I think I am talking about the same Clark’s they used to sell clothing and wool as well I recall buying a pair of gloves for my son Tony appox. 1965 and they still had the wartime utility mark, old stock I presume. If it is of interest to anyone the Clarks relocated when thier shop was taken over by Basildon to Reedham, a little village on the Norfolk Broads with its own little ferry. Gloria

Do you remember? : Re: Clarks Bicycle Shop by Richard Haines added 02/09/2011
Hi Ann, talking about unmade roads and Clark’s shop, I used to cycle through to Inverness Road in about 1959/60, on my way to Clarks avoiding the High Road – can you remember any of those back roads at all, the houses were mostly empty then, about to be demolished and the road was cut through by the Laindon Link works. The road was very up and down, bumpy and restricted by bushes growing in it. I think I got back onto the High Road by using Essex Road. Can anyone remember using those back roads in earlier days before Laindon Link. I bet it was nice then.

Do you remember? : Re: Clarks Bicycle Shop by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 25/10/2011
I used those back roads and your description is how I remember them. I think I would start off just past Byron’s shop and come out at the top of St Nicholas Hill. They often feature in my dreams for whatever reason – seeing the grass and ruts and bushes. . Also, somewhere, in Laindon I would pass a big house that had several large home-made dolls’ houses outside. May have been on the way to Dunton but don’t know because I was very young.

Do you remember? : Re: Clarks Bicycle Shop by Ian Mott added 26/10/2011
Andrea. The model houses could well have been those in David Davidson’s garden. His home was on the North side of the railway and the second bridge over the line (where Mandeville Way now crosses) and just before entering the Colony.

Do you remember? : Re: Clarks Bicycle Shop/Model Houses by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 26/10/2011
Ian, thanks, at last someone knows! Thought that had been another recurring dream! We did an awful lot of walking when I was young, mostly Dunton way or Langdon Hills etc. These model houses, as I remember, were in rows and were beautiful. I have never heard of David Davidson.

Do you remember? : Laindon Park Primary School by Albert Merrison added 07/08/2011
I was surprised to see that Laindon Park Primary School did not get a mention, my older brother Mick and my younger brother Robert and myself all attended this school. Miss Donaldson was the headmistress when I first went to the school – but who knew or knows what her first name was? Following her retirement, the schools head was Mr Jack Wilson. Any more memories of this lovely school would be much appreciated. Albert (Bert) Merrison

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by Richard Haines added 08/08/2011
I was at Laindon Park for one year only 57-58. Teachers, Mr Stone, then Mrs Hodgson. Memories only good ones, I loved it. Bus from High Road through Wash Road, very wet in the winter, then up Church Road to the school. In the summer we walked home down through the playing field, through Pound Lane then to Basildon Drive and home through Nichol Road. In football lessons we had shirts with CF for center forward etc, brilliant, I was always right half to get my own initials. Sports day teams were Drake (blue) Clive (yellow) Nelson (red) and Wellington (green) – who thought all that up? The canteen had semolina for afters – who could top that. My friends there were Keith English, Barry Keeble, Brian Stepney, Kenny Prince, Brian Archer, Andy Darroch. Girls I can remember were Susan Gregory, Gilian Bull, Valerie Boatwright, Jacqui Sheppard, Jill Strutt, Valerie Newman, Pamela Lane. I’ve often gone back to look, it still seems the same, what a nice little school. Can others remember more……..

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by Keith Nock added 08/08/2011
Hi Bert what a lovely school Laindon Park was before they built flyover near Church Rd we had to cross A127 at Church Rd., thats when intersections were still open. I remember going into Coopers shop to get sweets. We had a teacher Mrs Hughes her husband used to teach at Laindon High Rd his knickname was tap tap. For our country dancing we had to go to the church hall which is now gone. I remember having our sports days in school field, now bike sheds have gone and new classroom built in their place. What great days!

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by Gloria Sewell added 18/08/2011
Hi everyone, sorry I can’t remember much about “Donaldsons” in the 40s to 70s but from 1979 my twins Shelly and James attended it. Then called Laindon Park School, the school had 89 pupils Mr Lilly was the headmaster it was still as you all remember it a fantastic little school I have a school photo I will be using in a later article. Anyone who had children there then may recall I used to run a disco every year for the children. One year we had halloween, another year we had a beach party they were always great fun and the whole school went. The childrens field used to be across the road is it still like this. When I had to take my children from the school when we moved to Suffolk they still say it was like leaveing a family behind. I am so thrilled this is one school that has remained on the whole untouched by Basildon it certainly gave my twins a good start they both have good jobs here in Suffolk .

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by Val Scurlock (née Newman) added 21/08/2011
Good to see so many of my classmates’ names, Richard. When I left Laindon Park at eleven I went to Chelmsford to school and soon after that we moved to Basildon so I lost touch with all of my Laindon Park friends. I can also remember Heather Fullerton, Linda Smith, Prudence Wakefield and Maureen Hugget. The teachers I can remember were Miss Davies, Mrs Card, Mrs Wilson (the headteacher’s wife) Mrs Hodgson, Mr Stone and Mr Eric Rand. When I was in Mr Stone’s class the school must have been full because I can remember walking to the church hall to have lessons every day. It was my job to make Mr Stone’s coffee at playtime, boiling up the milk on the old gas stove. Mr Rand was the teacher I could remember the most clearly. I think he taught us in top class. I remember the recorder group, which I have a photo of but can’t put a name to all the faces. Also he took us to the Robert Major concerts (for children) in the Royal Festival Hall, London on some Saturday mornings. (What an experience!) I remember the country dancing and going to Markham’s Chase for some kind of festival. I think I have a photo. I was at the school between 1953 and 1959 and during that time the brick building at the back for the school was built and I can remember having dinner in there.

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by Richard Haines added 24/08/2011
Hi, Valerie, you were in my class when Mr Stone was teaching for the 1957 term. I remember I sat near the front with Kenny Prince, on the blackboard always hung a map of the world with all the British countries marked in pink. We always joked how big USSR was. I remember all the girls names you mentioned above. Also in our class was Philip Trew who lived on the King Edward Road estate and Howard Davies who lived in Church Road. I left Mr Stones class at the beginning of 1958 to join Mrs Hodgsons top class. I remember in the morning some of the children were driven by their parents by car to the school, I was always rather envious of them. I also recall walking round the the church hall for some lessons but not many, ours was a lovely room wasnt it, with windows looking out to the playground, playing field and the A127 aspects down Church Road. I liked Miss Davies best of the teachers but there again so did most of the boys!!

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by June Higgs (Ferguson) added 31/08/2011
I was at Markham’s Chase school in ’53 and the festival you mentioned could have been the Queen’s Coronation celebrations when we had to make and dress up in costumes from the time of Elizabeth 1st.

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by Gloria Sewell added 02/09/2011
Hello June, I do have a photo of us at the festival at Markham’s Chase kindly sent to me by Josie Bowen (nurse trickys daughter) from Australia I will ask the webmaster to put it on my Markham’s Chase years article. . Change of subject when I was at Markham’s Chase all the local schools went on a trip to London after the trip teachers arranged for us to exchange letters from school to school, my pen pal was Gloria Negus from Donaldson’s can anyone tell me if she still lives locally thank you.

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by William Diment added 03/10/2011
Hallow Bert, I suppose you like me no longer play cricket but have become a watcher. I did later become an umpire with Laindon CC when they entered league cricket but gave it up as it became partisan with a must win attitude whereas we played for the love of the game win or lose. However I digress from your enquiry.. I did attend Laindon Park Primary in the days when it was known as Donaldson’s but “Miss” Donaldson was actually a Mrs. and had a son named Maurice about the same age as me. The question of her Christian name has been raised before but enquiries failed to reveal this.. As to Jack Wilson, you know as well as me from past association.. PS. Does your better half still keep scores?

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by William Diment added 16/10/2011
Hallo Bert; Futher to your message regarding Donaldson’s School I now remember John Bathurst giving her Christian name as Margaret.

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by Ann & Albert Merrison added 17/01/2012
Hi Bill. Lovely to receive your messages regarding Laindon Park School. We moved from Wash Road 4 years ago, me having lived in Westralia for 67 years, we are now on the Wirral.. Thank you for the name of Miss Donaldson. . Regarding your other message, no I do not play cricket these days, but like you we are both watchers of sport. Ann does not keep score any more only an eye on me. . We hope you and your family are all well, with our very best wishes Bert & Ann Merrison

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by William Diment added 08/02/2012
Hallo Ann and Bert. I have just noticed your comment. Miss Donaldson was in fact a Mrs. and had a son Maurice approx. the same age as myself.. As regards my family, regretfully my wife Peggy passed away several years ago after many years as an invalid. My youngest son Tom retired and moved to a small township in the Canadian Rockies, but I do still have a son and a daughter, plus three grandchildren living locally. Still this is the way of the world as it is said, “time like an ever rolling stream bears all its sons away.” We must make the best of what little time is left to us.. My best wishes to you both.

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Park Primary School by Jemima Chapman added 13/04/2012
Re Laindon Park School / Donaldsons, when I went to this school it was run by a miss Donaldson, she changed my name, because she did not like jemima and would cain my brother across his left hand because he was left handed, hard times.

Do you remember? : Laindon Service Station by Keith Nock added 16/08/2011
Hi I wonder if anyone can remember Laindon Service Station on the A127 the James family ran it for some time?

Do you remember? : Re: laindon service station by Gloria Sewell added 18/08/2011
Hi Keith, yes I worked for Mr and Mrs James for a while Mr James ran the garage side of things Mrs James ran the café side I recall (no disrespects ) he was quite a henpecked little man. Mrs James used to sit on a stall in the café watching every thing that went on, she even counted the sweets in the jar at the end of a shift to make sure we hadn’t eaten any. I also worked on the pumps there. After that I don’t know or can’t recall what happened to the couple. I know it was sold on and became a very nice restaurant, which we always used Saturday nights. They did really good steaks especialy T Bones ,they also had in house entertainment this would have been about 1970. I can’t recall if they carried on selling petrol as well.

Do you remember? : Re: laindon service station by Keith Nock added 19/08/2011
Hi Gloria thanks for reply, I remember the James family through the daughter muriel. I worked with her husband at that time Cliff Viner. I worked at Tonibell Ice cream. Mr James was very henpecked I think he went to Spain.

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Service Station by June Higgs added 31/08/2011
I also remember the wonderful T-Bone steaks served in the café that was previously Laindon Service Station. I also remember two young gituarists who played there at weekends and sung the Everly Brothers songs.. There were a few other cafés on the A127 close to the Fortune of War. Enefers which stood where McDonalds is now. Mr Enefer, I believe, is still alive and in his 90’s. Bill’s café (commonly called Dirty Bills which I will not elaborate on) owned by Bill and his blonde wife Pat, which was on the opposite side of the A127 on the corner of the road that led to Buckingham’s slaughter house. He had an amazing antique organ which I only heard played a few times. It played automatically when a handle was turned and and a cylinder with pins sticking out of it played the keys. It was destroyed when a fire burned down the building. Next door was a small bar and dance hall which was popular in the late 50’s. Further towards London was another petrol station that I cannot remember the name of. It had a café where you could sit all evening for the price of a coffee or a plate of chips and listen to the juke box. It was the first place to have a Johnny Mathis record who was a new singer at the time.. The most popular café was the Hiawatha café next door to the Radion Cinema. Does anyone else have memories of it?

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Service Station by Gloria Sewell added 02/09/2011
I’m glad you remember the lovely T.Bone steaks. Dirty Bills, yes I do remember clearly he and Pat always had a ciggy hanging out of their mouths and the fantastic organ. I have asked somewhere on this site about the organ, it’s so sad to know it was destroyed in the fire. Bill’s was one of the regular cafés us bikers used together with Enifers. The café further up the A127 was Hatters also often used by us. The Hiawatha was the first café in Laindon to serve Frothy Coffee, do you recall that. I must confess the bar beside Bill’s was the first place I ever became intoxicated on 3 Cherry Bs. Do you also remember The Blinking Owl, not part of Laindon but one of the Laindon Bikers haunts? . When my next artical for the site is published I do refer to these places I am sure June our paths must have crossed somewhere along the way.

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Service Station by June Higgs added 02/09/2011
Yes, I do remember the Blinking Owl café. I remember doing a “ton-up” along the A127 on the back of David Flashman’s bike hanging on for dear life, skirt and petticoats flying and wearing stilettos, well before helmets were compulsory. David Codell was sadly killed riding his bike.

Do you remember? : Farmer’s Taxis by Keith Nock added 16/08/2011
Hi can anyone remember Sid and Beryl Farmer they had taxis business in Wraysbury Drive, Laindon

Do you remember? : Re:Farmer’s taxis by Albert Merrison added 16/08/2011
Hi Keith. Yes I remember Farmer’s Taxis, I played cricket with their son Ray Farmer, which I have listed on my notes regarding Laindon Cricket Club.

Do you remember? : Re: Re:Farmer’s taxis by Keith Nock added 17/08/2011
Hi Bert, didn’t Ray live in bungalow next to Sid’s. I remember name on gates back in 80s. I met Sid Farmer I think he said he had been abroad. It’s a job to picture Wraysbury Drive now but I remembering the blouse factory.

Do you remember? : Re: Farmer’s Taxis by Ken Porter added 01/09/2011
Hi Keith. Like Bert who I played cricket with, I also played with Ray. Beryl lives on the Noak Bridge Estate and Ray I believe in the Southend area.

Do you remember? : Re: Farmer’s Taxis by W.H.Diment added 22/09/2011
Further to earlier messages, Farmers Taxis first appeared in the post war period and was run by 3 brothers using large american limousines, I believe were Cadillacs.  Sid Farmer who I believe was senior in the business lived on the now defunct Brackenmount estate. On receipt of CPO he had a house and garages built in Church Rd. near to the A127.  It was then that he was advised of a further CPO and moved to Wraysbury Drive, although the CPO was never finally implemented.  Even in Wraysbury Drive he still fell foul of the Basildon Development Corporation as he was informed part of his garden was to be taken for the new extension of Noak Hill Rd.. It would seem that Sid had enough of the local government and moved to Leigh.. I too, in common with Ken Porter and Bert Merrison played cricket with the son, Ray Farmer.

Do you remember? : Re: Farmer’s Taxis by Brenda Hendry added 25/11/2011
My husband drove Sid Farmer’s taxis out of Laindon Station & Basildon Town Centre. He moved to Basildon from London when he was 19 (1962) and got a part time job with Sid. Do any drivers remember him his name was Roger.

Do you remember? : Essex Country Club by Keith Nock added 20/08/2011
Hi I am sure lots of you will remember the Essex Country Club in Basildon Road later changed its name to the Irish Club now land is all built on. Has anyone got any stories to tell of there times there?

Do you remember? : Re: Essex Country Club by June Higgs added 31/08/2011
Hi Keith, I think that the Essex Country Club was also called The Bas Club before it became the Irish Club.. Does anyone remember the Regal Club on the corner of Pound Lane and Nicholas Lane? I think it was run by Patsy Newth’s brother who later had a bar in Lloret de Mar called Gary Coopers.

Do you remember? : Re: Essex Country Club by Ken Porter added 01/09/2011
Hi Keith. Yes it become the Basildon Country Club before it was called the Irish Club. I have a feeling it reverted to the Basildon Country club before it closed down.. I joined Laindon Cricket Club in 1959, their home ground was at the back of the Club

Do you remember? : Re: Essex Country Club by Anne Burton added 13/09/2011
I used to go to the Basildon Country Club with my friend Wendy in the mid-late 1950’s. We had some lovely times there.

Do you remember? : Re: Essex Country Club by W.H.Diment added 15/09/2011
Further to Ken Porter and others, pre-war this was the Basildon Country Club, although virtually in the heart of Laindon could not be designated as Laindon due to there being a Laindon Park Country Club next to Parkinson’s Garage at the Fortune of War roundabout. I believe the name of the Basildon Rd. club was changed to Essex when taken over by Joe Rothstein and after his death became the Irish Club under Mrs. Jeakin

Do you remember? : Re: Essex Country Club by Roger Wicking added 03/12/2012
All I know is that my brother, Tony Wicking got beaten up there! His Crime? Speaking too posh in early 1950’s. But he took like a man, being a Flying Officer he was; I trust his assailants got their just deserts.

Do you remember? : Re: Essex Country Club by George Le-Surf added 13/06/2017
For a short while in the late 60s it got became “The Liberal Club”. Although not a Liberal, I did a deal and helped them to construct a concrete car park at the front. In return I held my stag party and wedding reception there, in 1969, at “a very reasonable” cost. Earlier when it was still a club, and when we lived in Kent Road, my two older sisters, Sheila & Rene went there, with their two friends, the “Tice” twins; I think at the week ends.

Do you remember? : Beulah house by Denise Lovell added 22/08/2011
My husband’s grandparents lived in a house called Beulah and he spent many happy summers at Beulah with his grandparents and aunts and uncles. Does anyone know this house (not there anymore sadly) or have any photographs? The family name was Haydon. I believe it was near where Laindon Link is now.

Do you remember? : Re: Beulah house by Eric Pasco added 22/08/2011
Hi Denise, Do not know about the name of the house but know the name Haydon who lived in the High Road near Laindon Link. Ralph Haydon was in my class at Laindon School and he had younger siblings 3 or 4 if I remember. This would be around 1962/63

Do you remember? : Re: Beulah house by June Higgs added 31/08/2011
Hi Denise, Are you by any chance related to Ernie Lovell who used to ride a motorbike around Laindon in the late 50’s?

Do you remember? : Re: Beulah house by Denise Rowling added 02/09/2011
Ralph Haydon now lives in Greece.

Do you remember? : Yellow Birds Majorettes by Gloria Sewell added 24/08/2011
Hello can any one give me any information on the Yellowbirds Majorettes based at Blue House School 70s onwards as I am writing an article about them. My twins were in the group 1975 but I would like to extend the artical further thankyou for any information.

Do you remember? : S.X.Tools by Gloria Sewell added 26/08/2011
After reading Mr Albert Merrison’s comment on the message board re.Harry Lowe’s café. I thought it would be interesting to ask for peoples memories on the S.X.Tool Co. in Pound Lane. My father-in-law was employed there for a number of years as a toolmaker, his name was Mr James Muir, he was scottish and he worked there until it closed down and then went to Carreras. Another member of the family that worked there, I hope I am right in saying, was Mr Roy Webster.

Do you remember? : Re: S.X.Tools by Robin Lockhart added 31/08/2011
My father worked at SX Tools just after the war, his name was George Lockhart. No futher info I’m afraid

Do you remember? : Re: S.X.Tools by Gloria Sewell added 10/09/2011
I lived on the other side of the 127 in the row of brick houses no.51 opposite the church ground my twins spent their early childhood their 1975-till we moved to Suffolk 1984 I m so glad to say that little piece of Laindon is still the same S.X. Tools was changed into a drug suppliers about then …..

Do you remember? : Re: S.X.Tools by Gloria Sewell added 10/09/2011
I should have said a row of brick houses in pound lane just past the Kathleen Ferrier Entrance……

Do you remember? : Re: S.X.Tools by Donald Joy added 11/12/2015
Gloria, I do remember S.X. Tools being in the other part of Pound Lane. Can’t say anything of any use to anybody about it but, I did think, at a very young age, what a clever name it was. It one day dawned on me that S.X. was in actual fact the exact sound of our county name Essex. Thought I was really clever to have spotted that ! We must almost have been neighbours, well done for avoiding me.

Do you remember? : Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by Keith Nock added 29/08/2011
Hi I wonder if anyone remembers Pollards newsagents on A127 near Pound Lane

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by Ken Porter added 01/09/2011
Hi Keith. Yes, I did a paper round for them for two years 1957/59. My round took me up Church Road, north of the A127. Down Wash Road, west direction, Royston Avenue, I went to the top of Rectory Road. At Weekends I had to do the round in two hits because of all the farmers brochures. Collected money on Saturday and Sunday. Paid 10/- a week increased to 12/6d when I added a few more houses. I received more in tips than my wage but I enjoyed it what ever weather.

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by Val Scurlock (née Newman) added 01/09/2011
I remember a newsagents in that area and the name Pollards is familiar. I lived in Basildon Rd in the 50s, (the school end of the road) and I can also remember a newsagents or a shop that sold comics on our side of Church Road, near the end towards the A127. Later I think it became a motor bike shop or something like that. There was also Charlie Mesnards butcher shop opposite Mrs Coopers and the post office/sweet shop on the A127. I remember getting our orange juice and milk powder, (I think rationed) from there. I wasn’t born until 1948 so it must have been those supplies which carried on after the war to build up our strength.

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by Gloria Sewell added 10/09/2011
hello valerie Mesnards the butchers used to deliver my mums meat to her on a Tuesday morning every week We used to have to shut the dog in because he always went for him i think it must of been the smell of the meat and he just wanted to eat him poor man …do you remember the plums that used to grow along the hedge on the 127 between pound lane and church rd we used ti pick them every year for jam ..One more thing Valerie do you remember Mrs (i think)bright that used to tell fortunes i think she lived in Chuch rd bye now Gloria

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by W.H.Diment added 15/09/2011
The other shops referred to by Val Scurlock, were Coopers Stores who were also newsagents formerly owned by Fred Tallboys. The wooden shop opposite was at one time a sweet shop until it became a butchers by Reg. Meznard, Charleys older brother. The shop near to the A127 in Church Rd., did become Gordon Swift’s M/cycles and still exists today under new management. The post/shop on the A127 next to Coles body builders was known as Reeves Post Office and Pollard’s was further west close to Pound Lane.

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by William Diment added 24/09/2011
Hallo Gloria Sewell. The fruit trees on the north side of the A127 were probably left when the small dwellings which existed prewar were cleared, but were not entirely forgotten as some of the house names were used for road names on the Noak Mead estate.. Mrs.Bright, the fortune teller did live in Church Rd. opposite the shop which later became Swifts M/cycles. She had a daughter Norma who was a classical pianist and also taught the piano. Norma had a horse she kept in the field behind her house.

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by William Diment added 25/09/2011
Hallo Gloria Sewell. The fruit trees to which you refer on the A127 were probably left over from the small dwellings which used to exist there, but although gone are not forgotten as some of the house names live on as road names in the Noak Mead estate. Similarly there is an apple tree in the hedge outside the Campanile Motel, probably a remnant of the old Brackenmount arera.. Also Mrs.Bright the fortuneteller did live in Church Rd., opposite to the shop which later became Swifts M/cycles. She had a daughter, Norma, who was a classical pianist and also taught locally. Norma had a horse which she kept in the field behind her house near to a timber dwelling in which a family named Bullock lived but later moved into Church Rd.

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by Val Scurlock (née Newman) added 25/09/2011
W.H. Diment – Did you remember Gordon Swift’s motorcycles shop in Church Road being a newsagents before that? I can remember that in the 1950s.

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by William Diment added 27/09/2011
Hallo Val Scurlock. I do not remember the shop in question as a paper shop as I had left the area for a period at the date you mention. Were Coopers still selling papaers at that time? My main memories of the shop was prewar and in entering, there was a long counter covered in little glass cabinets which contained all the sweets. In the bungalow next door lived a lady who called herself Madame Godfrey and taught singing With Norma Bright opposite, the arts in Laindon were well catered for.

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by Terry Rattenbury added 15/06/2012
Hello Val its taken me a while to read these messages, but I think you will find that before the shop was Swifts it was Coopers I used to go there on my way too Laindon park school. They later moved to the A127.

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by Terry Rattenbury added 17/06/2012
Sorry slight senior moment of course it wasnt Cooper’s they were further along Church road I meant to say prior to Swifts the shop was Pollard’s.

Do you remember? : Re: Pollard’s Newsagents on A127 by Don Joy (Smith ) added 13/08/2015
My friend and neighbour Raymond Broom, who sadly passed away aged just 17, did a paper round for Pollards which daily took him as far afield as Crays Hill ! He was once fined 10 shillings for riding a bicycle without lights while on his round ! I knew the Pollards son Dave who I believe was a year or 2 older than me and was always in awe of him as he was a leading Mod in the area and wore the most amazing suits. Oops the green eyed monster just resurfaced !

Do you remember? : Manor Mission by Eric Pasco added 31/08/2011
Who remembers going to Sunday School there? I believe it is still standing. The Rowe family I think ran the Mission. Went there from about 1952 – 1958. Always remember Harvest festival time.

Do you remember? : Re: Manor Mission by Gloria Sewell added 31/08/2011
Yes, Eric I do recall the Manor Mission, but help me, was it in Manor Rd? I just can’t bring it into focus in my mind, except that we got little paper leaflets with a prayer on them from the meetings. Manor mission has a place in my memory but I need it jogged some times.

Do you remember? : Re: Manor Mission by Gloria Sewell added 01/09/2011
Was the park behind the prefabs a little futher up the road and did you go through a wooden gate to get to the park. If yes, I can recall it but very vaguely, as I was only 4 when we left the prefabs. I remember walking through the gate down an unmade road to the hall and comeing out to bye sweets at Steer’s before going back home.

Do you remember? : Re: Manor Mission by Eric Pasco added 01/09/2011
Yes Gloria it was in Manor Road just up on the left hand side, behind a factory I think? Was more like a hall than a church. I am almost certain that the Rowe family who lived in the High Rd opposite the school were very much involved as Sunday School teachers. After Sunday school we used to walk up to Langdon Hills Rec up to watch Dad play cricket in the summer.

Do you remember? : Re: Manor Mission by Eric Pasco added 02/09/2011
It was just off thre High Road maybe 100 yards on the left, if you continued up Manor Road it took you to the park where the prefabs were, so you are spot on. I do not remember the sweet shop.

Do you remember? : Re: Manor Mission by Anne Burton added 05/09/2011
I went to Sunday School at Manor Mission. Sunday School teacher Mrs Marleton (not sure about the spelling), she was the mother of a boy in my class at Markham’s Chase by the name of Geoffrey. Each week we received what they called a script, which was a picture of a scene in the bible with a relevant verse. You could find the scene in the bible and keep your script in place. I still have some of them. I kept attending until I was late one week and got a red tick instead of a black tick on my card and didn’t go any more as I thought it was rather unforgiving of them. I was only about 7 or 8.

Do you remember? : Re: Manor Mission by Colin Ferrier added 11/09/2011
I too went to Sunday School at Manor Mission sometime between 1947 and 52. The person in charge at that time was Mr Turle. At the rear of the church was a small hall where the cubs met on a weekly basis. The cubmistress was Miss Hickson who lived in Laindon High Road opposite Wilsons the chemist. I lived in the prefabs in Railway Approach until 1952.

Do you remember? : Re: Manor Mission by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 30/10/2011
Have passed a fairly recent photograph of the Manor Mission to Ian, who will no doubt scan/publish it.

Do you remember? : Re: Manor Mission by John Rolph added 06/01/2014
I never went to Sunday School there but remember it well – I lived for 14 years in the bungalow directly opposite the Mission.

Do you remember? : Re: Manor Mission by Ted Bruley added 14/01/2014
I can remember going to cubs and scouts at Manor Mission Hall in Manor Road. This would be in the late forties I think. Mr Rowe was the scoutmaster and he lived on the corner of Pauls Road and Tavistock Road. I was later to live in Tavistock Road for eleven years.

Do you remember? : Dorothy’s Sweet Shop by Robin Lockhart added 02/09/2011
Somebody must remember Dorothys Sweet shop it was just up from the Hiawatha, only a small place next door to a hair-dressers on the end of a small parade. My mother worked there on a Sunday 9am to 9pm. It was owned Cecil Gatley, he also had a butchers shop in Church Rd and in the High Rd the other side of the station. These used to belong to Mesnards. Gatleys also had 2 shops next to Great Burstead church.

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothy’s Sweet Shop by Val Scurlock (née Newman) added 05/09/2011
Robin- Thanks for posting this message. I have been trying to put a page together about my family and memories and couldn’t remember the name of the shop. It all fell into place when I read your post. Cecil was my uncle and he married my Aunt Dolly (Newman). I remember that the shop was named after her. When I was in my early teens I worked in the sweet shop on Saturdays. I loved it. I think that is when I developed my sweet tooth. Cecil owned a butcher’s shop on the same parade as the sweet shop. My dad Wally Newman worked for him at one time and later when he was working for Fords he helped him out at weekends. At Great Burstead they had a butcher’s and a grocer’s shop and lived in the rest of the house. We spent a lot of time there as children. I can remember quite a few shops in the Hiawatha area.

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothys Sweet Shop by Robin Lockhart added 05/09/2011
Hi, I remember a chap called Walley who used to drive one of the vans at the weekend when Joe was off, my Dad did as well. I used to work at the shop next to the church in Gt Burstead after school & all day Sat. Who was Mrs Stringer related to? I know Joyce & Margaret were Cecil & Dorothy’s daughters. Unfortunately no photos from those days

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothy’s Sweet Shop by Robin Lockhart added 05/09/2011
Hi, When did you used to visit the shops in Gt.Burstead? . I worked there from August 1955 until May 1957. Our paths must have crossed at sometime

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothys Sweet Shop by Val Scurlock (née Newman) added 08/09/2011
Mrs Lily Stringer was also in the Newman family, Dolly and Wally’s sister. She did a lot of work for St Nicholas church during her time. I’ll try to get a page about it written for the site.

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothy’s Sweet Shop by Keith Nock added 08/09/2011
Hi Val was Lily related to Cyril Newman who lived in Church Rd? I remember he was a friend of my uncle George Bull who lived on the corner of Basildon Rd and Church Rd. I remember going in a sweet shop near Great Burstead Church, mum and dad used to walk up through the fields to it.

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothys Sweet Shop by Val Scurlock (née Newman) added 08/09/2011
Yes, there were five children in the family in age order they were Lily, Dolly, George, Wally and Cyril. I will try to get on with some pages when I get back from holiday. We used to walk across the fields to Great Burstead in the summer sometimes. Cyril lived in a bungalow in Church Rd but not when we were living in Basildon Rd. I can’t remember the name of the road he lived in with his wife Winnie before she died.

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothys Sweet Shop by Robin Lockhart added 08/09/2011
Hi, Just a small point. You mentioned Church Road and Basildon Road, well my wife used to live in Brackenmount which I think was close by. This was in the early 50’s to 1961,

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothy’s Sweet Shop by Keith Nock added 09/09/2011
Hi Robin I remember Brackenmount it ran from Basildon Rd to the A127. I remember a man called Wally Staden, he kept goats. I used to live in bungalow on the other side of A127, we used to go newting on ponds near where Yardley’s use to stand.

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothy’s Sweet Shop by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 10/09/2011
Yes, do remember that sweet shop because my Uncle Will (Elliott) was the Barber next door – he lived in the house behind the shop.. Originally entered on site 04/09/2011 at 19:11 (Editor)

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothys Sweet Shop by Val Scurlock (née Newman) added 19/09/2011
I remember Bracken Mount. There was a little chapel on the corner of Basildon Road and Bracken Mount. I think the road went through to the arterial road. What was your wifes name?

Do you remember? : Re: Dorothys Sweet Shop by Robin Lockhart added 19/09/2011
Dawn Lee, her brother Tony got killed in a motor bike accident, Late 50’s I believe.

Do you remember? : Flack’s Post Office by Keith Nock added 09/09/2011
hi I wonder if anyone remembers Flack’s shop in Wash Rd Laindon it was run by Dennis Flack and his sister, it was a Post Office and sold meats and most things. The land was sold for housing after they retired.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Gloria Sewell added 09/09/2011
Yes Kieth I remember Flack’s when I used to stay with my friend Veronica Nightingale, you may recall them they were a large family living in Royston Ave. The sons name was Harry all the girls had lovely curly hair. We used to go to Flack’s to get parafin for their heater and they also sold pigeon food, her father kept pigeons i’m sure thats where he got the food. We used to cycle that way across Barleylands to go see Billy Foil’s lions.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Keith Nock added 09/09/2011
Hi Gloria yes I remember Nightingale’s my uncle George Bull married Dimps Nightingale, I still keep in touch with Dimpses daughter Carol what a small world.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Gloria Sewell added 10/09/2011
As I say thats Laindon for you, was your uncle the butcher and have you had any contact with the Nightingales. I would love to know how Veronica is? When they moved to Wales, when we were 15, I went to stay with them in Wales, I haven’t seen her since. I would love to hear anything about her. Thanks

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Keith Nock added 10/09/2011
Hi Gloria no my uncle was a ground worker, i will get in touch with Carol and find out for you. I know Dimps is still alive in her 80s.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Gloria Sewell added 10/09/2011
Thankyou so much keith i know one of the sisters married a butcher in fact i think he had a shop nearby and also in Pitsea was Dimps a hairdresser .Two other girls i recall living near Flacks we were pals with were Barbara Flint and Jacky …….Married name Macglocklon married a soilder from Laindon camp bye now Gloria …

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Keith Nock added 11/09/2011
Hi Gloria, I have spoke to Carol, Veronica is well and still living in Wales. She has been married 40yrs but no children. Carol will pass message on if I could have your email address I will keep you in touch.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Gloria Sewell added 11/09/2011
Kieth thank you so much I am at this moment sitting here crying, Veronica was my oldest and bestest school friend we went and did everything together untill she moved to Wales. i dont know why we lost touch (marrage etc.) but we did, this means so much to me thank you again.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Gloria Sewell added 11/09/2011
Forgot to say thank you Laindon Archives site thank you so much without you I would never have found Veronica.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Anne Burton added 13/09/2011
I remember Flack’s shop. When I was first married I lived at Phylbert, Dunton Road. When I had my first baby in 1964, I used to trundle the pram up Wash Road to the shop. The girls in the shop were very nice and sent me a ‘New Baby’ congratulations card.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by W.H.Diment added 15/09/2011
Further to Keith Knock and others, this shop was originally owned by Mr. Enefer who also had the café at the Fortune of War. It changed hands circa 1936, but I cannot remember the buyers name. The Flack family I believe purchased during the war years and it remained with them until it was closed after Dennis Flack’s retirement. It had a short lease of life as a secondhand furniture shop until being demolished for the housing estate of Noak Mead.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Val Scurlock (née Newman) added 19/09/2011
When I was very young, before I went to school, my mum Renée (Irene) Newman (née Thomas) worked in Flack’s and I used to go with her and play in the back room. I remember colouring etc in there. That would have been in about 1951/2.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by Tracey Bradford added 05/06/2012
Hi Keith, I remember Flacks post office shop in Wash Rd. My Nan Irene Wells used go round there with me when I was younger to get a bag of sweets, bread, milk, etc. My nan and grandad used to live round the conner in Wash Road in a bungalow near the Prince of Wales. Also my nan used to be a cleaner in the Prince of Wales pub early in the mornings, I used to go with her when I stayed over night with her. . I will never forget it, they were the best times for me.

Do you remember? : Re: Flack’s Post Office by alan taylor added 22/10/2013
Hi Keith, I remember Flack’s, I lived in Martindale Aveue, after the Flack’s retired it was a second hand shop for a while, as you say there are houses there now. I can not remember his sisters name but they did live in Southend

Do you remember? : Six T plus club by Gloria Sewell added 14/09/2011
This club started in the elderly peoples residence on the Kathleen Ferrier estate. Sorry can’t recall the name of the residence. I was on the steering commity and it was me who named the club. When it got started I became unwell and could not continue, does anyone know how long it went on for or even is it still going it started up approx. 1975?

Do you remember? : Doctor Garson by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 17/09/2011
I especially remember one day with Dr Garson at Dr Long’s surgery. Can’t remember the year, but there was an epidemic; I had time off from my London job to visit the Doctor for an innoculation. I was only a youngster but Dr Garson asked if I was going back to work and when I said no, he said ” well you can stay here and help me ” which I did – for the rest of the afternoon – placing small plasters on patients’ arms after the jab.

Do you remember? : Re: Doctor Garson by Robin Lockhart added 19/09/2011
Dr Garson remembered with great affection. He was my wife’s GP when she was a teenager, and he was also the President of Basildon Youth Association aka BYA in the early 60’s. . I believe he emigrated to Canada.

Do you remember? : Re: Doctor Garson by Keith Nock added 16/10/2011
I remember doctor garson he was my doctor I think he emigrated to Canada, after that doctor Long became my doctor. He was very straight talking I remember I had a temperature Dr. Long looked at me in this thick vest I had on told me to take it off and I would be ok.

Do you remember? : Re: Doctor Samuel Long by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 25/10/2011
When I was a small child, I smacked Dr Long’s face when he tried to examine me – he retaliated with a tap back on my face!. When my husband went to Dr Long to have a Whitlow lanced, he told the doctor it might make him jump, to which Dr Long drily replied ” well you’ll only jump seven feet because that’s the height of the ceiling”.

Do you remember? : PEACHEY BROS by Dave Oakley added 11/10/2011
Who remembers the green grocer Peachey’s? I worked there in the 60s, the shop had front shutters and when the snow blew it used to come right into the shop and cover us and the displays—BRRRRRRR.

Do you remember? : Re: PEACHEY BROS by Gloria Sewell added 12/10/2011
Yes I do remember Peachey Bros they also had a shop in Laindon Shoping center when it first opened, in its better days, opposite the chemist and chinese take away.

Do you remember? : Re: PEACHEY BROS by Norma Saggers added 22/11/2011
I worked in Peachey’s Office above the warehouse, they had a German Shepherd called Max

Do you remember? : Re: PEACHEY BROS by Don Joy ( Smith ) added 10/08/2015
i remember Peacheys when they started trading from an old ex milk float that they trundled around the streets of Laindon. As they grew they had a stall on the grounds in front of Buckenhams the butchers along the High Road, after which they then occupied the shop next to the Radion that had previously been Clarks bike shop. As is well known they then went from strength to strength to become a major supplier of fruit and vegetables to schools and other establishments as well as running their own chain of shops.

Do you remember? : Re: PEACHEY BROS by Donald Joy added 02/09/2015
Dave and Terry Peachey started out selling fruit and veg out of a van they drove around Laindons roads mid to late fifties as I recall. They then had a stall on ground to front and side of Buckenhams the butchers, how well I recall them calling out their prices of the produce they were selling. “4 pound a bob, get your taters ere” comes to mind. From there they moved into the shop immediately to the left of the Radion cinema as you stood facing it. Thereafter they just grew and grew opening shops all around the Basildon area plus a large warehouse on one of the industrial sites. Having grown in size and reputation they broke into the wholesale trade supplying among others most of the schools in the area.

Do you remember? : Laindon Bed Race by Albert Merrison added 14/10/2011
Now here is a question, how many of you “old” Laindon people remember the annual bed race, between the four Laindon pubs. It would start with the 4 landlords laying on a bed, which was pushed by as many people as you could muster, normally the local rugby club players. It would start at the Prince of Wales in Wash Road and move on to the Fortune of War (sadly no longer there), where a pint or three would be consumed, the “push” would then move on to the Laindon Hotel (sadly no longer there), where a further pint or four would be consumed before movinf on to the Crown Hotel where the whole “push” would end and where many, many pints would be consumed. The following year the whole process would happen again, but coming from the Crown Hotel to the Prince of Wales – much easier because most of the “push” was downhill. I believe that the race took place over the Easter weekend, possibly on Easter Monday. I think any monies collected went to the Burns Unit at St. Andrews Hospital (sadly no longer there). I hope many of you will remember this annual event. I think this race ended in early mid seventies.. Albert Merrison

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Bed Race by Ian Mott added 16/10/2011
Albert was this the same as the wheelchair races over the same course or did it replace it?. There is an article and some photographs on the site of this. Follow link Discover our community – Areas of our Community – Laindon – Robert Scot in wheelchair race

Do you remember? : Gordons gin plant by Gloria Sewell added 18/10/2011
Does anyone remember working on the Gordons Gin Plant Southfields for John Laing constuctions or any of the sub contractors 1980-1983….

Do you remember? : Coles body builders by Keith Nock added 18/10/2011
Hi can anyone remember coles they made lorry bodes, Tom Tanner who lived in Wash Rd., worked there.

Do you remember? : Re: Coles body builders by Gloria Sewell added 21/10/2011
Hello Keith was Coles the one in Bristow Road near the local clinic? I recall a body or coach builders there when I went to the clinic to see our local nurse Tricky (Bowen).

Do you remember? : Re: Coles body builders by Keith Nock added 22/10/2011
Hi gloria no it was on the A127 between Church Rd., and Pound Lane on the London bound carriageway. I enjoyed your story about the Radion my auntie worked there as usherette come icecream lady

Do you remember? : Re: Coles body builders by William Diment added 23/10/2011
Hi Keith, I remember Coles body builders next to Reeves Post Ofice. I also knew Tom Tanner and his neighbour “Jock Thompson” who was the foreman painter and all vehicles were painted by hand with paint mixed by Mr.Thompson. I was also friendly with his son Douglas and his friend who lived opposite, Sid Clarke. They joined the navy together and just before WW2 they were both lost having been swept overboard in a hurricane in the China seas. I also remember Ken Porter’s dad worked there.

Do you remember? : Re: Coles body builders by John Rolph added 06/01/2014
My father worked for Coles for many years and knew Tom Tanner. I went to the same school as Christine, the boss’s daughter.

Do you remember? : Re: Coles body builders by Don Joy ( Smith ) added 13/08/2015
Ronnie Stanley, one time of Pound Lane, who I know was in the year below me, worked at Coles after leaving LHR. He was there for many years and if retired now probably was there until that time. He married Carol Strand who lived in Vaughan Williams Road. The last time I saw both of them was at a reunion at LHR after it had closed and was astounded to learn that we had been near neighbours in Thundersley for years. Maybe you knew him, hope this is of some value to you.

Do you remember? : Re: Coles body builders by Donald Joy added 25/08/2015
Yeah Keith, I remember Ronnie Stanley who lived a short distance along the opposite side of Pound Lane to me working there. If memory serves me correct he started there from leaving school and stayed right through to ( I assume he has ) retirement. He was 1 year lower than me at LHR, went on to marry Carol Strand of Vaughan Williams Road and has lived in Thundersley for many years. I know this because I met them both at a reunion at LHR sometime before it was demolished. Bugger ! – she was my girlfriend for a week or two !

Do you remember? : Mr Lane by Keith Nock added 22/10/2011
Hi I wonder if anyone remembers Mr Lane he was my rural science teacher at Laindon High Road school, his nickname was Bronco. I remember he had this large slipper which he hit you with, with great force

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Lane by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 25/10/2011
Yes, I remember Mr Lane from LHR – think his name was Ted? One of the old time type of teachers. I would like to know more about him. Someone somewhere told me he used to be a boxer and just wonder how true this was? And what about the mad Raymond Wood the music teacher who would play the death march on the piano if he was in a bad mood!

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Lane by Anne Burton added 26/10/2011
Yes, I remember Mr Lane very well. Not only did he teach the boys about gardening (he liked soil to be called soil, not dirt); he was also the main maths teacher and used a snooker cue to wack miscreants. I expect his nickname was from the t.v. western about Bronco Lane but this was well after my time at the school.

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Lane by Richard Haines added 26/10/2011
Mr Bronco Lane, we had him for Rural Science. I wish he was around now to help me with my back garden, he would have made short work of it. A subject I found really tedious back then and even moreso now. I think he lived near the school, that was the rumour then. About Mr Wood, I agree, quite mad and the description of him hitting a girl’s arm on this site thoroughly confirms it. He did let us bring in Bobby Vee records though, just to hear what popular music was about.

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Lane by Gloria Sewell added 01/11/2011
Oh yes Mr Lane, I only remember him as the Maths teacher completely bald with a very bad attitude or maybe that was me, because no matter how hard I tried I could not conquer Maths and yet I was top of the class for arithmetic. The X=Y pied no way did I ever get it, in fact he told me I was the only pupil of his that was in the top A class and scored 0 out of 100 for Maths. He put me in the defaulters book once for having my elbows on the desk. Miss Harris told me I had to say sorry, my reply was no because although I put my elbows on the desk he put me in the book so we were even. I got detention for that but I did not apologise. As I said in my teen article i am afraid I was a bit of a rebel in the last year. To many fantastic changes going on in the world i’m afraid I wanted to get out there amongst it. Even then I would rather have been taught metalwork than cookery, strange I do believe this is the case now and girls do get the chance. I must say Germaine Geer was a big influence in my life.

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Lane by Brian Baylis added 18/12/2011
I remember Bronco, and can honestly say I could not stand the man for his way of speaking to us.

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Lane by Isabel Smith added 12/04/2014
Yes I remember Mr Lane he taught Maths when I was at Laindon High Road in the 50’s. You were lucky he only hit you with a slipper as when he taught our class he had a billiard stick which he used to thump the desk with – quite scary! I think he must have broken it! I believe he had been a rugby player, but open to correction on that one!

Do you remember? : Re: Mr Lane by Donald Joy added 25/08/2015
Yeah Keith I remember “Bronco” only too well ! Our class lesson of Rural Science with him on one occasion started with all us boys sat on the wall outside the dining hall. I think we were being told what the days lesson would consist of ? Another Keith, Keith English called out “Bronco” which apparently upset Mr Lane. He then had each one of us in turn call out to him the name “Bronco” from which he deduced that mine matched that of the culprit ! I don’t recall the punishment but I reckon it was the usual defaulters slip culminating in yet another caning. The name “Bronco” came from a long running television series of the time called “Laramie”. A western that featured two main characters Bronco Laine and Jess Harper which oddly enough is who my younger brother was named after. So a lasting reminder of Mr Lane !

Do you remember? : St Nicholas youth fellowship photo by Ken Porter added 23/10/2011
Harry Rossiter has sent me this letter to see if anybody can trace a St Nicholas youth fellowship photo : -. Hi Ken. I spoke to you a while ago about a photograph taken of the church youth fellowship just before the war 1938 or 1939. Could you do me a great favour and have the following inserted in the St Nicholas parish magazine.. Has anybody a copy of a photo taken by the main entrance to St Nicholas Church just before WW2 of the St Nicholas youth fellowship with the rector Rev. Michael Lake. This after all is a slice of church history. I’ll list the names of those I remember who were in the photo. Some went off to war never to return. I was one of the lucky ones who did return from my RAF flying.. John Lock, Gwen Churchill (they married later) Vic Nunn, Eric Jee, Doreen Moorcroft, Margery Wise, Iris Hewett, Hilda and Dorothy Harber, Des Haley, James Day, Fran Cock and me Harry Rossiter. There are others whose names I forgot.. etc, etc,. Yours sincerely . Harry Rossiter

Do you remember? : Re: St Nicholas youth fellowship photo by Patricia Smith(Franklin) added 01/11/2011
I do not know about the photograph you mention but see the name James Day in your list. If this is the person I am thinking of he went to Palmers boys school in Grays and after the war returned as a curate at St Nicholas church. You might be interested to know that when we moved to our present address in Heckington, Lincolnshire, Canon James Day was the rector of St Andrews, our church here!

Do you remember? : Laindon Fur and Feather Society by John Lambert added 24/10/2011
My family were resident in the plotlands area as it was known. My Uncle ‘Bill’ – William Lambert was chair of the Laindon Fur & Feather Society for some years. My Grandad, ‘Jack’ Lambert received Maundy money for his services to the St John Ambulance – have you any history surrounding the LF & FS? I have pictures etc.

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Fur and Feather Society by Mary Saunderson (née Luton) added 09/06/2013
Hi John,. When I was a kid, I was an ardent member of the fur and feather club. It was held in he Laindon Memorial Hall, and there was a junior and senior devision, and the shows were on a Saturday, three or four times a year. Sometimes, there would be a guest speaker at the meetings. I used to regularly exhibit and somewhere in the loft have a stack of red cards (first prize) for a flemish giant rabbit. I really enjoyed it.. I believe that Jack Lambert was also a leading member of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. I belonged to that as well.

Do you remember? : Dansette Record Player by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 30/10/2011
Someone mentioned that he had a black and cream Dansette record player. Ian has scanned my photo of our black and cream Dansette record player that we bought in 1962. It did not have a model name but may have just been called a Dansette Hi-Fi.

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Richard Haines added 01/11/2011
Andrea, Yes it was me who had the Dansette my mum bought it for me in December 1961 in Town Square Basildon. Before that we had an Alba which did not have such a good sound. The Dansette had a cream body and front with the lift up lid in black, two knobs (for volume and tone) who needs an ipod? Among the first records I bought for it were ‘Weekend’ by Eddie Cochran and ‘Take good care of my Baby’ by Bobbie Vee.

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Trevor Reynolds added 01/11/2011
Hi Andrea yes I can recall having a Dansette radio gram that went to every party in Laindon in the 60s. I can’t remember throwing it out as I still had it in the late 70s just changed the needle and it went on for ever. It also picked up Radio Luxembourg loud but not clear as it always drifted then returned. Aren’t you glad we moved from next door just as rock n roll was starting!!

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 03/11/2011
Hi Trev; every time I hear Floyd Cramer I think of your brother Terry – he would play it over and over again – I loved it too – still do!

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Joan Baterip added 03/11/2011
believe it or not, we bought a Dansette Tempo record player at a boot sale a couple of years ago for £3.00 it works as well !! we bought it to test out our 45’s before putting them on our juke box. I did have a Dansette in the 60’s but over the years can’t remember what happened to it, can remember playing Beatnik Fly at the loudest volume though. Our juke box is an original 1958 Worlitzer which takes 100 45’s, and they are all 60’s records. I think we are trying to recapture our youth !! but we do really enjoy 60’s music. This Dansette is green and cream with the two large dials on the front, it even has the label inside with the full address of Dansette in Stanmore middx. What a bargain !!!

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 03/11/2011
Richard, when you see the photo you will see I am clasping an LP of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee but most of our collection of Elvis, Buddy and that type.

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 04/11/2011
Hi Trev. No, not glad, enjoyed Terry playing Floyd Cramer day in and day out – great!

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 04/11/2011
Richard, hopefully you will see the picture soon – that will bring back memories for you! I was holding an LP of Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee – loved them but not as much as rock n roll!

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Richard Haines added 06/11/2011
Joan, I like your taste in music. I remember buying Down Yonder with Sheba on the back, on holiday from Laindon in Lowestoft. I also had Beatnik Fly, Ja -Da and Old Smokie. Dansette must have been the Sony of the 1960s. I’ve also got some 78s of Jerry Lee Lewis, even Blue Suede Shoes by Carl Perkins, those Dansettes played anything.

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 07/11/2011
Hi Joan, we have tried so many times to buy the same Dansette on ebay but price got too high every time. We have settled for a repro so that we can at least play all our 78’s, 45’s,. EPs and LPs; not bad sound and our Sunday morning breakfast’s are great now – going back in time!. By the way Joan, do you have a brother David? If so, we were the couple who took over his flat in Powell Road, do you remember it?

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Joan Baterip added 08/11/2011
Hi Richard, thank you for your comments, my husband is the real music fan in our family especially Jeff Beck, and although we do like some of the music of today, you can’t beat the 60’s, do you listen to “sounds of the sixties” on radio 2? it’s on every Saturday morning from 8 til 10am still with Brian Matthews !!. And thank you Andrea, yes Dave is my brother, and yes I do remember the flat in Powell Road, as I used to have my lunch there when I was at Laindon High Road School. My brother and his wife Doris moved from there to Victoria Road, where they still live. I can’t wait to tell them about you moving into Powell Road, thank you so much kind regards Joan.

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Richard Haines added 10/11/2011
Hey Joan, yes I like the Brian Matthews show on Saturdays, it reminds me of being in Laindon when I was a kid listening to Saturday Club (how old is Brian anyway?). I can recall, he always played out with the number one – once it was Elvis singing Its Now or Never, fantastic but I got told off by mum for turning the volume up on the wireless too loud (all of Nichol Road can hear that!!). I also remember him interviewing a young group called the Beatles in early 1963 and wondering why they talked in a weird accent, nothing like us of course – I’ve never lost my Barking accent all my life. Andrea you should ask Trev Reynolds if he remembers going to see the film The Young Ones with Cliff and the Shadows at Southend Odeon in 1962 with me. Happy Days werent they.

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 13/11/2011
Hi Joan, tell David we loved that little flat and made it our little nest for about four years. Regarding Brian Matthews, yes, we listen to SOTS too! Also on a Saturday night if we are at home we turn on BBC Essex and listen to Rock n Roll Heaven at 6pm for two hours – its really good – takes us back in time – which would have been spent in dear old Laindon.

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 17/12/2011
Richard – Brian Matthew was born in 1928 and still going strong. Trev may read this and reply about 1962 – the year I stopped living next door to him (got married). As far as music goes, fortunately our music is still played and sounds wonderful. Just listening to Brenda Lee on Rock n Roll Heaven BBC Essex uuuummmm.

Do you remember? : Re: Dansette Record Player by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 22/12/2011
Still on about the Dansette – tomorrow 23/12/11 BBC Essex on Steve Scruton Show they will be discussing Dansettes. I won’t be able to listen so if anyone does, would you please let me know what they say about it. Thanks.

Do you remember? : Fergason Radiogram by Gloria Sewell added 02/11/2011
In the 50s we had a fergerson Radiogram in a beautiful polished wood cabinet you lifted the top and there was the player with the stick through the middle where you stacked 3 or 4 records 78s the arm used to go back to release one and then forward to play with a saffire needle. My mum used to polish it every day it was her pride and joy I will never forget the sound of Johny Ray Cry, little white cloud that cried, Yes tonight Josephine, Franky Lane Jezerbel, Alma Cogan Twenty tiny fingers, Jim Reeves love letters in the sand. And my first ever record i bought Elvis Presley Heartbreak Hotel,I can still see us all trying to get the little saffire needle in the arm fun days …

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Richard Haines added 06/11/2011
Gloria, you know your Ferguson radiogram was very sought after back then. My first record player was a little Alba portable which played one record only and didnt switch off at the end. It was red and cream and I loved it. Then I heard my cousin Christine’s Pye Black Box and realised I needed to upgrade. Thats when mum went over to Basildon and bought my Dansette. Do you remember C’mon Everybody by Eddie Cochran? The beginning bit of that always sounded good !

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Gloria Sewell added 08/11/2011
Oh yes the god of rock halls “come on every body and lets get together tonight, got some money in my jeans and really got to spend it right” blaring out, windows open o dear neighbours loved me, Fred and the gang 😮

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Nina Burton added 08/11/2011
I agree with you – music in the 50s was great. Especially when skiffle came along, followed by rock and roll. (Love Letters in the Sand was sung by Pat Boon). My brother Dennis was a terrific Lonnie Donegan fan. I was about 10 years old then. When I started at LHR in 1957, the 4th year boys had a skiffle group. I saw them walking down the corridor with a washboard and home made double base (box with a pole and one string). My sister’s first 78″ record was ‘Great Balls of Fire’ by Jerry Lee Lewis. I was a great Marti Wilde fan and was glued to ‘Six Five Special’ on Saturdays. I had photos of Marti stuck to the inside of my desk lid at school. I also loved Cliff Richard, especially his first hit ‘Move it’. The first record I bought was “Shaking all Over” by Johnny Kidd and the Pirates (approx 1960). I went to see Marti Wilde’s “50 Years of Rock and Roll” anniversary concert at the Paladium in 2007. I can be seen on the DVD of that concert, sitting in the audience with a big smile on my face. It was sheer magic and he had some fantastic guests. Jet Harris, Big Jim Sullivan, Bruce Welch, Hank Marven, Justin Heyward and both his daughters, Kim Wilde and Roxanne Wilde. I still like going to see the golden oldens when they do the rounds. Marti, Joe Brown etc. I went to see Cliff’s ‘From a Distance’ concert at Wembley in the 80s but the tickets for his latest concerts are mega expensive. I also enjoyed all the music that my children liked in the 80s and 90s. Depache Mode, Aha, Police, Craftworks, Oasis, Erasure etc etc. But nothing beats the 50s and 60s – Long Live Rock and Roll!

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Gloria Sewell added 10/11/2011
Nina and Richard what was the programe called where they played a record and the panel voted on it? There was a blonde girl that always said (this is not my usual misspelling its the way she said it) owll gi it fove I’ll give it 5.. Editor: I remember that one Gloria, it was “Juke Box Jury”.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Richard Haines added 10/11/2011
Fred’s record was ‘I got a woman mean as she can be, some-a times I think she’s almost mean as me’ by Jerry Lee. My one was ‘He’s a rebel cos he never ever does what he should’ one of Lin’s favourites, the Crystals. All good stuff when youre 16 and at LHR. Another one I remember Fred and Pam playing was Stagger Lee, remember? I ‘ve got them all on CDs now for the car, Eddies greatest hits !!

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Nina Burton added 11/11/2011
Our radiogram was a German make, Blau Punct (which I believe means blue spot). My parents bought it from Gamages in Romford around 1958. We’d only been connected to the electricity in 1957. It was compact and very good quality with a flat top and a dropdown front door which revealed the record player. The radio tuner was in the middle and the speakers at the bottom. The radio had a fantastic tone and in the early sixties, it sometimes picked up Laindon Police messages. We wondered what was breaking through until we realised it was a patrol car responding to a shout. Apparently, that kept happened to many radiogram owners in the area around that time, causing the Police to swiftly change to a different frequency. I recently found a photo of my dad sitting by that radiogram. I had to smile when I saw it, as not only did mum keep it highly polished, she also kept a potted spider plant on top, sitting on a lacy doily. No, her name wasn’t Mrs Bucket, it was Mrs Burton.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Nina Burton added 11/11/2011
Hi Gloria. I agree with the Editor – Juke Box Jury. I can add the girls name – Janice Nicholls. (I used to think David Jacobs was pleasant but a bit pompous). Do you remember the programme ‘Boy meets Girl’ where Una Stubbs and others used to dance to pop music. In those days black and white kids weren’t allowed to dance together. One week it was decided to allow Una to dance with a black boy – a first for TV. I was about 11 years old then and really into the great new music of the times.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Richard Haines added 12/11/2011
Nina, trust you to out-trump us all with a Blaupunkt radiogram. These were the best ones around, my cousin Frank who then lived in Canning Town had one shortly after he got married and I can remember him demonstrating it to us by turning the wick up a bit and playing Dreamin’ by Johnny Burnette. It was no good pestering mum though because she had already bought the Dansette for me in Basildon.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Gloria Sewell added 14/11/2011
Oh guys talking about 50s 60s pop is the tops do you recall in 1964 Sir Jimmy Saville put on a show called “Top of the pops” (only kidding I know you will remember, it was on wednesday evening and one of the first artist to perform was my all time favorites The Rolling Stones “I wanna be your man”, Dave Clark 5 a local band also performed on that first show. It’s said the show was booked for 6 episodes, it went on to broadcast 1800. Other djs on the early shows I recall were Pete Murry, Alan Freeman and David Jacobs. What about the girls “Pans People”, if I remember right a local girl was a dancer in the group but I can’t recall who, just that they were fantastic my great love as a teen was dancing. The one I remember best from Pans People was Sarah Brightman and she went on to be a great singer. Oh I could go on forever about this era never to be forgotten never to come again. By the way the no. 1 that week was another “wanna record” The Beatles “I wanna hold your hand”.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Nina Burton added 16/11/2011
Great times. Just a couple of things. Sarah Brightman danced with Eileen Phillips’ troup “Hot Gossip”, not Pan’s People. The local girl was Sandy (Pearl) Penson who danced with Dougie Squires troup “The Second Generation”. The Dave Clark 5 were the resident group in the early days of the Mecca in Basildon – later to become Rachels. I saw many live groups there in the sixties, The Move, Geno Washington and his Ram Jam Band and the Who. The Who were fantastic, but when they trashed the stage at the end, we had to run for our lives. My favourite TV show was ‘Ready Steady Go’ which went out live. I remember The Animals and The Hollies giving some fantastic live performances, among many others of course. There’s nothing quite like it now.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Gloria Sewell added 16/11/2011
HI Nina you are right there is nothing like it now wasn’t it all so great. Sorry to disagree but after Pans People left Top of the Pops, Dee Dee Wilde one of the original dancers kept them going thats when Sarah Brightmen danced with them. She left to join Hot Gossip just before she married Andrew Lloyd Webber and Pans People became Legs & Co. I can’t recall Pearl dancing with them, the girl I was thinking of may have come from Pitsea area, not to sure maybe someone else can help on that. I was quite a Dave Clark follower to it’s a shame the Beatle’s were about at the same time as it took some of thier glory away.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Gloria Sewell added 17/11/2011
And yes Nina I do remember R.S.G. also a fantastic programe broadcast by Rediffusion. Cathy McGowan got her big break on it. Did you know Sir Cliff Richards never appeared on there because it was thought he was too popular and he would incite too greater a reaction from the audience (oh dear we were just as naughty then). Also our own Dave Clark bought the surviving recordings of the show, it’s such a shame that many wonderful episodes were wiped including the one where the Who had the whole episode “Ready Steady Who” to themselves. I suppose this was because thier 5.4.3.2.1 opened the show for a long time. Great time to live in Nina, so glad I did. Music and dancing was my passion.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Richard Haines added 17/11/2011
Babs Lord was the ‘looker’ of Pans People. I can just about remember that – cool tall blonde. Dave Clark 5 were good as well, I used to go and watch them in 62/63 with Martin Brown who was in 5x with me, usually on Sunday evenings when things were relatively quiet. This was before any of their hit records. Later when I moved to a different part of Essex I saw The Who, at Chelmsford Corn Exchange and also The Small Faces, The Animals and The Fourmost at Colchester ABC. Quite an experience to look up and see Keith Moon and John Entwhistle drinking in the same bar as us-fantastic days.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Nina Burton added 17/11/2011
Gloria. I stand corrected. Sorry – I hadn’t realised Sarah Brightman had done a short stint with Pan’s People. I Googled it to find out more. Apparently she was only 16 and dropped out of school to join but was quickly head hunted by Arlene Philips for Hot Gossip. For some reason I never saw her dance with Pan’s People. I thought their last recruit had been Cherry Gillespie who later went on to dance on Wayne Sleep’s “The Hot Shoe Show “- I loved that. Apparently, Flick Colby, choreographer and co-founder of Pans People, who initially danced with them, moved back to USA, married and ran a gift shop. She died in May 2011 aged 65. As for Sir Cliff Richard – perhaps they were thinking back to his hot sultry performances on Oh Boy when he was aged 18 – apparently, a newspaper at that time wrote “Is this boy too sexy for TV?”. Who would have thought he’d achieve such longed lived success and still be going strong in the business aged 71. Your message about your Ferguson Radiogram certainly started the music memories. Such fun. Best wishes.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Nina Burton added 17/11/2011
Gloria. Oh dear! 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 was by Manfred Mann. I’ve got the giggles now. Never mind, two heads are better than one. Between us we get most things right in the end.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Gloria Sewell added 18/11/2011
Whoops Nina I too stand corrected big mistake worth a giggle considering my passion for the 50s and 60s. I’s so sad about Flick Colby I knew she had cancer, when her husband died, such a shame an icon of our era. It was once said of her “she was a true professional never to see the like again”, so true don’t you think Nina. . But lets stay on the Fergason gram theme which mum originally bought for herself to play her Johnny Ray “little white cloud that cried and cried (Double sided) and my favorite “Such a night” so raunchy for the time and of course her “Dick Valentines. But I of course took it over Saturday nights with Everly Brothers and the Righteous Brothers. The favourite for us all then the one that blared on all the grames was of course Twinkle and “terry” made me cry, oh dear were they teenage attention tears maybe.. Mum took me to see Johnny Ray at the London Palladium, Sammy Davies Jr was a supporting act, I recall he sung “That Old Black Magic” that was it loved him forever after that. That was a thrill for a 13 year old, the beginning of a great passion and love for music and great artist. I love this conversation thread keep it up Nina just to show some of the 50year old youngsters what they were missing pre Beatles and Rolling Stones (also fantastic sounds) but we still had the edge right.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Gloria Sewell added 27/11/2011
I recalled last night my Grandmothers Bush Radiogram, this must have been about 1947. I can remember playing it at Christmas and recall it had a brown velvet turntable which I had to stand on my toes to look at. It had what now seems to be huge brown knobs beside it and of course The Laughing Policeman playing. Who sang that ???

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 29/11/2011
Gloria. The Laughing Policeman was sung by Charles Penrose. (His real name was Charles Jolly – a music hall entertainer). We have a copy of that on a compilation album of children’s favourites. Another favourite song around that time was Billy Cotton’s Band’s ‘Stick it on the wall Mother Riley’. We had that on a 78″ record. I can’t think of a funnier title!

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Gloria Sewell added 02/12/2011
How about this one Nina skiffler Lonnie Donegan “Does you’re chewing gum lose its flavour on the bedpost over night”. Yes you youngsters there really was a record called this and one of the lines in it was. “If your mother says don’t chew it do you swallow it in spite, can you catch it on your tonsils and heave it left and right, does your chewing gum loose its flavour on the bed post over night” REALLY.

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Nina Burton added 03/12/2011
Gloria. I know every word of that song and many of Lonnie’s others. I absolutely loved ‘Putting on the Style’ and singing along with all the verses. Who couldn’t resist joining in loudly with “Yah, dah, dah, dah, dah – SOCKS”. Great stuff. By the way, a local rock group played at my sister’s wedding reception in 1961 (in the hall at the side of St Nicholas Church). They were called “The Long Riders”. They played lots of Lonnie’s songs – great to jive to. Do you remember them at all?

Do you remember? : Re: Fergason Radiogram by Gloria Sewell added 13/12/2011
Do you know Nina when you think about it, we knew every word the singer sung, some of todays songs seem like a lot of sceaming girls trying to roll things around their throats and it comes out like an Indian war dance number. But maybe I am just showing my age.

Do you remember? : Laindon Girls Club by Joan Baterip added 06/11/2011
Can anyone remember the Laindon Girls Club which was housed in an empty bungalow in Sandringham Road ? The bungalow was on the right hand side walking towards the Laindon Link from Laindon Station end. It was open one evening a week, and we could get crisps and hot oxo drinks amongst other things. As I left Laindon in 1960 I wonder how long the club went on for.

Do you remember? : Chemists by Eric Pasco added 13/11/2011
Today I had to go to a chemist shop/pharmacy to fill a prescription which got me thinking.. Where, if any ,were the Chemists in Laindon High Road .I cannot recall at all,but guess they must have been near the Doctors surgeries.

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 14/11/2011
I think Relphs was on opposite side of Dr Long’s surgery, near Jewellers and Wilson’s along from the flicks?

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Keith Nock added 14/11/2011
Hi Eric I remember Wilson’s the chemist, I think one of Webster family worked there.

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Nina Burton added 14/11/2011
Wilson’s the Chemist was somewhere between Parkinsons Garage and Squires Radio/TV shop near the Radion Cinema. (My mother worked mornings in Wilson’s during the late sixties, I can’t remember the exact years). Relphs Chemist was nearer the station, next to Coles Greengrocers, Shepherds Restaurant and Laindon Recorder with Carey Brothers across the road.

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Gloria Sewell added 14/11/2011
Eric One I recall was in between Radion and Parkinson’s another opposite Doris’s hair dressers, I think one was called Wilson’s. When the new Laindon Shopping center opened there was a co.op. next to Martins newsagents and there was one in Great knightleys and one near Stanway.

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Richard Haines added 14/11/2011
Eric, I can only find two chemists on record, Relphs between Aston Road and Somerset Road and Wilson’s between Somerset Road and New Century Road, both on the west side of High Road but admit I dont remember them.

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Colin Ferrier added 15/11/2011
Hi Eric, From memory there were 2 chemists in Laindon. One was between the cinema and “Parkinsons” and run by Mr Wilson; the other was “Ralphs” which was in the parade of shops between the fire station and “Toomeys”, I think it was next door to “Shephards” café/restaurant (alongside the fire station). As a youngster I was fascinated by this shop as it always had in the shop window some very large bottles/decanters of coloured liquid

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Val Scurlock (née Newman) added 15/11/2011
In the 50s Dr Chowdray and Dr Ruby had their surgery in a bungalow almost opposite to the entrance to New Century Rd and the Radion cinema. Going from the Radion (on that side of the road, towards the station) there were two small shops, one of which was Squires electrical shop I think. Then as I remember there was a gap and then a Chemist shop which was a two story building that stood on its own. I think that is right. I can’t remember the name of it.

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Joan Baterip added 16/11/2011
My lovely sister in law Doris Sarfas (née Martin) worked in Wilsons Chemist for some time, and then I think worked in the Chemists in the Laindon Shopping Center. She probably dosn’t know this but sometimes I’d loiter outside Wilsons hoping to see her when she had started going out with my brother, it was like having another sister which was nice. I know there were two chemists in Laindon, as my Grandad Richard Payne went to see Dr. Chowdrey at one time, and when he was given his prescription aked the doctor where to take it (meaning which chemist) Dr. Chowdrey replied “to the greengrocers” which he thought was quite funny at the time. I’m not sure that grandad did then, but laughed about it later when telling the story to the family so I’m told.

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Eric Pasco added 16/11/2011
Thanks to all, however I still cannot picture them although I lived a stones throw from the one near the fire station, perhaps I never had any reason to use them. I do remember all the other shops mentioned though.. The laindon centre came long after the initial “invasion”.

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Gloria Sewell added 16/11/2011
Just shows what a healthy lot we were in Laindon then, did not need the chemist much. It could also be the reason for so many large families if you know what I mean (didn’t use the chemist much).

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by William Diment added 19/11/2011
Further to enquiries by Keith Knock, Tommy Webster did work in Wilsons before moving to set his own pharmacy in the Cotswolds and to Eric Pascoe’s enquiry, Wilsons was almost opposite Dr.Chowdhary’s surgery. A further chemist in the High St. was Kelynacks. Also there was a chemists in High Rd. north which was a small wooden building at the point where the very large waterway turned west and could only be accessed by a large wooden bridge.

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by William Diment added 20/11/2011
Further to my earlier response to this page, I now believe that the small wooden building in the High Rd. north of the Arterial Rd was owned by Wilsons, as an early advertisement refers to a branch near the Fortune of War. While I had passed it frequently, I do not remember that it had a name board, but I cannot remember any other chemists in that area.

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Brian Baylis added 25/01/2012
Talking of Dr. Chowdary, I am at present watching a television programme on Pick TV and there is another Dr. Chowdary on this. I Wonder if he is a Grandson, or even Great Grandson of our Doctor Chowdary?

Do you remember? : Re: Chemists by Don Joy ( Smith ) added 10/08/2015
Wilsons chemist – just along from the Radion cinema, with Nobby Clarks bike shop and Squires electrical shop in between. Wilsons was the only place in Laindon where one could purchase records ( 45 singles ) and they cost a very royal 6 shillings and 3 pence each ! I went there to buy my very first record, “Warpaint” by The Brooks Brothers but it would seem I was too early as they hadn’t had it in yet, so I came home with ” a Picture of You ” by Joe Brown and the Bruvvers. Also remember a pair of scales with an oversize scoop where my Mum used to get my baby sister weighed.

Do you remember? : The Mansworths in Sandringham Road by Janice Hinchliffe added 28/11/2011
Hello,. Does anybody remember my great grandparents, Thomas and Susan Mansworth? They lived at “Orduna” on Sandringham Road. They both died in the Retreat, Great Burstead, in 1941 and 1945 respectively. They lived most of their lives in the East End of London and I wonder when and why they moved to Laindon. Perhaps they were evacuated at the start of the war? Does anybody know the number of the house which was called “Orduna” and whether it is still there? Would my great grandparents have rented the house? Hope someone can help. Thank you.

Do you remember? : Re: The Mansworths in Sandringham Road by Eric Pasco added 29/11/2011
Hello Janice,. The houses did not have numbers in those days, they just went by the Name. The house is definetly not there anymore and in fact Sandringham Rd does not exist anymore.. My parents probably knew Thomas & Susan, but they too have passed on so cannot follow up for you.

Do you remember? : Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Richard Haines added 02/12/2011
Can anyone remember Douglas Road which continued towards the station roughly where Tavistock Road met St Nicholas Lane. When I first moved to Laindon in the 1950s we used to go into disused houses there to play. Also the hedges had many birds nests where we would add to our egg collections (not very PC now I admit). There was also Lancaster Road which ran parallel, continuing roughly from Claremont Road towards the station. Somewhere on these unmade roads was a large newt pond where we would spend hours trying to catch them. Great Crested Newts were the ones we were after, also definitely not allowed these days. Also basking in the sunshine were lizards, extremely lively and hard to catch, and further near the railway were adders, hiding under old roof sheets if you could find them.

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Eric Pasco added 04/12/2011
Hi Richard,. You are now talking my patch, Lancaster Rd was the continuation of Claremont.. My route from my home in Essex Road to meet freinds who lived in Pound Lane Estate was Sandringham onto Douglas onto Basidon Drive. Leicester road crossed at Sandringham /Douglas and led up to Leinster Road where my maternal grandparents lived.. I know the pond you mentioned and the old houses, but the thing I remember most about Douglas Road was that every summer there were heaps of Bumble Bees about and I was also scared of them for some reason. The song is right “a bumble bee an evil bumble bee” Who sang that ??. I remember the top end of Leicester road was in effect just a pathway through the woods and also led to Cambridge Rd where my cousins lived, could always hear the first Cuckoo for the year in that area.. I reckon some of the best newting in the area was the pond at the back of Nicholas Church (might still be there). The memories flood back just with the mention of a road.

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Richard Haines added 04/12/2011
Eric, I thought you might remember those roads. I guess that all of that area was earmarked early on for development, thats why we had such a free run of it in our days. Me and Stan Mortlock in our wellies also Jimmy King and Derek Grainger. This was our gang, 10 or 11 year olds, out all day in the summer, no-one knew where we were, brilliant times. Yes I know what you mean about the bees, just as bad as the wildcats in Inverness Road. Also the shacks area over by the foot of St Nicholas church which got developed later at the back of Markhams Chase was good for adders. The pond at the church I think is still there, saw a grass snake swimming in it once when I was with Keith English at Laindon Park. At the top of Nichol Road was the site of a house called The Cot where we had tree camps and there were also Magpies nests in there, very hard to get the eggs, those birds built a fort. The Cot also had a well which was highly dangerous, but hey, only we knew about it. I drove through Laindon last Thursday to go to work at Corringham where the new London Gateway Port is being built. The High Road for me now effectively stops at St Nicholas Lane, the rest towards the station is a no mans land, you wouldnt recognise most of it.

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Nina Burton added 05/12/2011
Richard. Yes, I remember the area you mentioned. My older brother Dennis married Joyce Lakin in November 1951 and after initially lodging with family they moved into a bungalow called ‘Springtime’ in Gloucester Road. I visited there several times when I was about 7 or 8 years old. The bungalow was reached by walking into St Nicholas Lane, turning right into Douglas Road and then left into Gloucester Road. All those roads were unmade and the bungalows were in poor conditions, very run down and damp. In fact when Dennis and Joyce moved to a newly built house in Fonteyn Close on the Kathleen Ferrier estate in 1955, it wasn’t before time as ‘Springtime’ had been condemned. I remember the day they moved into Fonteyn Close, and all the mud outside as none of the pavements had yet been built. My sister-in-Law Joyce is still living there and we are pretty sure that she is now the oldest original resident on the estate, have lived there for 56 years. The Douglas Road area is clearly shown on my 1938 map. A few weeks ago, I sent Ian scanned copies of the map divided into sections, for him to publish when he can fit it in to his very busy schedule. Best wishes.

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Eric Pasco added 05/12/2011
Yes I have been back several times and the Station end has gone completely apart from Winston Club.. I remember Derek Grainger and Stan of course, I think Derek played football with me just before I left town.

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Richard Haines added 05/12/2011
Hello Nina, sounds like you were there at Douglas Road, well before me. If you go on to Google and then onto ‘Old Maps’ you will get a screen up where you can enter ‘Laindon’. You can then choose whichever dates you want, I like the 1965 1/2500 scale because it has all the house names – check it out, pity they didn’t do it earlier for the prewar names. I remember the first time I went onto the Kathleen Ferrier estate, Vaughan Williams Road, 1958 there was an ice cream van serving Vanessa Crew who had her summer shorts on. Happy days.

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Richard Haines added 06/12/2011
Eric, yes Derek Grainger was a good little footballer, we used to play on the bit of field up Nichol Road, where it joined Claremont Road, where Derek lived with parents and sisters Doreen and Rosemary. Sometimes Stan would be put in goal, we would be joined by others from around including older boys Dave Woodley and Peter Tandy and pepper Mortlock with shots to test his skills. There were other locations for football, through Pelhams Alley, the big green at Powell Road being one, where you could also see Jimmy Bird, Johnny Austin, Mick Venables, Dave Shoesmith, Geoff Cochrane, Mickey Yates and other stars from the King Edward Estate either playing football or scrapping with intruders from other parts of Laindon. If you cut through the bushes at the top of Pauls Road you would be in Vaughan Williams Road where other friends of mine on the Pound Lane Estate were Mart Brown, Dave Bridgeman, Kenny Prince, Mart Graves, so many more. I sometimes used this cut through later on at LHR to go to see my girlfriend in Kathleen Ferrier Crescent, so convenient. Any other roads or activities you remember?

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Eric Pasco added 11/12/2011
Hi Richard,. Few names from the past there. I was lucky enough to play a few games of football with Jimmy Bird, John Austin & Micky Venables for LHR as I got picked over my age (somebody must have been sick I expect).. I too was friends with Ken Prince when about 12/13 and also Arnold Frost who you probably know too. Arnie and I still keep in contact. Later when we moved from Essex Rd to Bourne Ave. around 1962 played heaps of games on the King Edward playing fields, which I believe are now a concrete jungle.

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Richard Haines added 11/12/2011
Hi Eric, back again, yes of course I remember Arnold Frost. I knew him at Laindon Park school as well. He was a keen footballer too, as I recall. Now, did you guys go around together, I seem to remember, about a year after I left Laindon for good, I bunked off college and went back one weekday in about June 1964 to get some shopping in Basildon and coming back, you two were upstairs on a bus, you said you were going to Romford to get some mod clothes because that was the best place. Can you remember if that might be true, or was it a dream, or two others from LHR?

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Eric Pasco added 13/12/2011
No Richard,. Just a dream…seniors moment.

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Linda Mayes added 25/01/2012
I remember Douglas Road well – we lived in a bungalow “Sunningdale” which was on the corner of Douglas and Berwick Road. Douglas Road ran into Sandringham Road, then Windsor Road which met the High Road near the station.. Running parallel was Lancaster Road which ran into Inverness, then Balmoral then Windsor. Yes and going the other way Douglas ran into Tavistock and Lancaster into Claremont. . We moved to Laindon in the early 50’s, Douglas Road was unmade and virtually impassable in the winter – the coalman made his deliveries during the summer months! . It was sad to see Basildon Dev Corp compulsory purchase so many properties, including our bungalow and we too used to play in the empty bungalows before they were demolished.

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Richard Haines added 29/01/2012
Hi Linda, good to have someone else who remembers those times and the unmade roads. Great for kids wasnt it, playing around the empty houses, scrumping for apples, catching newts and lizards, wading through puddles in the winter and kicking up dust in the summer. . I can understand the coalman delivering in the summer, at least you got stocked up, I think our coal was delivered from somewhere up by Laindon Station.

Do you remember? : Re: Douglas Road and Lancaster Road by Alan Davies added 26/03/2012
Nina Burton mentions a Joyce Lakin who married her cousin Dennis. Could this be Larkin rather than Lakin? My cousin Ron Davies of Wash Road married Sheila Larkin. The Larkin’s lived on St Nicholas Lane, with Tavistock on the right and Douglas Road on the left, looking down the hill to the High Road.. As you turned right on to Douglas Road from St Nicholas Road, three or four houses down past a road on the left whose name escapes me, lived the Coles. Oddly, on an unmade up road with no indoor plumbing the Coles had the income to keep a couple of horses (they had a large exercise field adjacent to the house) and Mr Cole worked on the London Stock Exchange complete with top hat and all the attire. Even then it struck me as a little bizarre. A few yards further on the right in Sunnyside (or Sunny something-or-other) lived the Grindles. The oldest son, Jim, was a close friend. Jim went to Grays Palmers and then, after National Service in Austria secured a scholarship to Oxford. Always good with languages, Jim majored in Anglo Saxon and Ancient Welsh. One of his tutors was J R R Tolkein the author of Lords of the Ring.. Of course all this was somewhat earlier than the memories of most of your contributors. The area was still fully populated and the Basildon Council had yet to display the full voraciousness of its appetite. I left in 1955 but I think Jim’s mother was one of the last to be evicted in the early 1960’s and incarcerated in a poky council box in Witham—- albeit with indoor plumbing.

Do you remember? : Peters Hairdressers by Richard Haines added 16/12/2011
Does anyone recall the first Peters Hairdressers shop just over the railway bridge near the station. I used to go there for a short while before Peter moved to a new shop in The Knares about 1962. The new shop had a ladies section at the front as I recall. Peter always had head shots on the wall of dudes with DA styles much favoured in those times. About 7s/6d for a cool haircut then.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Ian Mott added 17/12/2011
I remember it well. I spent many a Friday evening waiting in the crowded shop for my hair to be styled only to have to go back on Saturday morning for it to be done, as Peter and his Brother Ivan ran out of time to fit us all in.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Richard Haines added 17/12/2011
Ian thats right the shop was so popular and the word got around how good they were. It was a trek to get to The Knares when they moved as well. They had two little wooden signs saying Peter and Ivan hanging over the chairs. I always thought Ivan was a bit grumpy so never had him. One day Peter let one of the girls from the front of the shop shampoo me – my first teenage treat.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 17/12/2011
Yes Chris, my other half remembers the shop very well. He then had one of those cool dudes hair styles, beautiful Brylcreem-slick, black, Tony Curtis style (where’s it gone now?). Chris says Ivan was in the Air Force or Fleet Air Arm and when on leave, would help out in the shop on Saturdays. First of all everyone wanted to wait for Peter until Ivan proved he was as good a hairdresser as his brother. Chris says he also remembers the Teddy Boys Brigade (himself included) who swaggered about Laindon with their padded shoulders and drainpipe trousers and then in Peter’s on a Saturday, while having their hair done, were quite content to sit under hairdryers with hairnets on! He says only Nick the Greek didn’t have to because he had the right type of hair to take the style.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Ian Mott added 17/12/2011
Both Peter and Ivan were if my memory serves me right in the Paras or Commandos. I remember Ivan visiting on his last leave before his discharge when he became a full time member of the team

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Richard Haines added 17/12/2011
I went in early one morning in the week before school in the 4th year and had a full style with Peter, hair net, blow dry the lot complete Eddie Cochran blond look. Got really told off by Mr Rees so I limited my future visits to Saturdays like the rest of the lads. I think I blew all my spare cash either in Peters or in Stanwoods record shop back in the day.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 18/12/2011
Chris says Peter was definitely in the Parachute Regiment because he showed photos but he seems to think Ivan was attached to the airborne forces for some reason, but not 100% sure.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Steve White added 15/02/2012
Was Peter and Ivans sirname Grimwood ? and did they go on to own or manage the Windmill Pub at East Hanningfield ?. Steve White. I remember they always played Frank Sinatra all the time !!

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Ian Mott added 15/02/2012
Yes Steve, their name was Grimwood. I met Ivan at the Windmill in the 80s. They also owned Orsett Hall

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Richard Haines added 23/02/2012
I hope Ivan had cheered up a bit by then :-).

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Brian Slaughter added 03/05/2012
Yes I remember Peter’s hairdresser, just over the railway bridge in Laindon, I used to go there regular around 1957/8, if I have my dates right, long time ago. I always managed to get Ivan, Peters brother, but he was ok. What I can remember though is he often used to make a bad smell after the night before and would sprayed something in the air, thank goodness, but wonderful memories. I had forgotten until I read your letters.

Do you remember? : Salisbury Avenue – Does anyone remember by Maureen Filbert added 02/01/2012
As a child my family lived in Salisbury Avenue that ran along by Laindon station. I was wondering does any body remember it? We lived there until the Corporation compulsory purchased our house to make way for development, we used to walk from our house up to Langdon Hills, we also did our shopping in the High Road. I also remember the picture house and that when you walked down to your seats the floorboards moved.

Do you remember? : Re: Salisbury Avenue – Does anyone remember by Jim Quinton added 04/01/2012
Maureen, It would help if eveyone knew your d.o.b / age / years when you lived there, as if they were the same age they may be able to help.

Do you remember? : Re: Salisbury Avenue – Does anyone remember by Judy Webb (née Ranson) added 16/01/2012
I used to live at Whitethorn, Salisbury Avenue from birth 1953 until 1965 when we moved to Devonshire Road. I lived with my mum and dad, Fred and Ivy Ranson, my sister Linda and brother Richard. . We also used to walk from our house up to Langdon Hills and remember all the shops that used to be in the High Road and the cinema (called the flea pit!). . I attended Langdon Hills Primary School. . Our bungalow in Salisbury Avenue was close to where the railway crossing into Northumberland Avenue was. . What was the name of your bungalow Maureen? . My mum and dad will remember lots of people who lived there.

Do you remember? : Re: Salisbury Avenue – Does anyone remember by David Shearcroft added 26/04/2014
Yes indeed, we lived in Russell Road just above Salisbury Ave. Until the dreaded Corporation did the dirty and they never did build on our plot!

Do you remember? : Westmount by Pat Kenny added 07/01/2012
In 2009 I purchased a property in High Road, Laindon called ‘Westmount’, it’s the one with the huge monkey puzzle tree in the front garden.. All I know is that it was built in 1935 by a Mr Tubbs, (a local farmer). If there is anyone with any information on its history, I would be very gratefull.

Do you remember? : Re: Westmount by Richard Haines added 09/01/2012
Yes, Westmount is a couple of houses up from Laindon High Road School, on the same side of the road as the British Legion Hall, going towards the A127 Arterial Road. It is on the OS Maps of 1938 but not on the 1922 series so fits well with your history. As one of a group of three houses, they all seem to share the same construction period. I must have walked past Westmount many times going to my after- school job at Hatters Garage. Hope you enjoy living there Pat, kind regards Rich.

Do you remember? : Re: Westmount by Gloria Sewell added 24/01/2012
Hello Pat. It may be a help if you could tell us about where your property is in The High Road,I should not think many are left now, about how old is your property. If it’s an older property it may have changed names.

Do you remember? : Re: Westmount by Gloria Sewell added 24/01/2012
Sorry Rich did not see your comment before I made mine.

Do you remember? : Alan Mansworth by Janice Hinchliffe added 09/01/2012
Hello,. Does anybody remember Alan Mansworth? He was the son of my great uncle Leonard Mansworth and they lived in Laindon. Unfortunately Alan died in 1958 when he was 8 years old-from a brain tumour or possibly a brain haemorrhage. His mother was Elizabeth Gannon and having read some postings on the site, I can see mention of an Alfie and a Gloria Gannon who were about the same age as Alan. I wondered if Alfie & Gloria were brother and sister and also if Alan’s mother Elizabeth was related to either or both Alfie and Gloria?

Do you remember? : Re: Alan Mansworth by Eric Pasco added 10/01/2012
Hi Janice,. I remember Alan like it was yesterday, I have never forgotten him. He lived at the junction of Essex & Sandringham Roads maybe in the house you mentioned about your grandparents in another post to the site. We were the best of mates and played together all the time although he was a little younger than me according to the dates you show.. I also recall that whilst we were playing on the site of the roadworks for the Laindon Link Alan fell off a wall and they believe that is what triggered the haemorrhage, it was also my first brush with death so that is why it has stayed with me all my life. Over the years I have thought of him often. . I recall his Mum & Dad were great people, his Dad Len being a builder I think and his Mum being a pretty lady. I do not Know if she was related to Alfie & Gloria Gannon but they did not live far away from the Mansworths so quite possible.

Do you remember? : Re: Alan Mansworth by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 10/01/2012
Gloria and Alfie Gannon were cousins. They lived on the King Edward Road Estate and were both in my class and therefore about 4 or 5 years older than your Alan Mansworth (Gannon). That’s all I know, but hope it helps. Best wishes.

Do you remember? : Re: Alan Mansworth by Janice Hinchliffe added 09/02/2012
Hello Eric,. Thank you so much for replying to me….I’m afraid I’ve only just checked the web site and it was such a nice surprise to see your message. Alan died of a brain tumour on 4th December 1950 and I suppose that could have been caused by the fall. The family were indeed living at Orduna, Sandringham Road. The family must have moved into that house when Leonard’s mother (my great grandmother) died in 1945 as that is where she was living when she died. Alan’s father (according to the death certificate) was a manager of a painting contractors firm. I think it was vey sad as Alan was Leonard and Elizabeth’s only child. Leonard died in 1994 in Brentwood but I don’t know when Elizabeth died. Your memories are so valuable to me as they bring distant family alive. Please feel free to email me if you have any other memories that come back to you. Thank you again.

Do you remember? : Re: Alan Mansworth by Eric Pasco added 11/02/2012
Hi Janice,Cannot add much more for you although I know. Alans Mum never got over his death (naturally) and I believe suffered bad depression for many years after. They moved from Sandringham Rd to a house in Worthing Rd, I think, and were living there when I left for Australia in 1966.

Do you remember? : Re: Alan Mansworth by Alfred Gannon added 06/06/2012
Hello Janice; Leonard Mansworth was my uncle and Alan my cousin. Len passed away a few years ago, Aunt Bet is now 86 and still lives in Laindon. Also Gloria and I are cousins.. Eric Pasco I remember well from living close by Alan and also at school.

Do you remember? : Re: Alan Mansworth by Eric Pasco added 09/11/2012
Hello again Janice,. If you look an the article list for Sandringham Rd VE party you will see that Betty Gannon is in the photo for your interest.. Hello to Alfie Gannon…I do remember you too.

Do you remember? : Waverley Rd by Keith Nock added 10/01/2012
Hi I wonder if any one remembers Waverley Rd., it started at Church Road then carried through to where Noak Bridge is now. Some of the families I remember are the Sullivans who lived at top, the Ryans, Furlongs, the Mathews, the Williams, Shorters, Cameroons, Majors, Cooks, the Bull family, Langtons and Dysons. What a lovely road it was the Camerons had chickens. Ken Williams still lives there in original house and the Shorters place still stands.

Do you remember? : Re: Waverley Rd by William Diment added 11/01/2012
Hallo Keith, you have overlooked the Garnish Family and their adoptive son Walter Riches, sometimes known as George Garnish with whom I had a slight adventure, although post war while we were both still serving. There was also the Joy family who had a tragedy when Mrs.Joy was found drowned in their well. The eldest son John was an outstanding scholar at Brentwood County High and the teachers felt he would have had a brilliant future if sent to university, but the family had insufficient resources to do this. John married the daughter of Mr.Reeves, the postmaster next to Coles Body builders.

Do you remember? : Re: Waverley Rd by Keith Nock added 15/01/2012
Hello Bill, yes you are right I did miss those names out. I remember Kit and Bill Furlong lived in a bungalow at the bottom of our garden, later on my uncle Bill moved in. My uncle George lived in a little place called ‘Jeancot’, I always remember the crows nests in trees near him.

Do you remember? : Re: Waverley Rd by Terry Rattenbury added 22/01/2012
Hello William. Just a couple of things. The Garnish & Joy family lived in Kennelworth road off Waverley road. The Garnish family lived opposite my family and it was Mrs Garnish who was found drowned, Mrs Joy became a widow and was then rehoused by Basildon corporation to Long Riding. After which she remarried and went to live in Kent.

Do you remember? : Re: Waverley Rd by JESSE JOY added 09/04/2012
It was very interesting reading about my Nan, Rachel Joy, she did remarry and moved to a small village just outside Faversham called Oare. Unfortunately it was not long until she passed away in april 1965 and was bought home to be buried with her first husband (my grandfather) in the churchyard at St Nicholas. I wonder what they would make of the area now???

Do you remember? : Re: Waverley Rd by Sue Tripp (née Moore) added 29/01/2015
My granddad built a bungalow there, Arthur Moore, it was named ‘The Trees’. He was compulsorily purchased in the 60’s and moved to Basildon Drive

Do you remember? : Re: Waverley Rd by Donald Joy added 30/08/2015
As stated 08/04/12 by my brother our paternal grandparents lived in Waverley Road.Looking at names posted by others re residents of this road I noticed one glaring omission, at the far end of the road was a builders yard. I remember the daughter from Laindon Park Primary school, Polly George. As a result of helping her Dad she was a very strong girl who I have to admit scared me ( only a little bit ) !

Do you remember? : Peters Hairdressers by Albert Merrison added 16/01/2012
It was great to read all the messages regarding Peters the hairdressers. I have the permission of one of his stylists to pst this message. I went to Peters when he had a shop at the Jolly Friars in Whitmore Way in 1961 and his stylist Diane Lockwood (good old Laindon girl) looked after my locks, I followed Diane when she moved to Peters in Ballards Walk and when she moved to the little shop in Laindon High Road – yes, I followed her there. All in all Diane looked after my hair for over 15 years. I am still in touch with her which is lovely as our friendship is now over 50 years old. Ann Merrison

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Albert Merrison added 17/01/2012
Correction, Correction, Correction. I apologise for an error posted by me yesterday concerning Peters Hairdressers, it was NOT Peters Hairdressers in Whitmore Way where I first met Diane, the name of the hairedressers was Gerard, apologises all round and thanks Diane for putting me right – I have still known you for over 50 years. Ann Merrison

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Keith Nock added 17/01/2012
Hi Bert and Ann hope your both in better health now. Was Diane Lockwood any relation to Ronnie Lockwood? I remember Peter’s ,what a great story Ann

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Brian Baylis added 25/01/2012
If I remember rightly, this was the small Gents hairdressers at the Hiawatha, and between a sweet shop and Williamson’s the butchers? If so, it is where I very first had my hair ‘styled’ by and possibly Peter.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 25/01/2012
The Hairdressers between Williamson’s Buchers and the sweet shop was called Elliotts.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Ian Mott added 25/01/2012
Peter’s was just south east of the bridge over the railway. They moved from there to Lee Chapel.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Richard Haines added 25/01/2012
Brian, the shop you are thinking of is Barretts, not quite as stylish as Peters.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Richard Haines added 29/01/2012
The hairdressers at the Hiawatha was Barretts? See the message board entry, Mr Barrett. Where was Elliotts or was this later.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 01/02/2012
Hi Richard. As William Diment says in his article, Mr Barrett’s, hairdressers shop was between The Memorial Hall and Somerset Road. That was on the west side of the High Road. I used to go there sometimes with my dad and my little brother and wait for them. Dad used to chat for ages with Mr Barrett. I remembered a very tiny, narrow gents hairdressers on the opposite site of the road almost squashed between two other shops, but couldn’t remember the name of it. There were a few pictures of fashionable men’s hairstyles on the outside (quiffs and that sort of thing) and the usual advertisement for Brylcreem (a little dab a do yah!). It was so narrow that I used to be curious as to what it was like inside. . I found it on the Basildon History Website where they have listed all the shops. Elliotts was on the east side of Laindon High Road, between a sweet shop and a butchers, just a few yards along from The Hiawatha. I believe those shops were called St Nicholas Parade and included Green Stores (where my mum worked part-time from late fifties until late sixties). . I also found it on a list of shops that an old neighbour once wrote out for me. That list goes like this. Hiawatha, Nicholas Lane, St Peters Hall, Green Stores, butchers, Elliott hairdresser, sweet shop. Then there were a few other shops before reaching Ulster Road including Charsleys and Moorcrofts. I used to like window shopping at Charsleys. When I was 14, I saved for ages to buy my first pair of shoes with stiletto heels that I’d seen in the window. White they were. Oh dear!

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Richard Haines added 02/02/2012
Nina it was the shop up from the Hiawatha with the quiff haircut photos where I used to go (age 10-13). Definitely narrow as well, the only thing is, on the Basildon.com listing Elliots is down as a residence and the hairdressers listed is next door, in St Nicholas Parade named as Douglas salon. I have always remembered it as a very busy shop, particularly after school which is when I used to go in. Suggest we bring in Miss Marple again…

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 04/02/2012
Richard. Yes, I noticed that too. I remember that little narrow shop so well. Pity I didn’t make a note of its name at the time. Some more investigations are in order me thinks. I’m becoming a regular customer of ERO. Last time I visited, I looked through some old Basildon Recorders on microfilm and found something interesting. An article from February 1962 about a careers conference that my class took part in, together with a photo, where I am sitting in the front row with my friend Janet Gipson. There’s also a photo of Peter Darroch and David Parmenter who were making a cine film of the event for their Duke of Edinburgh Award. We were shown the film when it was finished. I wonder what happened to it? Mr Hawkins was the careers master at that time, so perhaps he kept it. I brought home a photocopy of the article and photos. I could sit there all day looking through the old Basildon Recorders. They are sooooo interesting. Best wishes.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Richard Haines added 05/02/2012
Nina, back again, didnt know you were in Peter Darroch’s class, also I knew Terry Parmenter, was he David’s brother? . Mr Hawkins didnt like me and called me a cheeky young man when I asked him if he was paid overtime for supervising our evening RSA exams!! Some things never change. . Also, do you know if any of our LHR class lists are kept by ECC, it would be great to read all the names. . Someone said there was a fire in LHR once, when all the records were destroyed? . Also I’d like to look up some ownerships in Powell Road and King Edward for 62/63.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Ian Mott added 06/02/2012
Richard, yes there was a fire at Laindon High Road School in the administration area and many of the records were destroyed.. I had the misfortune to be called in to assist the Fire Brigade and then get the school services restored.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 06/02/2012
Richard. I was in class 5X. I think Peter Darroch and David Parmenter were in class 5X2. Both classes took part in the conference. . Sorry, I don’t know if David had a brother called Terry. Don’t know about the class lists at ECC either, sorry again. Don’t know much do I! . However, you can look on the Electoral Registers to see who lived where – those are available at ERO Chelmsford. Best wishes.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Caroline Franklin née Brown added 28/05/2012
I was a stylist at Peter’s in ballards walk with Dianne. I lived in Roberts Road and when the salon moved to Laindon it was almost on my doorstep. I remember going to Dianne’s wedding. I left Peter’s in 1967 not long before I was married.

Do you remember? : Re: Peters Hairdressers by Donald Joy added 30/08/2015
Don’t know about Peters but Barrats ? Just a couple of shops further toward the station along from Markhams Dairy corner Somerset ? Road. Plank of wood rested across the arms of the barbers chair to sit on, sheet draped over your shoulders and Hey Presto – short back and sides, just as Mum decreed !

Do you remember? : Amara, Nichol Road by Richard Haines added 05/02/2012
Does anyone recall a little bungalow called Amara in Nichol Road, standing on its own behind the site of Sizers Butchers. The occupants were elderly but extremely kind to us when we moved into No1 in 1957. There were two ladies and one gentleman who we guessed was married to one of them. One of the ladies used to call me over to give me the cards out of Brooke Bond Tea which she used to buy in Dangerfields. Such happy innocent days with lovely Laindon people.

Do you remember? : Re: Amara, Nichol Road by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 07/02/2012
Richard. By coincidence, when I was last at the ERO I looked at Nicholl Road on the Electoral Register for 1957 (not sure what month that was) and took some notes. I list what I found. ‘Nicholl Lodge’ – William and Catherine Payton. ‘Fitzalon’ – Albert and Stanley West. ‘Diston Lodge’ – George and Gladys Ross (I knew their daughter Christine Ross). ‘June’ – Hannah Ford. ‘St Margaret’s’ – Butler family. ‘Amara’ – Derek Sizer. (I seem to remember it was Sidney Sizer who ran the shop – I believe he died in 1955). According to maps and records, there seems to be about three different ways of spelling Nicholl Road! I have a copy of the 1949 Electoral Register. Amara isn’t mentioned on there so perhaps it was unoccupied at that time. However, the following are listed. ‘Nicholl Lodge’ – Reginald and Margaret Isherwood. ‘Fitzalon’ – Margaret Harmon and Jennie Morris. ‘Diston Lodge’ – Charles and Eleanor Beetwell. ‘June’ – John and Hannah Ford and James Hamilton. ‘St. Margarets’ – John and Clara Butler plus John W Butler – also Dora and Henry Magill.

Do you remember? : Re: Amara, Nichol Road by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 14/02/2012
Hi Richard. Yes it’s strange that you remember three people living at ‘Amara’ when you moved in during 1957. Maybe Derek Sizer lived there at the beginning of 1957 (hence the Electoral Register entry) but different inhabitants had moved in by the time you lived there. A lot can change during 12 months. Maybe the 1958 Electoral Register will give the names of the people you remember. . I will also have a look next time I go to ERO, which won’t be before March as we have a holiday coming up too. I have noticed several other road and house names spelled incorrectly in the records, due no doubt to the person taking down the details at the time. Best wishes.

Do you remember? : Re: Amara, Nichol Road by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 03/04/2013
Richard. I’ve now seen the 1958 Electoral Register for Nichol Road. Florence and James Beech and Amy Steele were living in ‘Amara’ at that time. I assume they are the three people you remember. Strangely your family do not appear on the list. The other residents shown at that time were: No. 1. Jean & Arthur Strachan. No. 3. Gwen & Reginald Gamble. No. 5. Gwen and Ronald Celiz. No. 7. Helen & Reginald Harris. Catherine Payton – ‘Nicholl Lodge’. Eileen & Stanley West – ‘Fitzalon. Daniel Jones – ‘Diston Lodge’. Florence & Frederick Hodson – ‘June’. Clara, John and Stanley Butler – ‘St. Margarets’. Best wishes.

Do you remember? : Re: Amara, Nichol Road by Richard Haines added 14/02/2555
Nina, fascinating research here, thank you. I remember Diston Lodge and June, not the others. I dont think any of the occupants of Amara had anything to do with the butchers, certainly I would have remembered if they were called Sizer and they weren’t. Certainly the butchers was there when we moved in, late August 1957. However it was shut down and boarded up. Next door to the butchers in the High Road was a bungalow where my friend Brian Archer lived now called Condon, then there was Fair Natal, one of the oldest houses on the High Road. That was the group of houses I remember, apart from the new ones where we lived. . Don’t know why there are so many different spellings of a simple name Nichol. Thats what the road sign always said and thats what was on our deeds and all our mail for 1957-63. Annoyingly the OS seems to want to call it Nicholl, the idiots. I’ll have a call in to Essex records when I come back from holiday. Take care !!

Do you remember? : uptons the barbers by Chris Boyce added 12/03/2012
Hi my wife is Albert Uptons grand daughter, and daughter of Paul. Does anyone have photos or stories of the barber shop?

Do you remember? : Re: uptons the barbers by Brian Baylis added 01/06/2012
I don’t have any photo’s of the shop, but even though I was at school and had my haircuts there every three weeks, or so, I can still recall going there and even having cheap hair-cream on, as my Dad wouldn’t allow us to have Brylceme.. In fact I can still visualise Bert (in his white coat), as Dad called him.

Do you remember? : Music Mag by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 07/04/2012
Through the pages, I have picked up that some of our old Laindoners are also ”Rock n Roll” fans, so I am being cheeky in sending this message! There’s a new magazine called Vintage Rock, it is on sale in WH Smiths now! Inside you’ll find: Elvis Presley – The Man Who Would be King and all the other greats we loved in our younger years. I heard about this on BBC Essex Rock n Roll Heaven that’s on Saturday evenings at 6pm. Old Laindon and Rock n Roll goes together, yeah!!

Do you remember? : Re: Music Mag by Gloria Sewell added 20/04/2012
Hi Andrea thank for that will be off to Lowestoft this week to get one. I can drown my sorrows in it cos I can’t get down to see you all at the Manor Mission. Please give my regards to everyone and be sure and have a good time.

Do you remember? : Re: Music Mag by Richard Haines added 20/04/2012
Andrea, also to note that Duane Eddy is in the UK in May he is appearing at the South Bank on Sunday 20th. Any youngish Laindon Rebel Rousers will be highly entertained by this 74 year old superstar. I saw his show in 2010 and his sound on stage is just like those old London Label 45s.

Do you remember? : Steps to where? Holst Avenue, Laindon by Amanda Daley added 30/04/2012
Can someone recall what was built on the corner of Holst Avenue, my children and I found the steps that lead to somewhere. What was built there, who lived there, what was it used for? Please help us solve our mystery to the steps.

Do you remember? : Re: Steps to where? Holst Avenue, Laindon by Ian Mott added 09/05/2012
There were originally two houses located between the remaining semi-detached houses named Ceylon Villa and York Villa and the Arterial Road (A127). Holst Avenue did not exist until the early 1950s when the Pound Lane Estate was built.

Do you remember? : Do you remember a house named “Sissinghurst” by René Hill added 19/05/2012
Hello we are trying to find for a friend, the name of a house in Langdon Hills called Sissinghurst where she was born and was fostered at 9months. She is 82yrs old and thinks the house was for unmarried mothers. It was on the corner of a road/street and run by 2 ladies.. . We visited on April 3rd but, were so disappointed after asking a police lady and a taxi driver. Knocking on doors and asking quite a few passers-by. We would so like to help our friend. She had a stroke last year and has lots of time to dwell on her past. Are you able to help us in our search?. Thanking you so much for your Website. We will wait patiently for your comments and gladly come down again from Colchester at your suggestion.

Do you remember? : Re: Do you remember a house named “Sissinghurst” by Ellen English née Burr added 21/05/2012
Hello Rene, I saw your request regarding a house named Sissinghurst, Langdon Hills. The name rang a bell and I can give you info on where the house was. It was demolished to make way for Basildons housing.. If you go onto www.basildon.com BASILDON HISTORY it shows every property and business that was demolished in the early sixties. You need to look at Langdon Hills High Road Properties 1890’s-1970’s East side. It lists every property from the church in Langdon Hills rt down to the Fortune of War. Sissinghurst is listed on page 2 and is the 5th property listed. It is just two places away from the Primary School which is actually still standing, it is listed as a NURSING Home. Semi- detached.. I hope this is helpful to you, I still live locally and if you wanted any help in coming to view where it was I would be happy for the editor to give you my e-mail address.

Do you remember? : Re: Do you remember a house named “Sissinghurst” by Shakun Banfield (Chowdhary) added 12/06/2012
Dear Rene, I can confirm that Sissinghurst was a nursing home and that my late brother was born there in 1935. A nurse Young was in charge in those days and my father Dr Chowdhary thought a great deal of her management of the nursing home and the staff working there. Kind regards.

Do you remember? : Labour Exchange by Jim Reeve added 10/06/2012
Does anyone remember anything about the labour exchange in Laindon, what was it like and how did the staff treat you.

Do you remember? : Re: Labour Exchange by William Diment added 24/06/2012
Responding to Jim Reeve. I remember using the labour exchange in Laindon just opposite to Manor Rd. in the 1930s’.. On leaving school, it was necessary to register and obtain ones national insurance cards in order to secure employment as employers were required to affix a stamp weekly which enabled the holder to claim the “dole” when unemployed pro rata to the number of weekly stamps on the card which also eventually determined the level of a retirement pension. Once the stamps were exhausted there were no further “dole” payments made, but those with dependants could apply to the relieving officers for small sums which were only given after home visits to list luxury items such as wireless sets armchairs or sofas etc. which had to be sold before any benefits were paid.. There was no sickness benefits attached to the N.I. stamps, but those who wished could make their own arrangements via the “approved societies” which were run by major insurance companies and collections and payments administered by the companies local agents in addition to their normal insurance duties.. I recall one one the labour exchange’s counter staff was a Miss Rees, whose brother was a Laindon High Rd. schoolteacher and whose father was the caretaker.. My next encounter with the Labour Exchage was in the autumn of 1946 when I was demobbed from the forces and again required a N.I. card and hopefully employment. The card was supplied, but as it was some fifteen months after the end of the war, the situations vacant had dried up and I was advised to seek employment locally or read the Daily Telegraph which used to carry a daily column of situations vacant although mostly for the city of London. I was not at that time entitled to any benefit as I was still on ‘demob leave’ and receiving army pay.. I never again visited the labour exchange as there was obviously no help forthcoming and the staff seemed dispirited, possibly because of the numbers of ex service personnel seeking to fulfil their expectations of which the staff were unable to help.

Do you remember? : The Little Rec by Colin Ferrier added 30/06/2012
Apart from the swings and roundabout in the “little rec” behind the prefabs there was, in the middle of the playing field (towards Manor Road)a very large circular mound about a metre high. Has anyone any idea what it was, also behind the prefabs (also in the rec) at the Worthing Road end of Railway Approach there were huge reinforced concrete boulders. What were they doing there?

Do you remember? : Re: The Little Rec by Steve White added 05/02/2013
Hi Colin, I lived at 5 Worthing road opposite the CoOp and Woodyard ,we used that rec all the time. I think those remains are of laindon Manor house , and Manor road was originally the drive up to the house. I did in the past find a picture of the property.. Steve White

Do you remember? : Re: The Little Rec by Steve White added 05/02/2013
Hi again Colin , . I just did a search on this site for Laindon Manor House quite a bit comes up its called great Gubbins. Steve

Do you remember? : The Lily Pond by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 04/08/2012
Can anyone supply any information on the ”Lily Pond”. My friend’s home was on the site of the Gin Factory and she has asked if the lily pond still exists? (She mentioned Victoria Road, Dunton Road and Lower Avenue). She is not on-line so I am trying to find out for her.

Do you remember? : Re: The Lily Pond by Patsy Mott added 06/08/2012
Andrea, the remains of ‘Lilly pond’ were still in existence and when we get together I could take you to see if the remains are still there.

Do you remember? : Re: The Lily Pond by Barry Ellerby added 08/08/2012
The lily pond is still their. If you walk along the path from the gin factory towards Tommeys the lily pond is behind some factories and is visible from the path way just past the subway.

Do you remember? : Re: The Lily Pond by John Patching added 10/06/2014
I can confirm that the Lily pond was actually in Victoria Road. Leaving Lower Avenue and continuing straight in the Laindon direction, we would have crossed one field, over the next road continuing staright over a second field where there was the first house – directing opposite to the right was the Lily Pond. Had many an hour fishing with friends, Brian Kiddell, Brian Sharp, and other lads around that area.

Do you remember? : Shelsley Park by Richard Rapley added 17/08/2012
I am looking for information particularly photographs, on the area that is now Wiscombe Hill, Shelsley Park, just off of the High Road in Langdon Hills. What properties were here before the new Potton Houses estate was built in the early 1980’s? There are signs when digging of earlier properties on the site but I can get little information. Can anyone help and if possible let me know why the road names on this estate are all names of famous motor racing circuits, Shelsley, Wiscombe, Prescotts etc.

Do you remember? : Re: Shelsley Park by Ken Porter added 19/08/2012
Hi Richard. The area the Shelsley Park Estate now covers is part of the old Nightingale Estate which was created on farmland belonging to Nightingale Farm which was located in Lee Chapel Lane just east of the High Road. The development of the Nightingale Estate was based on the plotland development that took place extensively in the area following the arrival of the Railway this development continued until Basildon Development Corporation came on the seen and started the process of compulsory purchase to allow the creation of Basildon. Most of the properties forming the old estate were purchased and demolished during the late 1950s.. The naming of the estate after famous Shelsley Walsh Hill climb course in Worcestershire and the naming of the roads after other courses is as a reminder that in the early 1920s that Old Church Hill was used as a hill climb course. We are still trying to find out if there was any connection with the Shelsley Walsh Hill events and those at Langdon Hills.. Keep your eye on the site for articles on the Nightingale Estate and the Old Church Hill Climb.

Do you remember? : Re: Shelsley Park by John Watson added 25/08/2012
Hi Richard can you be more specific with your location, I lived in Langdon Hills from 1947 to 1962 I no longer live in the UK and dont know where Shelsley Park is.. Editor: John, I hope Ken’s reply helps, there will be an article on the Nigtingale estate soon and there are photographs of Nigtingale Avenue on the site

Do you remember? : Re: Shelsley Park by Richard Rapley added 02/09/2012
Hi Ken, many thanks for the info and I look forward to hopefully gathering more.. Thanks Richard

Do you remember? : Re: Shelsley Park by Richard Rapley added 02/09/2012
Hi John, thanks for your interest and response. Ken’s posting may have answered your question. Coming North down the hill into Langdon Hills High Road from the direction of the Crown towards Laindon Station, Shelsley Park estate is entered about 400 yards or so on the right past Butlers Grove. I am looking forward to gathering more info.. Regards, Richard

Do you remember? : Re: Shelsley Park by Barry Ellerby added 13/09/2012
Hi Richard I am one hundred percent positive that the picture of Nightingale Avenue that is on this site by Ellen English showing the three bungalows and several larger houses further on is the site of Shelsley Park. If you look at a old map of Langdon Hills, Laindon you will see Nightingale Avenue started at Lee Chapel Lane and ran half way down the hill to the railway station. It past right through where Shelsley Park now stands bearing in mind staneway was not in place at this time. Hope this helps.

Do you remember? : Re: Shelsley Park by Richard Rapley added 03/10/2012
Hi Barry, thanks for pointing me to the picture on Nightingale Avenue posted by Ellen English. It is a great picture and with your information about the route of Nightingale Avenue makes it all much clearer to me about Shelsley Park. Regards, Richard

Do you remember? : Re: Shelsley Park by Mark Mcmanus added 04/10/2012
Nightingale Avenue was pretty much a scrubland with old fruit trees when I moved to Langdon Hills in ’78. A few years later, I became friends with two of its last residents – Jane and Ron Read, who had relocated to Stacey Drive in Westley Heights. they had named their new home ‘Nightingales’ in honour of their old address.. Jane and Ron were friends and daily visitors to Doug Nicholson of ‘JohMar’, the last plotland home in old Victoria Avenue (its site can still be discerned). Some people might remember Doug, he was mostly deaf and did gardening odd-jobs in the area. Doug passed away in a care home in Laindon in ’85. Jane passed away in ’86 and Ron moved away. Their bungalow was sold and demolished, to be replaced by two bungalows, one of which is still called ‘Nightingales’.

Do you remember? : Laindon Woods Beautification by Georgia Laurie added 11/09/2012
When I was about 6 or 7 (1976/77) I remember we did volunteer work to turn parts of Laindon woods into picnic areas…mainly the two big enclosures up the top of the hill from the path leading from the Handley Green railway crossing. Anyway I remember we found a wartime aircraft in one of the enclosures, seem to remember it was a spitfire and no one had any clue it was there….anyone know more details?

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Woods Beautification by Barry Ellerby added 13/09/2012
Hi Georgia, my mum grew up in Primrose Hill which used to be where the Knares estate now stands. When she was around 18 she witnessed a twin engine German plane crashing into that wood during the second world war. She never mentioned any other plane crashes in that area so you may have possibly found parts of the German plane. She never forgot all the exploding ammunition and all the damage to properties. Hope this helps.

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Woods Beautification by Ken Marchant added 21/09/2012
G’day Georgia,. The aircraft you ask about was a JU88. It was shot down on a Sunday on the way back after bombing London. One of the crew landed in the big old oak tree that was outside the old junk shop and Cottis the bakers. It crashed in the back garden of the Smiths’, the other families that lived in the immediate area were; the Barkers, Larkins, Howes, Bob Booth (he was in the Navy) and my family. My dad was at that crash site. Only one of the crew got out and the rest were killed in the crash.

Do you remember? : Re: Laindon Woods Beautification by John Durrant added 10/07/2013
Hi Georgia. I was also 7 yrs old in 1977, and lived in Newberry Side. I don’t remember a plane being found, but I have found out that a Spitfire crashed on 5th Sept 1940 near Markhams Chase.. I doubt this is the plane to which you refer though. However, on 15th Sept 1940 a german Dornier Do-17 bomber was shot down in what is now the nature reserve where you worked. Perhaps this is the aircraft to which you refer.

Do you remember? : Dunton Point to Point Races by William Diment added 04/10/2012
One annual event which has not yet been mentioned in the archive was the Dunton Point to Point races. This was very popular with the local menfolk although less so by the ladies. I suggest this was due to the main interest being focussed on the beer tent which was open all afternoon, which was rare apart from the Southend Cricket Week.. While coaches ran from outlying areas I do not remember a specific service from Laindon, although I believe the cabbies did have an uncrease in business.. This event did produce an unusual sight as just after lunch on that Saturday many of the local males could been seen in the High Rd. or emerging from the Laindon Hotel while dressed in their Saturday best, but with wellington boots, proceeding to the south end of the High Rd. and the side roads to Dunton. There was always two certain winners at Dunton, the caterer who ran the beer tent and the farmer who towards the end of the meet arrived with a large shire horse to haul motor vehicles out of the field loosely called a car park and which had turned into a quagmire, as it alway seemed to be very wet there. Some of the local residents also made a small profit by hanging signs on their gates stating “bicycles stored”.. Strangely enough, I do not remember seeing any of the Dunton Colonists at this event, although perhaps they were outside watching the racing.

Do you remember? : Sporting Clubs of long ago by William Diment added 21/11/2012
Two Laindon’s sporting clubs seem to have little in the way of recorded history in the archives, yet surely there are persons who fathers or grandfathers played with them.. Dunton United Football Club. I have a number of names who played prewar but no one seems to have personal memories of them.. Langdon Hills Cricket Club which existed pre WW1 does not appear to have much early history recorded. I can remember playing against them post WW2 but the only players which come to mind were the three Smith brothers and ‘Spud’ Murphy.. Can anyone help to record the history of these clubs for posterity?

Do you remember? : Re: Sporting Clubs of long ago by Brian Baylis added 18/05/2014
I remember ‘Spud’ Murphy when he played for Laindon United, He was a Great player, but I can only apologise for not being of further help to you.

Do you remember? : labour exchange by Jemima Chapman added 08/01/2013
We used to take the rose hips and jam jars to the labour exchange

Do you remember? : Re: labour exchange by Brian Baylis added 31/12/2013
I do have a photo of the Labour Exchange, and believe I got it from Laindon Library.

Do you remember? : House by Lee Harlow added 07/02/2013
I’ve lived in Emanuel Road in Langdon Hills for about 10 years . I live in a detached bungalow half way up, I’m trying to find out how old the property is, I think it looks like it was built in the 40’s .. Is there any old pics or building plan that I can see of Emanuel Road I’ve looked on the Basildon history site and this site only not to find anything.

Do you remember? : Chromadising by Ken Elliott added 19/03/2013
Any of you Ladies used to work at Chromadising? Lots of local girls worked there, spending their days wiring items to be processed to jigs, which were dipped into tanks of hot acids. I knew Nobby, the Polisher who worked there, he had a BSA sidecar outfit.

Do you remember? : Re: Chromadising by Don Joy ( Smith ) added 10/08/2015
i worked at Chromadising part time prior to leaving school in 1962 and then went on to work there full time as my first job after leaving school. All those different acids, hot and cold, the heated caustic soda vat, I found it to be rather scary initially. But it was a really interesting way to earn a wage as the things that we were electro-plating were so diverse as were the different processes and treatments we had to conduct. The bungalow that stood in front of the factory was occupied by a lady that worked in the jigging department and I have less than fond memories of her ( although she was a really nice person ). She found numerous ways to embarrass this young slip of a lad in front of all the other girls. Working in this perpetually wet environment I seemed to frequently have a cold, runny nose etc. I had finally plucked up the courage to ask one of the girls out when Ruby ( I think that was her name ) made some quip which made us all snort with laughter. Needless to say, snorting and snotty noses do not make good bedfellows. I never did get to finish my request for a date ! I don’t know how long I worked there, when I left or why, but I think I went on to take home more than £4.2s.4d a week.

Do you remember? : Re: Chromadising by Don Joy (Smith ) added 13/08/2015
Already did this once but being new to site forgot to enter email address so lost it ! I worked part time at Chromadising while still at school, upon leaving school I became a full time employee, my first proper job ! All the different acids in large vats, some cold others hot plus a long vat of almost boiling caustic soda, what a scary place. In the bungalow that fronted the factory lived a woman, whose name escapes me, who was a larger than life character. She worked in the jigging department along with many other women and girls one of whom I took a real fancy for ( now that I’d found out that girls really weren’t poison ). In the damp environment of the factory it seemed that I often had a cold and on the day when I had finally plucked up the courage to ask this girl out on a date then Ruby ( it came to me ) cracked a joke. As you might imagine a snotty nose and snorting with laughter do not go well together, so with a newly decorated face I turned, never to put my question, never to get a date !

Do you remember? : Re: Chromadising by Donald Joy added 30/08/2015
Ken, sorry about the delay with this response, I am new to the site and have only just read your post. I worked at Chromadising weekends while still at school and after leaving school in 1962 worked there full time, my first real job. It was a very interesting job and extremely dangerous what with all the large vats of different types of acids, many of which to make them even more potent were heated ! It was a particularly damp working environment and I was frequently stricken with a cold because of this. In the bungalow that stood in front of the factory lived a lady named Ruby who was the forewoman in the jigging department where the ladies you ask about worked. Now Ruby was a a character who enjoyed a laugh and joke. There was also a lovely looking girl in that same department who I guessed was a similar age as myself and I really fancied her, so after taking an absolute age to pluck up the courage I decided to ask her out. I asked the question but before she got the chance to say yes or no Ruby made one of her usual quips. We all laughed and as you might imagine, a snotty nose and laughter do not make good partners. So with candles hanging I turned tail and never went back as I guessed what the answer might be bearing in mind the impression I had created.

Do you remember? : Pageant 1953 by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 22/04/2013
Does anyone remember the pageant that was held on the Laindon High Road School playing field for the Coronation in 1953? I was only about 6 at the time and my sister Anne took me along. I remember her friend Sylvia Short dressed as Queen Elizabeth 1st, riding her horse onto the field. Apparently a cine film was taken that day. Does anyone know who took the film and what happened to it. I would love to track it down and be able to watch it. Any photographs of the event would also be of great interest. Thank you.

Do you remember? : Re: Pageant 1953 by Alan Davies added 10/06/2013
Surely the pageant was not held on the actual day of the coronation? It was pouring with rain virtually all day. . I was nineteen at the time and working in the city. I considered taking a place along Birdcage Walk and watching the coronation procession in person. Cometh the actual day it had been raining all night and forecasted to rain all day. I decided instead to watch it on our little black and white twelve inch Baird TV. . If the pageant was indeed on the actual day it must have made a right mess of the LHR sports field. Horses and all!

Do you remember? : Re: Pageant 1953 by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 16/06/2013
You’re right Alan, it wasn’t raining on the day of the Pageant, therefore it didn’t take place on Coronation Day itself. That makes sense as I doubt the organisers would have wanted the events to clash. Maybe it was held the following Saturday afternoon, perhaps somebody somewhere will remember.

Do you remember? : Re: Pageant 1953 by Anne Burton added 20/06/2013
Quite correct, the pageant was not actually held on coronation day and I don’t think that is what my sister meant. There were two performances, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Sylvie was Elizabeth I for one of the performances and June Hogan the other (both having lovely red hair). In addition to Nina seeing it, our brother Dennis and his wife Joyce also came to watch. I was in the choir and Joyce said there was a lot of coughing and clearing of throats over the loudspeaker as the choir prepared to perform. We sang “Greensleeves” to open the event. We were dressed in home-made Elizabethan costumes with the help of Mrs Collison, the drama teacher and a lot of crepe paper. She showed us how to make an inexpensive cummerbund to complete the look. In answer to Nina’s previous enquiry, as far as I am aware there was no film made of the event, more’s the pity, neither did I ever see any photographs, although there may have been some taken.. I am sure we would have been made aware if there had been a film.

Do you remember? : Re: Pageant 1953 by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 21/06/2013
Hi Anne. Thank you for the additional details. I seem to remember that when we met up with Sylvie in 2011, she mentioning something about the event having been filmed. Maybe I was mistaken. I’ll still keep my fingers crossed that a photo might come to light at sometime.

Do you remember? : Pound Lane Estate by Jemima Chapman added 19/05/2013
whats happened to all the children born, from the 1950s/60s who lived on the Pound Lane estate. Some I see who are still around the area, I am sure they are spread far and wide

Do you remember? : Re: Pound Lane Estate by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 21/05/2013
Hi Jemima. My brother and his wife (Joyce and Dennis Burton) moved to Fonteyn Close in March 1955 with their two small boys. Paul and Martin. They later had two more boys, Trevor and Glenn. All four boys grew up on the Pound Lane Estate. The older two went to Markhams Chase School, the younger two went to Laindon Park. They lived there until they married and moved away. The older two were married in St Nicholas Church. The oldest one died in 2005, the second oldest lives in Basildon, the third oldest is soon to move to America and the youngest lives in Wickford. My brother Dennis died in 2010. My sister-in-law still lives in the same house and will celebrate her 80th birthday next month. We are fairly sure she is now the oldest original tenant still living on the estate.

Do you remember? : Re: Pound Lane Estate by Jemima Chapman added 21/05/2013
Hello Nina, yes I know Martin very well and his mum Joyce, she is a year older than me. I moved into Tallis Road, February 1955. Thank you for replying, my son mark tries to catch up with as many as he can for a get together, every so often.

Do you remember? : Re: Pound Lane Estate by Hazel Hunter née Hopkins added 03/03/2014
We lived in Dowland Walk and Kathleen Ferrier Cresent, we moved to Leigh-on-Sea Essex. We lived next door to David and Jean Ross, does anyone know where they are?

Do you remember? : Re: Pound Lane Estate by hazel hunter née hopkins added 14/07/2015
My brothers Tommy & Stephen & I moved to 3, Dowland Walk in 1953 we lived here for a few years then moved to 32 Kathleen Ferrier Cresent then in 1958 we moved to Leigh . I have very fond memories of my time living here, names I remember were Jean Ross, Janet Cross, Thelma Talbot, Nadine Bunn & Jimmy Chalkly.

Do you remember? : Re: Pound Lane Estate by Donald Joy added 30/08/2015
David Ross was a good friend of mine throughout our years at LHR school although I never saw him after that time. I heard that he joined the police force and rumour said he was based at Colchester, true or not I cannot say. I also heard on the rumour tree that he had passed away, true or not again I cannot say, I just hope not. As for Jean, in all the time I knew David I was never aware of him having a sister. Not much help at all really was I ?

Do you remember? : Re: Pound Lane Estate by George Le-Surf added 13/06/2017
We moved into the then New houses in Vaughan Williams Road c1960. Ours was No 19 at the end, where there was a patch of mud and bushes nicknamed “the arches”. Why? This led through to the top of Pauls Road; a short unmade road leading down to the High Road immediately opposite The High Road School.

Do you remember? : Ihonart by Diane added 05/07/2013
My GreatGrandfather was a travelling Showman who performed as a Strongman under the name of Ihonart. On one of his Children’s Birth Certificates in August 1922, his address is given as: Iona Waggon, Hotel Grounds, Laindon. I can only think that there must have been a Circus or Fair there at the time. Would anyone have any knowledge of this please?

Do you remember? : Re: Ihonart by David McNally added 29/04/2014
Hi Diane. May be something or nothing, my father was a boxing prize fighter in the traveling Tommy Smith Circus. They covered all the South England coast around the mentioned time. Laindon was a stop as Dad met Mum there while on tour. Could have been Show, Circus or Fair but Tommy Smith is correct.

Do you remember? : Gloria (née Sewell) by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 09/07/2013
On a recent visit to Norfolk, I met up with Gloria Muir (née Sewell) where we spent some lovely heart-to-heart hours of chat.. Over the time, Gloria has given Laindon History site some special insights into her memories of ‘her’ old Laindon and it has been a pleasure reading them. She is not a facts and figures gal, but as we know, she relates some very interesting topics, often jerking recollections of something/someone, stored away in our own deep recesses; thus setting off a chain reaction for many more comments on the page.. Gloria says she is intending to send some more of her buried treasures to Laindon History site and to do that soon. I know from past comments and reactions to her reflections, that they are enjoyed by many because of her unique style of relating her life in Laindon.. Hopefully it won’t be long until we have Gloria’s next input; meanwhile, please know that she is well and happy. Although heavily involved in a local project (which has been taking up a lot of her time and energy) I know Gloria will never forget her Laindon roots. . Andrea. (have Gloria’s permission to send this message)

Do you remember? : Festival of Britain Programme by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 21/11/2013
Please does anyone have a copy of the programme from Laindon’s 1951 Festival of Britain Celebrations? Or perhaps know anyone else who may still have one. Thank you.

Do you remember? : Siblings..David & Margaret Townsend by Sheilagh Davies added 04/12/2013
I have recently been informed that David Townsend (born 1948?) and his sister Margaret (born1953?) are cousins of my husband, Gordon. Their parents were Charles & Winifred Townsend (née Lawson Johnston) . Winifred was a younger sister of Gordon’s mother, Annie Marie. Does ANYONE have recall of any members of the family who we know lived in Laindon/Langdon Hills in the 1950’s? My husband remembers visiting someone at an address in Laindon during this time but cannot remember who!. Many thanks.

Do you remember? : Re: Siblings..David & Margaret Townsend by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 04/12/2013
Hi Sheilagh. The Electoral Register for the late fifties shows Alice M Johnston plus Winifred and Charles Townsend living in “Claremont”, Tyler Avenue, Laindon. I hope this helps.

Do you remember? : Re: Siblings..David & Margaret Townsend by Sheilagh Davies added 05/12/2013
Nina….THANK YOU so much for the information about Winifred and Charles Townsend (my husband’s aunt and her husband) and also Alice Maria Johnston. She was my husband’s grandmother who he remembers very little about – only that she was very old!! Gordon also thinks that the house/bungalow was near to a playing field possibly? However he also recalls possibly staying with another two aunts – Alice Cronin and Evelyn Slater. He was very young at the time and can not remember anything more.. Once again many thanks and when we visit Essex again (from Wales) we will have to do some more digging!!. Regards.

Do you remember? : Good Neighbours Club by Hazel Hunter added 05/03/2014
We moved to Dowland Walk when it was newly built I think 1953 or1954. My mum with Florrie Bun formed the good neighbours club for the new residents on the estate, they met on a Friday evening in St Nicholas Church hall. Mrs Knock & Mrs Yems were members, does anyone remember this? My mum was Elsie Hopkins

Do you remember? : Berry Boys & Boxing Club by Brian Baylis added 18/05/2014
Do any of you remember the Berry Boys and Boxing Club that was either next door, or if not quite close to Laindon Post Office, when it was opposite the Laindon Hotel?. I have vague memories of going and my brother Barry doing gymnastics in there, but down in what I seem to recall the basement! Perhaps somebody can refresh my now old mind.

Do you remember? : Re: Berry Boys & Boxing Club by Isabel Smith added 14/06/2014
Hi Brian: Wasn’t the Berry Boys Boxing Club run by a Mr. Nunn who used to live in Berry Lane? In fact I remember him quite well, and think I am correct in this regard. He had been in the navy and had a white cockatoo which used to be in the garden when the climate was warm. Perhaps this will jog other peoples memories for you. Sorry can’t add anything else for you.

Do you remember? : Re: Berry Boys & Boxing Club by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 16/06/2014
Hi Isobel. Yes you are correct. Fred Nunn founded and ran the Berry Boys Club. There are a couple of articles about him and the club on this website.

Do you remember? : Re: Berry Boys & Boxing Club by Brian Baylis added 25/06/2014
Thank you Isabel, I had thought the surname Nunn had a connection, and now I remember it was Fred Nunn, who did all he could for members.

Do you remember? : Re: Berry Boys & Boxing Club by David Shearcroft added 10/07/2014
Yes I remember this, it was an old house converted for their use, after which they had a hall and rooms nearer to the station. They had an old mini bus to transport members to various venues.

Do you remember? : Old vehicles by Paul Stickland added 26/05/2014
Does anyone remember the old vehicles that were parked in a yard behind the bus stop opposite Buckenham’s butcher? This was the first bus stop after the roundabout. In the late 50s there were lots of old lorries and vans parked there, some must have been really old as I’m sure some had wooden seats, so must have been 1920s or older. It has always intrigued me as to why they were there and who owned them.

Do you remember? : Miller Family by Amanda Kennedy added 22/08/2014
Hi, I am researching my family tree and trying to find information on my great aunt Ethel Matilda and uncle John George Miller. They had a little boy named John Briton Miller, who sadly died aged 3.. My family built their home Britton Villa in Ravenswood Drive, Lee Chapel. My granddad John and his sister my aunt Gwen Clifford spent a lot of time with the Millers and have lovely memories. I would really be grateful for any info/stories on the family or when their home was built. . I look forward to hearing from you.. Best wishes. Amanda

Do you remember? : Ravenswood Drive by Amanda Kennedy added 28/09/2014
Hi,. I am trying to find any information on the Millier Family.. Elthel and John Miller lived at Britton Villa in Ravenswood Drive.. If your remember the family or have any information / pictures of Ravenwood Drive, i would really like to hear from you.. Thank You. Best Wishes

Do you remember? : The First Five Thousand film by Lee Houser added 02/03/2015
Hi,. My dad (Brian Houser) informs me that there was a film made called “the first five thousand” about the development of Basildon made in 1958. I would be interested to know if anyone has heard of this or even better has a copy to share.. It was co directed by Derek Pope and Ken Janeway, sound recordist Jim Perrin, camerman Jack Boxhall. . Brian Houser and Valerie Williams were the cast.. It was apparently last seen in Gifford house(Pitsea??). Any help would be appreciated.. Thanks. Lee Houser

Do you remember? : Re: The First Five Thousand film by Ken Porter added 13/04/2015
Hi Lee. Yes I have heard about the film – Derek Pope was my Uncle-in-Law…but to date we have not been able to locate where it is. I also work with a group of volunteers – Basildon Borough Heritage Group, I will see if we can trace what happen to it.. Thank you for reminding me about it.. Cheers .. Ken

Do you remember? : Newspapers by Elaine Smith added 27/03/2015
Hello,. Does anyone know which newspaper would have reported on stories from Laindon in the 1950’s?. I am looking to find information about a bigamist in the area at the time.

Do you remember? : Re: Newspapers by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 27/03/2015
Laindon Recorder and Basildon Standard.

Do you remember? : Crimea War – Military Burial Laindon Hills by Andy Ager added 09/06/2015
I am looking for further information relating to a soldier from the Crimea War who I believe was buried with full military honours at Langdon Hills Church. The soldier concerned was injured in the Redan Pits and nursed by one of Florence Nightingale’s senior nurses whom he later married.. . I believe this gentleman to be a relative of mine as I can recall being shown details of him when I was a child, sadly the individual who showed me the information has passed and all I can recall is the church and graveyard as being related to Langdon Hills.. I recall seeing a copy of a newspaper article at the time, although unsure what publisher. Any help from any of your members or contributors would be warmly welcomed. . Andy Ager

Do you remember? : Re: Crimea War – Military Burial Laindon Hills by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 29/06/2015
The name of the soldier would be very helpful.

Do you remember? : Re: Crimea War – Military Burial Laindon Hills by Denise Rowling added 11/12/2015
Hello Nina and Andy. I would love to know more about George and Maria Mihill. I haven’t been able to find their grave or any record of it. I spent 2 hours searching for it! There is a photo of them around – very small though.. Denise Rowling

Do you remember? : Family History by Carol Bennett added 29/06/2015
I’m looking for the Herbert family of Durham Road, Laindon. Any information would be of great help. Regards – Carolann.

Do you remember? : Wonder what happened to….. by Tony (Chubby) Hewett added 22/07/2015
Whatever happened to Andrews’ news agency near the station? Also, anyone know what happened to Roger Andrews or his whereabouts now?

Do you remember? : Re: Wonder what happened to….. by Donald Joy added 17/08/2015
What happened to all the people who were pupils at Laindon High Road School at the same time as myself 1958 – 1962? I see many names I recognise from years above and below these dates and a few from these dates, but considering the number of pupils in my year – Where are you all and your memories for us to share ?

Do you remember? : Vets by Donald Joy added 21/08/2015
Was there ever a veterinary practice in the Laindon area? I don’t ever recall there being one but if there was I’m sure one of the more knowledgeable contributors will be able to say when and where.

Do you remember? : Re: Vets by Bob Connell. added 22/08/2015
I remember a mobile Vet clinic which used to set up in the car park at the Laindon Hotel.

Do you remember? : Re: Vets by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 22/08/2015
The mobile unit that parked outside Laindon Hotel in the 50s was the RSPCA. We used it many times. It was free but donations were welcome. Apparently a Vet from Brentwood used to come and park in front of Wilson the Chemist in Laindon once a week in the 50s. The first time my mother called out a vet to our home in Laindon to treat our ill dog was in 1962. He came to our house but I’m don’t know where he was based.

Do you remember? : Re: Vets by Christine Hutchings (Oliver) added 23/03/2016
Regarding vets in Laindon. There was a vet called Mr Godfrey who had a small surgery in a converted bungalow on the corner of New Century Road. His main surgery was in Brentwood.

Do you remember? : Re: Vets by Judy Webb added 05/12/2016
Hello. Yes there used to be a vets in I believe it was Worthing Road, it was an old bungalow. It was definitely still there in 1980 but long since gone. We also used to have the PDSA van at the Laindon Hotel once a week. I remember going there with a tortoise once.

Do you remember? : Andrea Ash née Pinnell by Donald Joy added 23/08/2015
Andrea, are you related to Barry Pinnell who lived in Dickens Drive along with the rest of his family, who I knew quite well back when? Also, on a personal note, did you ever enquire of your parents as to their selection of name for you, as I believe Andrea would have been, at that time, a rarely heard name in England? Just curious.

Do you remember? : Re: Andrea Ash née Pinnell by Andrea Ash née Pinnell added 11/09/2015
Hello Donald; yes Barry (John) Pinnell who lived in Dickens Drive is my brother and lives in Whitmore Way now. I also have a cousin Barry (Ernest) Pinnell who lives near Basildon town centre. Re my name; well mum said she had come to an agreement with her sister in South Africa (both were pregnant) that if they had girls, they would call them Andrea; Mum did just that but her sister changed her mind and called her girl Valerie. We did have Andrea Bardot at LHS but she was younger than me.

Do you remember? : True Laindoners by Donald Joy added 23/08/2015
Just wanted to start a debate/argument on what people’s definition of a True Laindoner may be! To me it is a person who not only lived in Laindon but attended Laindon High Road School. I say this because I have a younger sister and an even younger brother who both attended Nicholas School and, biased maybe, I don’t feel that they qualify as True Laindoners. Am I wrong to think this way ?

Do you remember? : Re: True Laindoners by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 30/08/2015
An interesting question to which I believe the answer is somewhat subjective. The question itself invites further questions i.e. If having attending Laindon High Road School is a qualification, do those who were born and bred in Laindon but passed their 11 plus and went to school in Brentwood or Grays not qualify? (Joan Sims for instance, couldn’t be more ‘True Laindoner’ as she was born in Station House, daughter of the Laindon Station Master. She grew up in Laindon, but went to schools in Brentwood and Chelmsford).. How about those who were Laindon born and bred before the High Road School was built around 1924 – did they not qualify. And those born in Laindon since the demolition of Laindon School – will they not qualify?. How about those who were born in Laindon, attended Laindon School and then emigrated in later life – where do they stand?. I believe it is up to the individual to decide whether they are a true Laindoner or not as only they know their experience of Laindon and how they feel about it. Many factors come into the equation apart from which school was attended.. Do I consider myself a ‘True Laindoner’? Of course, definitely.

Do you remember? : Re: True Laindoners by Donald Joy added 30/08/2015
Obviously didn’t make my point as well as I could have. By True Laindoners I meant those who were Laindoners when Laindon really was Laindon. The REAL Laindon as it was prior to the construction of the “shopping centre”. All those who came after that time did not/ do not know Laindon, all they have known is the charmless, characterless place erected in place of the Laindon we all knew and loved. Those who knew the town as it was and have since moved on to pastures new (myself included) are and always will be, to my mind and theirs, True Laindoners. Those that came after the destruction of our once interesting town, surely can only be considered and referred to as Basildonians? Nice to see Nina that you are not only a true Laindoner but a proper female ready to take up the argument ! Lol. Don

Do you remember? : Re: True Laindoners by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 30/08/2015
I don’t see it as an argument – just personal opinion.

Do you remember? : Re: True Laindoners by Donald Joy added 30/08/2015
Oops, sorry !

Do you remember? : Re: True Laindoners by Brian Baylis added 25/10/2015
As I was born and grew up in Laindon, I consider myself a True Laindoner. I attended Markhams Chase, now Janet Duke School, then Laindon High Road, until 21st December 1961, starting work in January 1962, then moved away in August 1964, but still class myself as a Laindoner to this day, and always will.

Do you remember? : Laindon lads by Donald Joy added 23/08/2015
Where are all the lads who used to meet up at the dairy in the High Road corner of Somerset Road opposite The Link. Those that turned up in cars and on motor bikes to chat and drink milk from the machine? Come on some of you must be around, some of you must read these pages, others must mention this to you. Get in touch – you all have memories to share.

Do you remember? : Pitsea Market by Donald Joy added 01/09/2015
I imagine mine was not the only Laindon family to make the journey to Pitsea Market? Some, dependent upon their location within Laindon, may have made the journey by train as it was only one stop. Others, such as ours, travelled by bus, which in those times was an extremely long and time consuming journey. Fortunately we only did this once or twice a year, usually, I guess in the period leading up to Christmas.. The market was located in Station Lane and consisted of stalls that appeared to have been constructed in a D.I.Y. fashion. Whilst unable to recall where we would have caught the bus, I do seem to remember parts of the route that it took. Along Basildon Road, Nevendon Road and then it becomes a little vague. Did it go via Burnt Mills Road, Pound Lane Pitsea and then on to the Broadway? Or Burnt Mills Road, Rectory Road Pitsea finishing at the Broadway? What about Timberlog Lane through Vange or even Honeypot Lane, who knows? All I do know is that we were on that bus for what seemed, to a youngster, a very long time! Then there was the homeward bound journey to “look forward to”? I know I was thankful that it was a rare occurrence to travel to such a far off place. Today Laindon to Pitsea by car takes only 5 minutes, now that really is progress !

Do you remember? : Re: Pitsea Market by Donald Joy added 02/09/2015
Additionally to the question of the buses route: where would we have got on the bus? I can only think it would have been in the High Road, somewhere in the vicinity of Hiawatha as there was not, as I recall, a bus service along St Nicholas Lane. If as I suspect our journey began in the High Road then what route was taken, for us at some point, to find ourselves in Basildon Road? Fortune of War roundabout, Old Fortune, Wash Road? I do however recall the sign on the front of the bus read “Circular”!. Having looked at a map from that time I have only arrived at one conclusion, that being I can’t remember. Help needed !

Do you remember? : Re: Pitsea Market by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 05/09/2015
I’ve made a few enquiries and this may have been ‘Campbell’s Motor Services’. Mr Jack Campbell ran the family business. It was a flexible service which ran all around the district, not necessarily sticking to the exact timetable, i.e. waiting at the station for people if the train was late and dropping people off where they requested rather than at specific bus stops. ‘Campbells’ were eventualy taken over by Eastern National who stuck to the rules and timetable. www.basildon.com/history/buses/cms.html (Copy link and put into browser).

Do you remember? : Re: Pitsea Market by Sandra Springall added 25/10/2015
We used to go to Pitsea Market almost every week.I can still picture the stalls now..we often bought nougat or coconut ice there..or a cream cake in one of the hanger type buildings..also Alfe had a stall and a shop further down…mum used to buy remnants and lace to nake petticoats..

Do you remember? : Re: Pitsea Market by Brian Baylis added 25/10/2015
Normally, living near Laindon station, we would go by train to Pitsea, but on the bus, they started from Laindon station, and went via Laindon Link once built, but sadly prior to that, I have no idea.

Do you remember? : Re: Pitsea Market by Sandra Springall added 28/10/2015
We too lived not far from Laindon Station in the 1950’s so caught the train to Pitsea.

Do you remember? : “The Arches” by Donald Joy added 09/09/2015
Anybody out there remember “The Arches” ? There really did not exist such a place with that name it was just a name given and adopted by many who used it. At the top end of Vaughan Williams Road there was a piece of scrubland. A small pathway had been created through there which over a period of time became a little clearer and a little wider. This now became a regular cut through on the route to LHR school used by many pupils. Through “The Arches”, across Tavistock Road then down the sloping Paul’s Road and PRESTO there you were immediately opposite the school gate. This sounds quite a simple, direct route to get to the school, not so throughout the winter months. Puddles, both large and small, deep and shallow and with the quagmire of mud that many feet had generated. But for a schoolboy of that time this was an adventure in itself, a challenge that had to be met head on. If you were skilful or maybe that should read, just plain lucky, you would remain on your feet all the way through. If you failed and slipped over, well that was another matter to be taken up with Mum when you arrived home.

Do you remember? : Re: “The Arches” by Hazel Hunter added 18/09/2015
I remember the cut through called The Arches. One year in the early 50s there was a fete held there. I remember seeing Scottish dancers doing the sword dance and having pony rides. It started my love for horse riding. I remember the great big puddles. It was awkward to get round them because of the bushes.

Do you remember? : Re: “The Arches” by Sarah Rowe added 23/06/2016
I can remember the ‘Arches’. I lived on the other side, in Claremont Road. We moved there in the very early 70s, when the houses were newly built. I can recall that the path was always rough & muddy (until it was tarmacced over) & there were hawthorn trees growing either side (I think!). I was very young when we moved there, & my mother always forbid me to go ‘through the Arches’. Seems daft now!

Do you remember? : Happy Wanderer Coaches by Donald Joy added 15/09/2015
Happy Wanderer Coaches were at one time quite big and well known in and around the Laindon area and then they were gone. What happened? Somebody must have some info.

Do you remember? : Re: Happy Wanderer Coaches by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 15/09/2015
During the early sixties Happy Wanderer Coaches were operating from 2 Compton Walk, High Road, Laindon. The driveway to their yard was between Aston Road and Somerset Road. It would appear they ceased operating a few years later.

Do you remember? : Re: Happy Wanderer Coaches by Brian Baylis added 25/10/2015
I remember the company and despite the lady’s name being Thelma, I always called her Wilma after The Flintstones. Lovely people.

Do you remember? : Taxis by Donald Joy added 28/09/2015
Trying to remember taxi companies that have operated in and around Laindon in days gone by. I can think of some but I’m sure there must have been others that have escaped me. D. C. Jeakins. C and M Taxis (Charlie & Michael Jeakins). Farmers Taxis (Sid Farmer). Intacab. Davita, who operated out of Pitsea, fondly referred to as “rent a crash”. Can anyone think of any that I’ve missed?

Do you remember? : Re: Taxis by Donald Joy added 01/10/2015
Reading through other articles posted on site, I have learned that Parkinson’s garage used to operate taxis. I did actually know this, but found that it was just a little beyond my power of recall!

Do you remember? : Re: Taxis by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 01/10/2015
There was also “Dove Taxis” who operated from Methersgate and later from Unit 1, Durham Road.. We had a close encounter with one of their vehicles on Christmas Eve 1967. As we entered the Laindon Link from Roundacre Roundabout, an accident had already happened. A ‘Dove’s taxi travelling along The Link from Laindon had hit a car coming out from Ballards Walk. The taxi had gone into a spin and was heading straight for us. It hit and scraped along the side of our car. Thankfully no one was hurt. A few months later, the same driver was pictured in the local paper having been in another accident on the same road.. The Laindon Link was eventually altered to slow down the traffic. Due to its original long straight design, high speeds had often been reached and many accidents had taken place.

Do you remember? : Re: Taxis by Michael Harris added 22/12/2015
Two of My uncles bought their Dad (my Grandad) a house in Wash Road. Both Uncles ran a Car Hire (NOT self drive) including at various times Daimler or Rolls Royce for weddings or as mourners cars for Funerals. I know that one of their earliest cars was a Panhard Levassor, and some sort of coach/charabanc but dates elude me. If anyone knows of the Harry and Wally FOX, I’d like to hear. I know of Harry Fox’s Garage (Southend Arterial Road) and that He ran Taxis and Coach(es), But despite the name, I cannot make the link.

Do you remember? : Childhood thoughts by Donald Joy added 08/11/2015
Does anyone have memories of thoughts they had as a young person that may be amusing to others? . I used to think, aged about 13, that I would one day be married to the girl who lived next door to me. The reason – because she lived next door to me. Obvious really?. Come on – share them, don’t be embarrassed, it was a long time ago. We all like a giggle. Don

Do you remember? : Conservation Area – Laindon Link by John Young added 27/01/2016
Hi there, I notice on Google Earth that an area of rough grassland and broad-leaved woodland shortly after the dis-used carpark along Laindon Link has signs saying conservation area. Recently driving past the site I noticed that the signs were no longer there. Can someone please let me know if the place is still a conservation area and if so why? Many thanks John

Do you remember? : Re: Conservation Area – Laindon Link by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 01/02/2016
We drove past there this morning and noticed there is still a sign there, albeit rather weather beaten.

Do you remember? : Gloria Muir (née Sewell) by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 18/04/2016
I am devastated to hear that our Gloria has died yesterday. She contributed so much to this site and in her own unique way. She was quiet for a while because she took on the another love of hers – hedgehogs and she done a lot for their Society. God Bless Glo – RIP xx Andrea & Chris xx

Do you remember? : Goods yard at Laindon Station by Helen Painter added 15/05/2016
Can anyone please tell me, where the goods yard was at Laindon Station. I am guessing it is where the car park is now. Also I can’t work out how the line would have run over there.. Kind regards.

Do you remember? : Re: Goods yard at Laindon Station by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 19/05/2016
The goods yard was roughly where the car park and Station Gate shops are today. There is a little about it in the article by Ken Porter entitled ‘Laindon Station’. I don’t believe there was ever a connecting track, but there were ramps that connected the loading bay to the platford.

Do you remember? : Re: Goods yard at Laindon Station by David Bailey added 17/07/2016
The goods yard and coal yard was to the left of the station and there was a fork of the main line to allow the freight trains to pull in.

Do you remember? : Re: Goods yard at Laindon Station by Brian Baylis added 31/07/2016
There had to be a connecting track and can be seen in a photo in the Late Joan Sims book ‘High Spirits’ that I have a copy of. It is also where Joan started her acting. I used to walk close to the yard as a Rail Enthusiast there in 1950’s and still am to this day, so please do not think I am bragging. Thank you.

Do you remember? : Re: Goods yard at Laindon Station by Andrew Greenaway added 16/09/2016
Hi Brian,. From your posts I guess that you might be able to help me with a related puzzle.. Do you know anything about the stub of a siding on the south side of the line in the Southend direction which is clearly visible on the current 1:25k OS map and on older OS maps? It’s on its own embankment so must have been important for them to go to some trouble to build it.. I went to have a look at it a few days ago (actually I went to see whether there were any traces of part of Salisbury Ave. which is also shown on the current OS map close by).. I found the embankment in good condition as far as I could see from outside the fence, but within dense undergrowth.. I found no trace of Salisbury Ave except some bits of concrete which were probably from the floor-slabs of the former dwelings.. It seems odd that they would build a siding there when there would have been plenty of space on the north side of the line. Could it have been part of an early plan for a branch line?. Any information appreciated.

Do you remember? : Re: Goods yard at Laindon Station by Judy Webb added 05/12/2016
Just seen this post. How strange that I used to live in Salisbury Avenue from 1953-1965 and now live opposite you Andrew – Judy over the Road in Mulberry Gardens. I remember the old goods yard at Laindon Station.

Do you remember? : Re: Goods yard at Laindon Station by Robin Webster added 12/06/2017
Described in Rule Book sectional appendices as an Up Refuge Siding for engine, van and up to 65 standard goods wagons. For a train going towards London (up) the obvious place to put it, particularly as under the close eye of the former signal box. The north side would involve disruptive movements blocking both directions. Regarding separate embankment, maybe to keep level, avoiding down grade of line as it starts to descend towards Pitsea.

Do you remember? : Olga ”The Greek Girl” by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 21/05/2016
Hopefully we will be bringing Olga to our next Memory Day – which is next Saturday 28th April 2016. She is looking forward to a visit down Memory Lane! Chris & Andrea Ash

Do you remember? : The original Old Rectory, Dunton. by Rhys El added 06/09/2016
Hello.. I was wondering if anyone has any old pictures or maps or any information about the Old Rectory, or the Old Rectory Cottage or even the original Old Rectory which I hear burned down around the 1830s or so? . Any information whatsoever about anywhere in the grounds would be very welcome. Thank you, Rhys.

Do you remember? : Mrs Elsie Hill by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 07/10/2016
Sad to hear that Mrs Hill has passed away. She was my first teacher at Langdon Hills Primary School (as Miss Neville then). She always popped up somewhere such as Head Teacher at Vange Primary, warden of the Plotlands Museum and her story on this site. God bless her, RIP, Andrea xx

Do you remember? : Crown Hill Bluebell Woods by Sharon Nelson added 21/12/2016
Hi, My husband used to live in Laindon when he was young and visited the Crown Hill Bluebell Woods. He is now almost 84 and it is his dying wish that his ashes are scattered there. If it still exists. We now live in Australia so it is too expensive to go just to find out. So, if anyone knows whether it is still there, PLEASE let us know. Thanks so much. Sharon.. Editor. Hello Sharon. Yes the bluebells are still here. There are several areas of wonderful bluebells and they are magnificent in the spring and early summer. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Best wishes.

Do you remember? : Re: Crown Hill Bluebell Woods by Sharon added 25/12/2016
Hi Editor, Thank you so much for your reply. It has made me so happy. Just one question please, Are those bluebells actually in the same woods that my Husband speaks of ? He always called it the Crown Woods because it was at the top of Crown Hill behind the Church, just past Dry Street. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas & a Happy, Healthy & Safe 2017. Regards Sharon. Editor:- The woods that your husband describes are actually called ‘Hall Wood’. We have sent you some maps by email which hopefully will be of some assistance. We wish you a Very Happy New Year.

Do you remember? : Mafeking cottage by Sheila Smith added 22/02/2017
Can anyone give me any information about Mafeking house in the late 20s and 30s please?

Do you remember? : Re: Mafeking cottage by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 26/02/2017
Mafeking Cottage was in Nelson Road. On the 1929 Electoral Register, Harold Olmond Hammant was in residence. Is this the place you mentioned or is Mafeking House a different building.

Do you remember? : The Moat Fishery by Helen added 13/04/2017
Can anyone please tell me the name of the house that once stood where the Moat Fishery off Whitmore Way now is. I am trying to find a photo of what the house looked like before it was demolished.. Kind regards.

Do you remember? : Re: The Moat Fishery by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 13/04/2017
Hi Helen. I believe you are referring to the Manor of Botelers, later to be known as Moat House Farm. Unfortunately we have no further information for you as we mainly deal with Laindon and not Basildon. There is however, a photograph of the house in the publication ‘Basildon A Pictorial History’ by Jessie K. Payne, published by Phillimore & Co. Ltd 1981. ISBN 0 85033 366 0. This may be available from the library. . You may care to contact the Basildon Heritage Group who are based at The Green Centre, Watt Tyler Park, Pitsea, who may be able to help you further.. http://www.basildonheritage.org.uk/. Best wishes – Nina

Do you remember? : Re: The Moat Fishery by Helen added 18/04/2017
Hi Nina. Thank you ever so much for the info. I really appreciate it. Many thanks Helen

Do you remember? : Charlie Clarke by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 30/04/2017
Sorry to hear that Charlie Clarke had died; this was a complete shock to us and only knew from someone at the Manor Mission get-together yesterday. We send our (late) condolences to Rita and family; we thought Charlie was a really nice guy; he contributed so much family information to the site. RIP Charlie, from Andrea and Chris Ash.

Do you remember? : Visiting Goldsmiths? by Zoe Brooks added 06/05/2017
Hi there,. I am a descendent of Alfred Brooks who was featured on your website for his time spent living in Goldsmiths, Langdon Hills. I am the great granddaughter of his son Basil. Basil’s son, John moved to New Zealand where I have lived most of my life. I have been living in London for over a year now and would like to visit Goldsmiths, however I am struggling to find much more information on the house. Is Goldsmiths a private residence?

Do you remember? : Re: Visiting Goldsmiths? by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 06/05/2017
Hello Zoe. It’s good to hear from you. Goldsmiths was divided into separate private apartments some years. Hopefully, one of the residents might be willing to show you around. We will make some enquiries for you. Best wishes.

Do you remember? : Detached railway track west of Laindon station by Robin Webster added 12/06/2017
On old 6″ and 25″ maps there is shown a detached piece of track S on the line and mostly W of the old foot crossing you have discussed elsewhere. There is a kink in the railway boundary fence suggestive of a gate through which a curving railway track might have passed. There are buildings set at an angle in the otherwise vacant plot W of the southern approach ramp to the railway bridge, suggestive that a railway siding might have come alongside them. These features were not there prior to WWI, were shortly after, and had gone by the time the station layout was altered in 1933. The track and the fencing kink may just be made out in the photo from the bridge illustrating your foot crossing discussion.. Any suggestions?

Do you remember? : Rector of Laindon in the 19th century? by Margaret Mills added 24/06/2017
I wonder if anyone knows anything about a man named Reginald Porter, who was apparently a clergyman (ordained sometime in 1850 or thereabouts) and who subsequently became a Rector in Laindon? This man is said to have gone to the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, in order to nurse injured troops on both sides. Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

Do you remember? : Re: Rector of Laindon in the 19th century? by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 26/06/2017
Initial enquiries and searches have failed to trace this person. Any additional details or information would be very helpful.

Do you remember? : Re: Rector of Laindon in the 19th century? by Margaret Mills added 28/06/2017
Nina, so sorry, but this is all I have about this man. If anyone knows anything else, I’d be grateful.

Do you remember? : Shakespeare Avenue by Aaron added 20/09/2017
Hi Everyone,. Im currently tracing some photographic history of Shakespeare Avenue in Langdon Hills and am reaching out to anyone who could help.. Thanks in advance.. Aaron

Do you know this person? : Stevie Brady or Relatives by Dawn Knox added 14/09/2011
In 1940 my father, Edward Kentish and his twin brother Alf used to cycle from Stepney, London to Leigh on Sea on Saturday afternoons with other lads, including Stevie Brady, who had relatives in Laindon. The lads all used to stop at the relatives’ bungalow in Laindon for a break, on the outward and return trips. Stevie Brady had a brother who owned a barber’s shop in Hannibal Road, Stepney. . Does anyone know of Stevie or his Laindon relatives?. Thanks.

Do you know this person? : Re: Stevie Brady or Relatives by Keith Nock added 14/09/2011
Hi Dawn I am sure my uncle George used to speak about Steve Brady who lived up Basildon Rise off Church Rd

Do you know this person? : Re: Stevie Brady or Relatives by John Bathurst added 28/09/2011
The 1949 register has only two entries using the Brady surname: John Brady at “The Crest”, Basildon Rise, Laindon and Leonard Brady as “Hillbrow”, Dovercourts Avenue, Laindon.

Do you know this person? : Samuel Cooper by Steve Cooper added 14/09/2011
My paternal grandad was Samuel Cooper who live in Laindon and any news of him and his family (good or bad) would be appreciated. My most vivid recollection of Laindon is rushing to make the last train back to Dagenham after seeing Lynn but any reminiscences about anyone knowing any of our families would be very interesting to read.

Do you know this person? : Re: Samuel Cooper by Gloria Sewell added 14/09/2011
I recall as a child old aunty Vera Turner (who always sucked a Trebor Extra strong mint for her indigestion), your mum in laws mum, going to see someone who lived over a shop in the High Road, maybe this was your grandad. The shop was a greengrocers next door was a butchers and then in the same block was Clarks wool and drapery + bicycle shop this was before you got to the Laindon Hotel coming from the station.

Do you know this person? : Re: Samuel Cooper by Gloria Sewell added 14/09/2011
Steve Have a look at the article on “Morris’s Shop” there are some references to Clara Hudson who I think? was your mother in law, Aunty Vera’s Nanna.

Do you know this person? : Re: Samuel Cooper by John Bathurst added 28/09/2011
With regard to the enquiry from Steve Cooper regarding a Samuel Cooper, his Grandfather: “Cooper” being a fairly common surname a search shows that, in 1949 there were no less than fifteen “family units” using that name spread out across the district, so, without further detail it is difficult to know just how useful any information to hand might be. As some or even all family groups may be related, the full list of locations in the district are Arterial Road, Laindon,(two family units); Church Road, Laindon; Devonshire Road, Laindon; Dry Street, Langdon Hills (two family units); Elizabeth Drive, Lee Chapel,; Leinster Road, Laindon; Norfolk Road, Laindon; Phillips Avenue or Drive, Lee Chapel (two family units) (Note: Phillips Avenue or Drive could not make up its mind about what it was: The street map says it was an “Avenue” while the official register of addresses calls it a “Drive”); Samuel Road, Langdon Hills; Sylvan Road, Langdon Hills; Vowler Road, Langdon Hills and Worthing Road, Laindon. Of these fifteen dwelling listed only one yields up the first name of “Samuel”, that of the dwelling called “Fairbridge” in Vowler Road, Langdon Hills where a Samuel Cooper is listed in the same building as a Stanley and Beatrice Abbott. Would this be the detail being sought?

Do you know this person? : Re: Samuel Cooper by Gloria Sewell added 10/11/2011
Hello across the seas to you all Steve, I hope the site has helped you a little on you family tree search. Please give my love to all the family on your side of the world often think about you all.

Do you know this person? : Terry Venner by Gloria Sewell added 19/09/2011
Hello Terry, when I read you message on Ken Porters page I wondered if you were one of the Venner twins I remember from the King Edward estate. If you are, was it you who married my cousin Maureen.

Do you know this person? : Re: Terry Venner by Heidi Theobald added 30/09/2011
Hi Gloria, No the twins were Derek and Peter, think it was Derek that married Maureen, do you remember the Theobalds, Artheys or Saltmarshes

Do you know this person? : Re: Terry Venner by Ian Mott added 30/09/2011
Terry visited us at the memory day on the 29 September and he has informed Patsy that he will make a contribution to the site.

Do you know this person? : Re: Terry Venner by Gloria Sewell added 01/10/2011
Hello HeidI, yes I do recall those names. If I have got it right Ronnie Theobald, Raymond Arthey, Oh! goodness!!!!! I always remember the guys still they were a good looking bunch, the laindon boys.

Do you know this person? : Re: Terry Venner by William Diment added 01/12/2011
Towards the end of my sporting days, I played cricket with Ron Theobald at Laindon CC. By that time he become a business man and owned a central heating company, in fact he installed my own central heating.

Do you know this person? : Re: Terry Venner by Christine Hutchings née Oliver added 26/12/2011
Hi Gloria. I was at a party on Christmas Eve with Ronnie Theobald, and he still looks the same!!!. We reminised about the old Laindon crowd and have promised to meet for lunch very soon and have a proper catchup.

Do you know this person? : Re: Terry Venner by Gloria Sewell added 02/01/2012
Hello Christine, my it’s been some years, I can still remember you mum and my mum were very good pals when we lived in King Edward Rd. Terry and Ronnie, Dave Flashman, Tiger Bowen, Nurse Tricky keeping an eye on us all. Maybe when I visit Laindon we can all meet somewhere.. Have you still got your lovely curly hair I have still got an unruly mop.

Do you know this person? : Re: Terry Venner by Heid Theobald added 10/01/2012
Hi Gloria, sorry for the late reply, Ronnie Theobald is my dad, and Raymond Arthey is my uncle (my mums brother) yes your right a good looking bunch ha ha.

Do you know this person? : Re: Terry Venner by Heid Theobald added 10/01/2012
Hi Willliam, yes thats right my dad did play cricket and is still to date running his mechanical engineering company which has been going all this time, are you still in the same house?

Do you know this person? : Re: Terry Venner by Gloria Sewell added 27/01/2012
Hello Heid, how great to hear from some of the lads kids. We were a care free bunch in the old days, rambling about, going to the big rec. to swim in the little old concrete pool. Then at the weekend on our bikes to Billericay Lakes only to fall in and have to ride home soaking wet. . I seem to recall Ronnie being sporty if my memory is right. Raymond and Christine used to come with us too, I have a feeling our mums worked together don’t know if anyone can help on that one.

Do you know this person? : Re: Terry Venner by Donald Joy added 25/08/2015
Ready these comments and seeing the name Arthey mentioned struck a chord and got the cogs turning. Do I remember a girl named Christine or Chris if so why? Did I go to school with her? Which school? When? For whatever reason I think she was always pleasant to me or was this a dream I once had? HELP!

Do you know this person? : The Englfield Family by Linda Mycroft added 23/09/2011
I am doing my father’s family tree and wondered if you could help? My grandparents, Ernest & Julia Englfield built the property called “Maryern” in Second Avenue, Lower Dunton Road back in the 1940’s.. The property was name after my dad and his sister.

Do you know this person? : William Barret (Hairdresser) by William Diment added 04/10/2011
One Laindon Trader who has not yet appeared in the archives was William (Bill) Barratt, the hairdresser who will be fondly remembered by hundreds of Laindon service men. He and others collected money to send cigarettes to servicemen abroad. These parcels from home were eagerly awaited, especially in Africa when the army issue was Indian Victory V. These were so bad that even the locals would refuse them, later the service issue was changed to Players. While I was never a smoker they were vauable currency for other purposes.

Do you know this person? : Re: William Barret (Hairdresser) by Nina Humphrey (née Burton) added 04/10/2011
I remember Mr Barratt. My dad took my little brother there regularly for his ‘short back and sides school haircut’ throughout his time at Markham’s Chase school. I think dad enjoyed a good chat with Mr Barratt while he was snipping away with the scissors. Little brother bought a dinky toy with his pocket money each time he had a haircut. The first in the series was a horse-drawn milk cart, followed by various makes of cars. I believe he eventually had the complete set. We also got our fireworks from Mr Barratt’s shop each year, buying a few each week with our pocket money leading up to 5th November.

Do you know this person? : Re: William Barret (Hairdresser) by John Bathurst added 12/10/2011
William H G Barrett was, indeed the treasurer of the Laindon Cigarette and Tobacco Fund organised during WW2 to supply members of the UK forces whose civilian homes were in the Laindon District. William lived with his wife over the shop in which he ran his Gent’s Hairdressing business. The shop was in Laindon High Road between the Memorial Hall and Somerset Road, a few doors from Markham’s Dairy. He was also a keen photographer and would supply studio photographs of anybody who sought his custom. Many of the local views of Laindon and district that appear from time to time were of the series he took for sale in his shop before the war.. The Laindon Cigarette and Tobacco Fund was run by a committee which, in addition to William Barrett, consisted of Mr. A Cannon, the chairman, Mr Fred Wickenden, the secretary, Mr J Finch and Mr Harry Slater. Mr Beale, the Manager of the “Radion” Cinema was also involved for a time by resigned from the committee, although continuing to give the fund his support, maintaining a collection box in the foyer of the “Radion”.. Fred Wickenden, who was also a leading light in the Laindon Athletic Club lived at “Ivydene”, Aston Road and was kept busy despatching the parcels of cigarettes to those members of the forces whose relatives had given him their details. Postal Orders of appropriate value were despatched to non-smokers. In addition to the collection boxes at Barrett’s and at the “Radion”, Harry Slater was constantly waving his collecting box under the noses of customers at his greengrocery stall in Laindon High Road. The other sources of cash for the fund came from raffles and the occasional event held at the “Radion”.. When information began to filter through concerning the whereabouts of Laindon men who had been taken prisoner by the Germans, particularly after the fall of France, the despatch of cigarettes was extended to cater for these, using the services of the International Red Cross in Geneva. Bill Barrett undertook the task of liaison for this part of the fund’s activities, and, having obtained details of the whereabouts of the various stalags or prison camps from the Red Cross in London. In this respect, the fund committee also introduced an “Adopt a POW” scheme in which local families and organisations could take up correspondence with individual prisoners to supplement that from the POW’s own family.

Do you know this person? : Re: William Barret (Hairdresser) by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 30/10/2011
I remember Harry Slater and in fact my mum was friends with Mrs Slater. They bought a big old house at the top of the Recreation Ground road up Berry Lane way; I remember going up there with my mum and we helped clear the garden which had run wild.

Do you know this person? : Re: William Barrett (Hairdresser) by John Peters added 12/12/2011
I believe that every male member of the Laindon community must have had his hair cut by Mr. Barrett at some time or other. As John Bathhurst has already mentioned, Mr. Barrett was also a photographer and I have, to this day, a photograph which he took of my brother and me in his barber’s shop during the war. I was interested to hear of the other good work which he did in the community – something I wasn’t previously aware of.

Do you know this person? : Re: William Barrett (Hairdresser) by Richard Haines added 17/12/2011
Yes I agree everyone went to Mr Barretts for their haircuts, I went there between 1957 to around 1961 when I went over to Peters, the other side of the railway. Mr Barrett gave me my first proper hair style, parting, Boston straight across at the back (see the Laindon 1958 photo for how it looked). Looked better than my earlier short back and sides as a little boy in Barking when I shared the same barbers as my grandad.

Do you know this person? : Sandra Van Houghton by Joan Baterip added 07/10/2011
I was at school with this lovely girl and played sometimes after school with her at her grandparents place in Corona Road Langdon Hills. We cycled round the garden on our three wheelers and collected the rose petals intending to make perfume!! I know she moved as her dad’s job took them from Laindon, but I’d love to know how she is doing. Can anyone help ?

Do you know this person? : Re: Sandra Van Houghton by William Diment added 31/10/2011
Further to the enquiry by Joan Baterip, I have no knowledge of Sandra van Houghton, but pre war, I was friendly with a boy called Frederick van Outen but this may have been a spelling error on my part and there is possibly some connection. Fred worked for Toomeys Garage in the High St. and his father had a business of making rubber stamp pads for business users. . I saw him once after the war and he told me he had obtained a position in Africa working on the government sponsored ground nut project.

Do you know this person? : Re: Sandra Van Houghton by Joan Baterip added 02/11/2011
Thank you Mr Diment for your comments on my original message. I am wondering now whether I have got the spelling correct. I did think Sandra’s dad worked for a tyre company and moved somwhere in the UK, but I could be wrong.

Do you know this person? : Linda Barker and Julie Newson by Gloria Sewell added 09/10/2011
These are two more of my close Markham’s Chase pals I would like to hear more of

Do you know this person? : Pat Bartley and Linda Burton by Gloria Sewell added 09/10/2011
These are two more family pals and their familys I would like to trace.

Do you know this person? : Re: Pat Bartley and Linda Burton by Eric Pasco added 11/10/2011
Hi Gloria,. At one time (around 1995) Linda Burton & her husband were running the Winston Club after her father Ted retired.

Do you know this person? : Re: Pat Bartley and Linda Burton by Gloria Sewell added 12/10/2011
Thank a lot Eric I did know the Burtons had The Winston do you know if its still in thier hands? Please say hello to Beral for me.

Do you know this person? : Re: Pat Bartley and Linda Burton by Brenda Hendry added 22/11/2011
No they sold it a few years back, Pat married T.Jerome still lives in Basildon you will find her on facebook

Do you know this person? : Re: Pat Bartley and Linda Burton by Gloria Sewell added 25/11/2011
Thank you Brenda, were you formerly Brenda Bartley?

Do you know this person? : Re: Pat Bartley and Linda Burton by Brenda Hendry added 26/11/2011
Yes, I married Roger Hendry in 1965 and we are still happy. We now live on an Isle off the west coast of Scotland, called BUTE, great reading about Laindon early years.

Do you know this person? : Re: Pat Bartley and Linda Burton by Gloria Sewell added 01/12/2011
Oh lovely to hear from you Brenda we played together a lot at Pats house in Devonshire Rd., you always had stunning blonde hair, have you still got it? I am sure they called your mum Buddy, is that right? I too love this site the memories I have recalled reading some of the comments is amazing, lovely to know you are still happy and what a fantastic place to live.

Do you know this person? : Re: Pat Bartley and Linda Burton by Jan Burton added 01/03/2012
Hi Gloria, I dont know if you remember me, I am Janet, Linda Burton’s sister (Kit & Teddy Burton’s daughter) I remember you coming to visit I think it was your mum who lived next door to my nan James at Beatrice Ave Laindon – I also bump into Patsy Bartley & Brenda Bartley.

Do you know this person? : Dicky Bird by Michael Fruin added 19/10/2011
In 1954 I worked for a farmer who had a piggery at the top of King Edward Road, He used to drive an American car. His name was ‘Dicky’ Bird and his wife was Rose. They had 3 children. I grew up with the middle child Brenda in Romford before they moved to Laindon in the early 50’s. Anyone have any knowledge?

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Nina Humphrey (née Burton added 22/10/2011
Hello Michael Yes, I remember the family very well. I lived very close to ‘California’ the bungalow on the unmade part of King Edward Road where the Bird family lived. They had a lovely long well kept garden. I don’t know what Mr Bird did for a living at that time Their youngest son Jimmy was a few months younger than me and we used to play together on our three wheel bikes on the unmade road before we started school. Mr James Bird, known as ‘Dicky’, had a very fierce Alsation dog who scared all the neighbours when he was let out for a run around. We would all rush indoors until he was tied up again. The Bird family sometimes took in our milk for us when the unmade road was too muddy for the milk vehicle. When I went to collect it, Mrs Bird (Rosaline) would struggle to keep her very excitable Yorkshire Terrier under control while she handled me our 2 pints. One of their daughters died in a road traffic accident. Mr Bird’s American car was a Ford Thunderbird, I remember it well. Tragically, ‘Dicky’ was also killed in a road traffic accident on the A127 while driving back from London when his car hit the kerb and turned over. I think that happened in the early sixties and there was a report about it in the Laindon Recorder. When California got new owners I remember the lovely long back garden being turned into a piggery. It became known locally as ‘The Pig Farm’. There was a large field between California and our Bungalow ‘Spion Kop’, called The Top Field (a few locals knew it as the Onion Field). At one time an electric fence was fitted around the field so that pigs could be kept there. Once or twice our dog ‘Curly’ touched the fence and yelped. Goodness did those pigs make a noise when they were being loaded into a van for transporting, we could hear them squealing from across the field. Housing and a nursing home called ‘The Brambles’ has since been built on that area. I don’t know where the surviving members of the family moved to.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Gloria Sewell added 22/10/2011
Hello Michael, I did not remember the Birds until Nina (who I can’t believe I can’t remember as we did so many parallel things as children) wrote her comment about them, it then jogged my memory they lived on the left on the unmade part of King Edward Rd., just as Nina remembers where we turned left to go to the onion field. Please forgive me if I am wrong but the daughter who was killed I am sure was called Brenda Bird a beautiful girl with very dark hair.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Mike Fruin added 23/10/2011
Nina and Gloria, thanks for rekindling old memories about the Birds. I started infant school in Collier Row, Romford with Brenda Bird and our families were friends living in the same street.. The Birds moved to Laindon in the early 50’s and we met up again when my family moved to Basildon. I had a weekend job at the piggery and of course renewed my friendship with Brenda – both 15.. Dicky drove stockcars for a hobby. There was an older daughter called Shirley who lived further over in the King Edward Estate. Jimmy was the youngest.. I stopped working there when I left school but heard about Dicky’s death some years later.. I had heard a rumour about Brenda when I visited Basildon in 1989 (I too live in Oz). but always hoped it wasn’t true.. My mother was killed in the Dagenham train crash in 1958 as were a number of Basildon and Laindon residents.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Richard Haines added 23/10/2011
My recollection of Jimmy Bird is that he was one of our group of friends between 1960-63 and that he was in the same year as me at LHR. His mum worked in Keith’s shop after it was taken over from Pelham’s. Jimmy was a brilliant footballer and I believe later played for Southend United after having trials with bigger clubs. I remember Jimmy was close mates with Johnny Austin, also of King Edward estate who was in my class at some early stage at LHR. They were both West Ham fans as I recall. Another one of that group was Mick Venables, all of them playing for LHR first team. Only two boys in my class were good enough to play for the school, Peter Reynolds (who later became head boy) and Mart Graves who I believe emigrated to Australia. As for Jimmy, a great kid who always had a new joke to tell us – happy days.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Nina Humphrey added 23/10/2011
Hello Gloria Yes, it was Brenda who died in a road traffic accident. She was the same age as my older sister Anne. The Bird family had three children. Shirley (the oldest), then Brenda, then Jimmy who was a few months younger than me. I think the Bird family moved into the bungalow ‘California’ around 1950. I have a copy of the 1949 electorial role and a different family were living there at that time. It was 1951 when I used to play with Jimmy, which was also the year I started school. Directly opposite California was a bungalow called Tre-Pol-Pen. The Jones family lived there. They had a daughter called Cynthia who you may remember from school as she was about your age. Walking past Tre-Pol-Pen, you had to turn RIGHT into the Top Field (Onion Field). I used to cut across that field each day in summer to reach our bungalow ‘Spion Kop’. It was too wet and muddy in winter, so I had to walk all the way around the boards. I have just remembered that Mr Bird’s alsation dog as called ‘Rex’. Occasionly Mr Bird’s brother would visit him. He also had an alsation, a female called ‘Lady’. Together those dogs were quite menacing and we knew to stay clear of them. It is so nice to reminisce. I am working on a few more articles and have just submitted one of them for publication. I am spending far too long on the computer these days, I will soon be going crossed eyed!! Best wishes.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Mike Fruin added 31/10/2011
Nina, can you remember the year that Brenda died?. I also remember a well built man who used to help out on the piggery – he was an ex weight lifter or bodybuilder.. What school did Jimmy go to because I think he was at the school when my Dad and I were painting it in 1956. One of the painters accidently set fire to one of the buildings with his blowtorch – the kids loved the fire brigade turn out!

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Gloria Sewell added 03/11/2011
I can just see now the top of the made up part of King Edward Rd., the bungalows with the fruit trees in the gardens and then the Birds home with their high hedge and gate. We would walk along there to the onion field or the back way to the small recreation ground. Do you remember the lady along there that sold the toffee apples. I think I am right in saying the back gate of the Richardson’s was along there also somewhere over that way, maybe at the top of Worthing Road, was a little general Stores. I think it was Clarks, I know their daughter Jean was one of the Motorbike gang, a very tall and beautiful girl with black hair. Brian Whitehead lived that way somewhere maybe the top of King Edward Road on the unmade bit. I know I had a crush on him for a short time, I do believe he had a motorbike at some time as well.. You are fantastic at names I know all the faces but not to good at names until they are put on then it clicks.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Nina Humphrey (née Burton) added 03/11/2011
Hi Mike. I’ve just had a long chat with my sister Anne, who was the same age as Brenda. From what she told me and a bit of research that I have done, I came up with this. Apparently, Brenda passed her 11 plus and went to Brentwood school. Brenda married George Fox in 1960. She had a baby boy called Steven in 1963. She was in a road traffic accident in 1969. The little boy was thrown through the windscreen. Brenda lay in hospital for a while but died from the stomach injuries caused by the steering wheel. Apparently, her older Sister Shirley took the little boy and looked after him. Anne told me that before ‘Dicky’ Bird’s fatal crash, there had been another death. He was driving home in a lorry with a chap that worked for him (apparently a large man, possibly called Malcolm who was related to a family in the neighbourhood – the Mitchells or Jones). The traffic was very bad and for some reason, this chap decided to open the door and get out. He was hit by a vehicle and died. After the third death, Jimmy is reputed to have said “That the way we are all going to go – in road traffic accidents.” As far as I know, Jimmy went to Markham’s Chase School. He was about 4 or 5 months younger than me so would have been in the year below. I have since heard that he was a very good football player and at one time played for Southend (I think that was where). I hope all of this is of help to you. Best wishes.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Eddie Lewis added 04/11/2011
Hi Gloria,. I didn`t know Dicky Bird but knew his wife Rose. Rose worked for Kieth in his shop (old Mrs Pelham’s). Dicky and Rosr had three children, Shirley, Brenda and Jimmy. Brenda married George Fox, whom I worked for, they had two children Stephen and Andrew. I was working with George on the day of the accident, both boys were in the car with Brenda, both were injured and thank god both recoverd, but as we know Brenda did not survive the accident.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 06/11/2011
Hi Michael. I found Jimmy on the 1958 photo. Page 13. No. 59. His mother, Rosaline Bird, died in the early part of 1963. Best wishes.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 06/11/2011
Gloria. If you walked past Bird’s, across the well worn track in the Top Field/Onion Field, the first bungalow you came to was ‘Rosedene’. Brian Whitehead lived there. (He did have a motorbike at one time). My grandparents lived next door on the right in a bungalow called ‘Pendennis’. Further to the right, up a cinder path, was our bungalow ‘Spion Kop’ which stood in a very large plot, almost an acre, there was just a hedge separating our garden from the Top Field. We had dozens of fruit trees and a very large vegetable plot. Our family have always been puzzled why a few people call the Top Field ‘The Onion Field’. My Dad’s family had been coming to Laindon since 1915 and that field was only ever used for hay. In the fifties we used it as a playfield. In fact I remember playing with Jimmy Bird there in 1951 just before I started school. We were riding our three wheel bikes and joked that we were riding at ‘Top Speed’ in the ‘Top Field’. (I found Jimmy on the 1958 photo, Page 13. No. 59.) Then an electric fence was put round that field and pigs were kept in there. I’m pretty sure they belonged to the Birds. Then Tinnerman’s nurseries used it for growing young rose bushes. (Perhaps it should have been renamed The Pig Field or The Rose Field). The Richardson family lived at No 53 Devonshire Road. (Their son Bobby was my brother Dennis’s best friend). I was able to name many of the faces on the 1958 photo but there are still many I recognise but can’t recall their names – I will keep trying. Have fun with the 1956 photo. I won’t know many on there, maybe just a few. Best wishes.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Mike Fruin added 08/11/2011
Thank you all so much for the info. on Brenda and her family. Laindon has special memories for me because there was nothing for a teenager to do when we moved to Basildon. I joined Fred Nunn’s boxing club in Berry Lane, and then it moved to the High St. I remember a packed house at the Radion when they showed ‘Blackboard Jungle’ with Bill Haley playing Rock around the Clock! Lifted the roof off the little cinema!

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Gloria Sewell added 08/11/2011
Mick have a little read of my artical on site “My Life My Radion does metion ” jungle blackboard”. . Nina I can tell you why it was called the onion field little wild onions used to grow there we used to pull them up and eat them, now I think about it must have been chives but I still remember them and going home stinking of onions we used to take them home for mum to cook with as well hope you can recall them.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Nina Burton added 16/11/2011
Hi Gloria. Oh yes, the chives. That explains it. They grew wild amongst the grass before it was cut for hay. I don’t think cultivated onions were ever grown there. The field was originally owned by the Richards family from Sunnymead Farm (quite near us) and they had always referred to it as the Top Field, so that is what we called it too. On a recent walk around the area where I used to live, I noticed chives still grow in the grass near our old garden. The Top Field/Onion Field was of course built on some years ago. I now quite like to refer to it as The Top Field/Onion Field so that everyone will recognise where I mean. Perhaps we should rename it “The Field with Two Names”. My first memories of playing in that field include some pieces of curved corrigated iron (part of an old air raid shelter). We used to sit in them and make them rock back and forth. In the summer, I used to walk across that field four times each day, going to school and back. It was lovely.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Gloria Sewell added 19/11/2011
Oh Nina what wonderfull news the chives still grow there a trip of nostalgia for me I think if I can return to Laindon soon. The pigs in the Byrds old house must have loved them and they still survived, wonderful nature isn’t it. Wonderful idea “field with two names” but to you always “The top field” to me always “The onion field” I must ask you do you recall the old oak stump at the back of the Devonshire Rd house gardens on the edge of the field that stump as a 5yr old was so many things to me (Fairy castle lookout post, Queens throne,etc.) but then i have always been a bit of a drama Queen.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Ian Mott added 21/11/2011
Gloria I have been doing some research on this and hope the following gained from some of the early families on the King Edward Estate is helpful, but not to disheartening.. The onion field was at the to west of the houses in Devon Road just south of its junction with Powell Road.. It was highly likely that the field was used for growing onions as they were often grown in this part of Essex. Chives are unlikely to have been grown as a commercial crop at that time.. When they built the extension to the estate in the 70s, they built on most of the area known as the Onion field together with Nina’s home.. Sorry to put the dampers on your dreams but it is worth a visit to the area as Victoria Park, as the remaining open space is called, still has some of the old landmarks if you look.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 27/11/2011
Gloria. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you regarding the tree stump. I have been digging deep into my memory. I think we may well have been talking about two completely different fields here. You have mentioned entering the unmade part of King Edward Road and turning left to go to the Onion Field and further on to the Lily Pond. That field you describe was to the west of Devonshire Road, slightly south of Powell Road. I have a very vague memory of passing a tree stump on the edge of that field when walking along Devonshire Road and although I never went in there, I know it had been cultivated and onions were very likely a crop grown there in the past. The Top Field was west of Devonshire Road but north of King Edward Road, so you had to turn right to get to it. It had a well-worn path across the middle that led to our bungalows and Richards’ farmhouse. Devonshire Road back gardens didn’t back on to The Top Field as there were two bungalows and their gardens in between – Tre-Pol-Pen and Artillery View. I have really enjoyed trying to puzzle out what was what and would be interested to hear whether you also think we had been talking about two different fields. With very best wishes.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Gloria Sewell added 01/12/2011
Nina reading your comment made the whole area come back to me. When you got on to the unmade part of King Edward Road, we did indeed turn left to the “onion Field”, and straight on for “The Lily pond”. There was a big wooden gate on the right after the bungalows, you talk about, as you got on to the unmade bit where the cheeky parrot was, across this field was how you got to Brian Whiteheads house. I think I can recall hay making on this field. Yes the “Onion Field” was at the back of Devonshire Rd. gardens but the ones at the top of Powell Rd which were to the left of the unmade Rd. I think I do remember your family now, if you came out of your garden facing King Edward Road and walked to the left you could reach the A127 on an unmade path, is that right? I have been collecting mushrooms many a time with my father along there, just before you got to the gate which opened out on to the A127 there was another pond in the corner and a huge dung heap where we picked many of our mushrooms. If you climbed over the gate onto the A127 the R.A.C. box was close by, do you recall that? If you went across the A127 you could wander on to Little Burstead. My way took me mostly to the left at the top of King Edward Road because that was the back way to my grans past the prefabs, little recreation ground and across the lovely stone footbridge at the top of Durham Rd and on to Lungley’s for our sweets, before going down Betrice Rd to my grannies house. Oh dear here I go rambling on again.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dicky Bird by Nina Burton added 02/12/2011
Gloria. Hi Gloria. I am so glad we have managed to sort that out at last – phew! Two fields each with its own name. I remember the unmade path you mention that led to the A127, it was an ancient ‘right-of-way’.

Do you know this person? : Sandy Rand by Gloria Sewell added 20/10/2011
The wife of the deceased Freddy Rand last heard of living in Gyllgrove, Basildon. Freddy was originally from the plotlands. I would love to hear from Sandy again as I was married to Freddys brother David.

Do you know this person? : Dorothy Watson by Richard Haines added 21/10/2011
Dorothy Watson lived on the King Edward estate and was at LHR during 1962-63. If anyone knows Dorothy please post a reply on the site thanks Rich.

Do you know this person? : Re: Dorothy Watson by pam dawes added 11/12/2014
I am William Henry John Watson’s daughter. We left Laindon in 1968 – don’t know if related.

Do you know this person? : Sandy Rand by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 24/10/2011
Gloria, when Fred died, a note was posted on Basildon History site on 17/4/2009 by a Vic Wiles saying he had been on the phone to Fred’s wife. The note is still there. I know maybe its not the same lady, but she may be able to shed some light?

Do you know this person? : Re: Sandy Rand by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 30/10/2011
Hi Gloria, if you are reading this, Vic Wiles replied to me so hopefully by now you have been contacted by Sandie. Good luck.

Do you know this person? : Kit and Bill Furlong by Keith Nock added 14/11/2011
Hi I wonder if anyone remembers Kit and Bill Furlong they lived in Bourne Ave., Kit later moved to Mellow Mead after Bill died.

Do you know this person? : Re: Kit and Bill Furlong by William Diment added 16/11/2011
Hallo Keith,. I remember Bill Furlong quite well from the time he used to play the piano at the Prince if Wales. Sorry to hear he is no longer with us..

Do you know this person? : Re: Kit and Bill Furlong by Jemima Chapman added 30/01/2012
I remember Kit and Bill, they lived in Waverly Road, a very nice couple.

Do you know this person? : Re: Kit and Bill Furlong by Keith Nock added 04/02/2012
Hi Jemima, do you remember where Kit and Bill lived there was a bungalow down a long path oppisite, thats where I lived.

Do you know this person? : Douglas Thompson and Sidney Clark by William Diment added 20/11/2011
Does any one remember Doug Thompson and Sid Clark who prewar lived opposite each other in Wash Rd. They were almost inseparable friends and cieca 1938 joined the navy together and died together beeing swept overboard by a typhoon in the China seas. Sadly this was not the only tragedy to befall the Clark family as Sids older brother was also in the navy and served in the naval battle of Narvic and as a result suffered badly from PTSD, (called shell shock in those days). This stayed with him for many years but did enentually recover and worked as a photographer.

Do you know this person? : Re: Douglas Thompson and Sidney Clark by Keith Nock added 27/11/2011
Hi Bill, I can remember mum taking me around to Sidney Clark’s. Do you remember Roy Oakley, he lived on corner Martingale Ave., and Wash Rd., he was a relative of my nan.

Do you know this person? : Re: Douglas Thompson and Sidney Clark by William Diment added 01/12/2011
Yes Keith, I do remember the Oakley family very well although you mention Roy. Would this have been the father of the family, of the children there was (Hab) Harold, Ronnie who also served in the navy, Iris and Peter who lost an arm when he climbed up to an electrical transformer and touched the HT input, it was a miracle he survived. Mr.Oakley died and his wife re-married and they moved away from the corner of Martindale.

Do you know this person? : Re: Douglas Thompson and Sidney Clark by Nina Burton added 03/12/2011
Roy Oakley married my friend Jenny Garrity. They lived in a bungalow called The Elms in Wash Road but moved to Clacton about 10 years ago. . A little bit more info about Roy, his parents were Alfred and Ellen Oakley of ‘The Elms’ Wash Road. Alfred died in 1950.

Do you know this person? : Re: Douglas Thompson and Sidney Clark by Keith Nock added 03/12/2011
Hi Nina, yes I remember them moving to Clacton. I have some photos of Roys dad. As I said Alfred was a relative of my nan Ann Oakley who married a William Bull. They lived in Laindon all there lives. My mum was Joyce Bull till she married Ronald Nock.

Do you know this person? : Re: Douglas Thompson and Sidney Clark by William Diment added 04/12/2011
Hallo Keith, your latest message slightly confuses me, as you give the name of Mr.Oakley snr as Albert who died in 1950. I know his widow who worked as a civilian assistant at Basildon Police station re-married a local man whose name I cannot remember but worked at SX Tool and was known as ‘woofer’ and played the drums at the ‘Prince’ and would hire out cars with Peter from “The Elms”. Yet I cannot recall ‘Roy’. Was he another of the children of Albert or perhaps the one I knew as Ronnie who served in the navy?

Do you know this person? : Re: Douglas Thompson and Sidney Clark by Keith Nock added 05/12/2011
Hi Bill, I am sure Roy Oakley’s dad was Alfred but as I was born in 1950, so I could be wrong. I do remember Roy and his wife Jennie coming round to see mu, but I lost touch when they moved away. I will do some research on them and get back.

Do you know this person? : Re: Douglas Thompson and Sidney Clark by Nina Burton added 05/12/2011
William and Keith. Roy Oakley – time line. Roy was born Billericay 1936, mother’s maiden name Goddard. Jenny Garrity and I were school classmates and worked at the same company between 1962 and 1966. Roy married Jenny at the end of 1968 and they lived in Boult Road, Laindon. Mrs Oakley (Roy’s mother?) was widowed and remarried in 1952 to a Walter Silver. Mrs Silver died in 1977 after which, Roy and Jenny moved into ‘The Elms’ Wash Road. I visited them there a few times. Jenny was then working in the office of the Laindon Traffic Police. Roy and Jenny moved to Clacton about 10 years ago. I think Roy may have been the nephew of Alfred and Ellen Oakley but I don’t know very much about the family. Coincidently, while writing this, I have received my first Christmas card, which was from Roy and Jen.

Do you know this person? : Re: Douglas Thompson and Sidney Clark by William Diment added 05/12/2011
Further to my earlier confusion as to the lineage of the Oakley family and in view of the aditional information from Nina and Keith, may I suggest a possible scenario.. As Keith states Roy, who I never knew of, was the son of Albert and Nina gives a birthdate of 1936 when the earlier children ‘Hab’, Ronnie and Iris were in their teens, with Peter just a few years youngerr, it would explain why I never knew Roy as he was a new born baby.. Nina also names Roy’s mother as marrying a Walter Silver and is obviously the person known as ‘Woofer’.. I was mistaken in believing it was Mrs. Oakley snr who worked at Basildon Police Station and was in fact her daughter in law, Jenny.. Perhaps Keith will let me know if this confirmed by the research he is undertaking.

Do you know this person? : Re: Douglas Thompson and Sidney Clark by Albert Merrison added 04/01/2012
Hi everyone in Laindon and other areas, we are still in touch with Roy and Jenny and spoke to them just before Christmas, They have been in Clacton for about ten years – good “old” friends and neighbours. Kind regards to all. Bert & Ann Merrison, now living on the Wirral – wonderful golfing!!!

Do you know this person? : Laindon School Teachers – Mr Wanstall by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 21/11/2011
Rose Gipson has just mentioned another Teacher’s name – Mr Wanstall. I do remember him quite clearly but don’t know what happened to him. Does anyone?. Rose and her sister Janet have some lovely stories and some photos so I will do my best to coax them onto the site.

Do you know this person? : Re: Laindon School Teachers – Mr Wanstall by Gloria Sewell added 25/11/2011
Yes Andrea, I remember Mr Wanstall he was my form teacher emmmm 3rd or 4th yr. He had a moustache, was quite a stocky man with a mop of hair, always wore a tweed jacket with leather elbows. I am sure his subject was English but I am sure someone will tell me if I am wrong, thats my memory of Mr Wanstall. Oh yes our class was in either the canteen or a temporary building I know it was not in the main building.

Do you know this person? : Re: Laindon School Teachers – Mr Wanstall by Susan Collins added 02/05/2014
Hi,. Mr Wanstall was a Maths teacher and remained a good friend of my father, George Miniken, for many years. Sadly, they are both no longer with us.

Do you know this person? : Re: Laindon School Teachers – Mr Wanstall by Isabel Smiith added 14/06/2014
Hi . Mr. Wanstall was teaching at Laindon High Rd when I was there in 1950’s. He did teach Maths and vaguely I seem to remember him taking history at times. Was George Minikin the Art teacher? Both of these teachers are in the panoramic photo of the school. Sorry they are no longer with us, always very dedicated teachers.

Do you know this person? : Re: Laindon School Teachers – Mr Wanstall by Don Joy ( Smith ) added 10/08/2015
Mr Wanstall was indeed a form teacher at LHR and as I recall he lived on the Pound Lane estate. He also had very pretty daughter named Lin/Lynn ? who I seem to think was a pupil at LHR at around the same time as myself ( 1958/62 ).

Do you know this person? : Re: Laindon School Teachers – Mr Wanstall by Don Joy (Smith ) added 13/08/2015
Mr Wanstall lived at Walton Court on the Pound Lane estate. He was as stated elsewhere a maths teacher who one time told me to concentrate more on my English studies as I was never going to be a mathematician ! He had a very pretty daughter Lin/Lynn ? who was at school with us at that time.

Do you know this person? : Re: Laindon School Teachers – Mr Wanstall by Donald Joy added 25/08/2015
Mr Wanstall lived in Walton Court on the Pound Lane Estate, he had a daughter named Lynn who I also remember from school but whether junior or senior I can’t recall. That’s all !

Do you know this person? : Re: Laindon School Teachers – Mr Wanstall by Donald Joy added 16/10/2015
Yeah I remember Mr Wanstall, not a bad bloke, as teachers go. He lived on the Pound Lane estate ? Court, not Byrd or Arne but the other one (failing memory). His daughter Lynn was, I think, in the same year as me at school, a pretty little blonde girl.

Do you know this person? : Tom Banbury by Keith Nock added 01/12/2011
I wonder if anyone can remember Tom Banbury he had a brother Fred. Tom lived in an old railway carriage in Wash Rd and used to drink in the Prince of Wales Pub.

Do you know this person? : Gertrude and Arthur Avis by June Wagner née Avis added 09/12/2011
Can anybody remember my parents Gertrude née Davis and Arthur Avis and my two brothers Arthur and Peter. We lived in “Randley”, Raglan Road, Laindon and emigrated to Australia in 1956.

Do you know this person? : Re: Gertrude and Arthur Avis by Wendy Groves added 23/01/2012
Hello June, the name of your father, Arthur Avis rang a bell with me. I remembered one of my sisters mentioning it, so sent her an e-mail. However, she hadn’t received it today when she rang me, but yes, she remembers your father very well as a member of the same Concert Party that she belonged to. She also feels that your mother is connected to her husband’s family. He is Tony Davies, and my sister’s name is Jeanne. She says she has some photos of your father at the Concert Party events. Contact me through the web master if this is any help to you.

Do you know this person? : Re: Gertrude and Arthur Avis by Gloria Sewell added 27/01/2012
Hello Wendy, I don’t know if your any of your family remember mine. Junes Uncle Jack (Joseph) Davies was my Grandad, he was married to Daisy Hill (Daisy Davies) they had 8 children Violet (my Mum), John, Eileen, Bobby, Betty (Isobel), kenny, Marion and Pat all Davies’s. I have emailed June and she has emailed back now waiting on a reply. My Grandad Jack Davies was the Chairman of the darts team in the Winston Club, in the early days

Do you know this person? : Re: Gertrude and Arthur Avis by Tony Davies added 02/02/2012
Hello June, I remember your parents very well and I remember them emigrating to Australia in time for the 1956 Olympic Games. My father, Will, was Gert’s brother. . I am in contact with our cousin Alan, who used to live next door to you, who now lives in America. Last night my wife and I had dinner with cousin Ron Davies (son of Albert, another brother) and his wife Sheila. . I am also in touch with Tessa (daughter of Tom, another brother). Gloria’s reply to you was interesting as I remember Uncle Jack who lived along the cinderpath near Berry Lane but I had lost contact with those cousins.

Do you know this person? : Re: Gertrude and Arthur Avis by June Wagner added 07/02/2012
Hi Wendy. Thank you for replying. I used to dance in my dads shows that he put on I was about eleven I think. I would love to see the photos. Tony is my cousin I remember him very well. I’d love to talk to you some more. Not very computer literate. so not sure how. But I’ll try to find out.

Do you know this person? : Re: Gertrude and Arthur Avis by June Wagner added 07/02/2012
Hi Tony. I remember you very well, I have your photo in your army uniform, I remember your dad my uncle Will he used to call me “balmy June” and mum had to explain it was the nice balmy meaning sunny and bright. I remember Alan and Tessa. I have also corresponded with Elise, uncle Len’s daughter, but not for a while. I would love to get in touch with you by email is that possible? I must send Gloriia another email busy time of the year but I will send her one tomorrow. Hope to hear from you soon.

Do you know this person? : Re: Gertrude and Arthur Avis by Alan Davies added 10/02/2012
Hi June,. Of course I remember you and your family. Except for Peter who must have entered this world after we went our different ways.. We lived next door to “Randley” in “Lowlands” Raglan Rd off of Berry Lane.. We moved to the new council houses in, I think 1947. 2, King Edward Terrace just before you get to Laindon High Road School. . I was transferred to the USA on business in 1955 and the rest of the family, two parents and brothers Tom and Michael, followed in 1958.. Arthur was a couple of years younger more Tom’s age. Is he still in Australia? We have an an aunt on my mothers side in Perth. Whereabouts down under are you?. My mother is still alive ave and we are planning a big 100th birthday bash this August.. I think a lot of what I remember on your mother’s side (I never knew your father’s side) I have posted under the heading on this site of Bobby Davies. So I will not repeat it again. Bobby (perhaps you recall) was your cousin. Your mother Gertrude was the youngest of seven. Albert/Jack/George/Will/Tom/Len/Gertrude. Bobby was uncle Jack’s fifth child (Violet/John/Eileen/Betty/Bobby/Kenny/Marion/Pat.. All the best.

Do you know this person? : Re: Gertrude and Arthur Avis by Pat White née Davies added 10/02/2012
Hi June. I am your cousin Pat, Daisy & Jack Davies’s youngest daughter, I remember you and your family going to Australia well. I have visited Alan and Aunt May in America, the last time I saw Aunt May was 5 years ago and she was then 95. Tony I don’t remember you but I do remember your Dad, Uncle Will and all the others you mentioned. . June where about in New Zealand do you live as I have been to visit my brother Bobby there around 6 times, hope to hear your response soon.

Do you know this person? : Re: Gertrude and Arthur Avis by June Wagner added 10/02/2012
Hi Alan. Wow fancy hearing from you in USA. Last I heard you were teaching the Americans how to play cricket Arthur is still in Adelaide Aust, Peter is in Phillipines and I have another brother Anthony who was born in Australia. I would love to get your email so we can be in touch. Fancy Aunty May being 100 soon My mum passed away in 2006 aged 88.

Do you know this person? : Re: Gertrude and Arthur Avis by June Wagner added 10/02/2012
Hi Pat. How lovely to hear from you I’m so excited I live in Dunsandel 25 mins south of Christchurch I believe your brother Bobby lives in Waimate. I would love your email so that I can chat more

Do you know this person? : Re: Gertrude and Arthur Avis by George Le-Surf added 13/06/2017
The only thing I remember is that Peter Avis was my friend in class at Langdon Hills Primary School, just prior to your emigration to OZ.

Do you know this person? : Bobbie Davies by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 13/12/2011
Gloria; Just reading back on things and I see you have an uncle Bobbie Davies. Was there a Bobbie Davies in your family just a bit older than us? Barry Cuttler took me to see Buddy Holly at East Ham Granada and we went up with a Bobbie Davies who was a dead ringer for Buddy Holly – really!

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Gloria Sewell added 16/12/2011
Hi Andrea, my Uncle Bob Davies is 23 years older than us and he had Polio as a lad. He was very tall and slim and walked with a bit of a limp, could it be him?. Also you can see a reference to Uncle Bob under memories by his son in law Martin Cooper

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 17/12/2011
No Gloria, this one was only a bit older than us; black hair and BH glasses – but the girl who accompanied him might have been Colleen Crawley (lucky girl – well I thought that at the time).

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Gloria Sewell added 17/12/2011
Here, goes Andrea, boosty time, the boys in our family were lookers D avises and decendants from appox.1922 The davies blue eyes were always pointer to eyes were pointed out to us “know your a davies by the eyes ” I will put a photo of my son james MmmMmm A blued eyed very handsome like his uncle bob 4 gens previouse . . . .

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Gloria Sewell added 17/12/2011
Here, goes Andrea, boosting time, the boys in our family were lookers Davises and descendants from approx. 1922. The Davies blue eyes were always pointed out to us, “know your a Davies by the eyes.” I will put a photo of my son James MmmMmm A blued eyed very handsome like his uncle bob 4 generations previous.

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Richard Haines added 18/12/2011
Andrea, how lucky for you to have seen the coolest man on the planet, RIP Buddy.

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Barri Cuttler added 19/12/2011
Hi Andrea, I remember the Buddy Holly trip well.Did you go on the Bill Haley one as well.?. Re Bobby Davies, he and I went to Markhams Chase togeather and were in the same class as Winifred Archibald and Albert Bedford. Bobby must have been born around November 1939 as he was in the last group to be called up for National service. He and I were in the St Johns togeather and I have a photo of him that I am attempting to put on the website (sorry no Buddy Holly glasses) I believe he did marry Collen Crawley and on one of my trips back to the UK (I am another Laindoner living down under) I heard that he had passed away. I hope someone can let me know that is not correct as he and I had a great time growing up in Laindon.

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 20/12/2011
I know Richard and I am so glad that I got to see him – one year before his death. A great and talented singer and performer. I have quite a lot of his records and especially like the songs on his LP called The Chirpin’ Crickets.. I remember the evening when my boyfriend read out the sad news from an evening paper – I just burst into tears and it took a long time for me to deal with it. I have a small portion of the East Ham Granada ticket (not signed) in my autograph book stating Buddy Holly and the Crickets Show – Thursday March 13th 1958 at 8:55. Buddy died on 3rd February 1959.. And Barri, if you are reading this – can you remember any of the others on the bill that night? I was so in awe of Buddy that I have forgotten the rest!

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 20/12/2011
Hi Barri. Whoa! After all this time! Thanks for clearing up my questions on Bobby and Colleen and it is sad that he has probably passed away now (seems I was fated to marry someone born in 1939). It’s good also to see the correct spelling of your names!. I hope to hear more from you – I have mentioned your mum and dad building their bungalow and I have very fond memories of your family. So you too can tell some more stories of old Laindon?

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Barri Cuttler added 21/12/2011
Andrea I remember Des Oconner and the Tanner sisters. Des Oconner told a stupid joke about little boys being called teapots because they had a spout??? Why on earth did I remember that??? It was a great show. I can also remember Bill Haley and the comets. Bobby and I went and unfortunately I can not remember any more of the group. Our seats were under the balcony and with everyone jumping up and down going wild the whole thing was shaking.

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Richard Haines added 21/12/2011
Andrea, fantastic you have that ticket stub – hang on to it. It is a bit of a Laindon thing for me, I recall Derek Grainger told me his sister Doreen had got Peggy Sue, a Buddy record. When I heard it I was hooked on that sound, that loud clear guitar break in the middle of the song must have been the influence for a lot of music coming afterwards. My copy of the LP The Buddy Holly Story still has a scratch across Everyday caused by my little brother Chris toddling into the record player when it was playing. We were robbed of Buddy and of course Eddie a year later in April 1960; two shining stars.

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 21/12/2011
Yes, Barri and I now remember the other person; it was Gary Miller, he had flaming red hair with a belter of a voice. (Des is still telling stupid jokes!). And hey, it wasn’t me you took to see Bill Haley!!

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Alan Davies added 10/02/2012
Bobby Davies was my cousin. Our father’s family was Albert who had seven or eight children but I am only in contact with the youngest, Ron, who lives in Rayleigh with wife Sheila Larkin from Laindon, Jack (Bobby’s father), George (my father, my name is Alan), Will (Tony’s father), Tom (Tessa’s father), Len (whose children I know not but I think his wife was Lesse, and Gertrude (Arthur, June, and Peter’s mother). My information is scant and possibly mistaken but for what it is worth. Jack and Daisy lived in “Lilac” in Beatrice or was it Bridge road a small cinder track road connecting Berry Lane with the railway station. We lived in “Lowlands” Raglan Rd next door to our grandmother in “Randley” who we referred to as Nan-next-door. “Lowlands” was no more than 150 yards from “Lilac” through the bushes and the hedges and across the field. The rent was twelve shillings a week, payable in cash. I used to accompany my mother each week to Rawley’s office to make the payment. Rawleys was a small office on stilts across from the railway station approach, a few yards away from the steps that led down to Railway Cottages.. My memory of Uncle Jack and Aunt Daisy’s family is scant and probably in error but for what it is worth. Violet (your mother) I have no memory of, she was probably ten or twelve years older.John was in BAOR in the years immediately after the war on National Servive. He was unloading goods from the back of his lorry when the following lorry in the convoy failed to stop on the icy road. He is buried in St Nicholas churchyard. Eileen devoted a lot of time as companion and caregiver to Nan-next-door in her declining years. Bobby had polio as a child, married Mavis a second cousin who lived across another field close to the railway line, and subsequently emigrated to New Zealand. Betty I can remember nothing about. Kennie was, I think, a year older than I and, so I was told, had an automobile garage in the vicinity of the Old Fortune. Kennie was seldom seen without his cousin Ronnie Hill who lived a couple of houses down in Beatrice (or Bridge) rd. One of Ronnie Hill’s parents was brother (or sister) to Daisy Davies, Kennie’s mother. Marion married (so I was told) Pat Burr from Langdon Hills. Pat Burr was the cousin of Alan Burr who lived in Dry Street, Langdon Hills and was my best friend at school through Langdon Hills, Laindon High Rd and Chelmsford Technical. When we were living in Atlanta 15 plus years ago we were visited by Pat White as she was at that time. The youngest child. Pat was passing through on vacation as she had recently been widowed. How on earth she ever located us escapes me. At the time she was living in Sussex. We lost contact with her after that visit.. Amazing to think back and to realise how many people in that era were subjected to diseases which today offer no danger. Bobby had polio. Doris Martin of Railway Cottages, in my class at Langdon Hills had polio and Kennie Bird of St David’s Rd had ricketts. Just in our little circle.. I do not know what Uncle Jack’s (your grandfather) health problem was but I do rememember that he was frequently out of work due to health prob;lems. I remember Albert (the oldest) and my father George (number 3) who himself had crippling rheumatism problems, going round to “Lilac” to persuade Jack (number 2) to acompany them to the dog racing at Walthamstow or was it Harringay or West Ham?. I wonder how the family all ended up in Laindon. A most unlikely place! I asked my mother, still going strong at 100 in August, but not of the surest memory. After all they were all from the east end. She says it was because of the availibility of work. My father (absent other work) was working alongside Bill Long, Nan-next door’s “live in luv” as my mother refers to him. Apparently these earlier generations were not as up tight as advertised. So Nan-next-door takes root in “Randley” and the rest of the family congregate within a two mile radius. They were all in the same general trade or career pattern.. Cometh the V2 rocket which fell in Vowler Rd our little bungalows had its roof lifted off, turned 15 degrees and dropped back down. Every glass was blown out. All of my fathers score or more of canaries were set free and slowly were killed off over the next few days. Most alarmingly, the outhouse was blown over!! We lived for six months with a tarpaulin over the roof which kept out some of the rain.. Even at that young age I sensed there was something wrong with British unions and business. Four men descended upon our house for several days to replace our windows. The first scraped out the old putty and broken panes and prepared the windows. The second kneaded the putty and worked it into the soft form needed. The third collected wood, made a fire, and prepared tea. The fourth—-supervised the operation.. Less than a year later we moved into the new council houses at 2, King Edward Terrace. I always thought it was because we had been bombed out. Years later my mother disabused me. Turns out my father slipped twenty pounds to the councilman who decided these matters and who also happened to be on the same darts team at the Winston!!. I was transferred to the USA on business in 1955. Back on a visit in 1957 or so my father took me to see Nan-next-door. Lo and behold she had a new house. “Sunnyside” perhaps. It was right opposite “Randley” in what had been the field. Who owned that property? How, in austerity ridden Britain did she get an OK for the building materials? A mystery. Wrapped in an enigma. I was back in Berry Lane over ten years ago and that whole area of field and underbrush from Vowler Rd to Beatrice Rd to the railway station, including Raglan Rd and the fields is now an up market residential sub-division. Who would believe it???

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Alan Davies added 10/02/2012
Bobby Davies was a cousin of mine. Our very modest bungalows were 100 to 150 yards apart through the bushes and a field. Our mutual grandmother lived next door to us in “Randley”, Raglan Rd while we lived next door to her in an even more modest bungalow “Lowlands.” Bobby and his parents (Uncle Jack—my father’s older brother and aunt Daisy) lived in “Lilacs” Beatrice (or Bridge) rd. I was born in Plaistow but we moved to Laindon when I was two. When the new council houises were built after 1945 we moved to King Edward Terrace in 1948. As I rememember it —–and remember both original information and memories can be false—— uncle Jack’s children were Violet. Eileen, John, Betty, Bobby, Kenny (my age), Marion and Pat. (Marion, I think, married Pat Burr who was the cousin of my schoolboy friend through Langdon Hills, Laindon High Road, and Chelmsford Tech—– Alan Burr.). Reading through some of the earlier postings it was my understanding that Daisy and Lowell (or Lil) were relatives — not Daisy and Harry. Harry and Lowell of course married and had a son Ronnie. He and Kenny were the same age and as thick as thieves.. Again memory and original understanding may be in error but I always understood that John met an unfortunate end. In the post war period he was posted in National Service in the BAOR and on a cold winter day was unloading equipment from the the back of his lorry when the truck behind failed to stop on the ice. He is buried in (now closed) St Nicholas churchyard.. My knowledge of the consequent news of the rest of the family is sparse. I am not in contact with any of them. Bobby, I was told, moved to New Zealand. Kenny, I was told, had a garage at the Old Fortune. Marion, I was told, married Pat Parr.. What happened to Pat White after I saw her fifteen years ago and she was living in Sussex—– I have no idea. Eileen, I was told, provided care care and assistance to our grandmother in her declining yearts. As we referred to her nan-next-door.. About fifteen years ago, when we were living in Atlanta, we got a call from Pat who was passing through on vacation. Goodness know how she found us. At the time she was Pat White, widowed and living in Sussex.

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 22/02/2012
After mentioning the “Buddy Holly” look-alike called Bobbie Davies, who would now be early 70’s, it seems there were a few families in Laindon with the surname Davies/Davis! Even first names seem to be the same; like I lived next door to Albert Davies in Dickens Drive, he was married to Christine and they had sons Ronnie and Alan (of which I have baby photos). I also recall two sisters called Daisy (a tall blonde) and Sheila her sister (a shorter blonde). . At reunions I have discovered Sylvie Turner was related to the Davies family and that Pat and Marion were probably there at Plotlands reunion. Also Gloria is related – so – I don’t know who was related to who now!

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobbie Davies by Sheila Attenborrow née Davies added 04/07/2012
Hi Andrea yes there were a lot of Davies in Laindon. Albert from Dickens Drive was my brother. My Nan was Gloria Sewels great Nan. She had 4 Davies boys Jack, Albert, George and Will. Jack Gloria’s grandad had 8 children, Albert my dad had 10 children, George had 3 and Will 1, of these 9 were boys.. Vera, Mavis and Sylvia Turner were our second cousins as was . Doris Ford and brother, I think our Nans were sisters.. I do remember you living next to my brother he is no longer with us I am sad to say. He did have another son Paul there we go again more Davies. I moved from Laindon nearly 40 years ago but still have 4 sisters there one being Daisy the tall blonde, I am the short one more silver than blonde now. Bobby Davies is my cousin.

Do you know this person? : Lawrence Ash and Family by Lawrence Ash added 02/01/2012
I arrived in Laindon in 1966, lived in Spurriers and went to Bluehouse. My brother and I both went to St. Nicholas, but a lot of our mates went to Laindon High Road. I remember playing for the Berry Boys and practicing at the park at the end of Kathleen Ferriers. Some of the people I remember are Anthony Auldridge, David Rumsey and his brothers Les and the youngest, whose name I forget. John Pike, lived on Victoria Road, Phillip Morley, a few houses further up. I remember playing 5-a-side football in the park opposite the Morely’s house. Also Brian Bennet, aka Scottie, was a good mate whom I last saw in 1995 and last but not least, Graham Bull a blonde lad whom I went to Bluehouse junior school Well, had some good times in Laindon, but now I live in America. All the best to Laindon and its people.

Do you know this person? : Re: Lawrence Ash and Family by Keith Nock added 04/01/2012
Hi Lawrence, was your mum and dads name Ted and June, I worked with them at Tonibell ice-cream depot and just wondered if you were related to them?

Do you know this person? : Nelson Family by Joan Baterip added 20/01/2012
Does anyone remember the Nelson family who lived in Tylers Avenue. My sister Valerie was very good friends with Jean Nelson, I think she had a brother Donny.

Do you know this person? : Re: Nelson Family by Brian Baylis added 01/02/2012
If my grey matter serves me correctly Joan, they lived almost opposite Albert Drive?

Do you know this person? : Jean Valerie Moore by Jeniene Rogers added 21/01/2012
I am trying to locate Jean Valerie Moore ( maiden name), who lived on Rectory Rd in the 1950s and 1960s. Her father, I think his name was Cyril, was a builder. She was interested in amateur theatrics and is one of the names on the programme for “Sailor Beware” production 1959 that is displayed on this website. Anyone with any information would you please contact me through the site. Thanks in anticipation from Australia.

Do you know this person? : Georgie Wager and Claud Wager by Richard Haines added 29/01/2012
Anyone remember Georgie Wager, he used to work as a builder and had one of the first mini vans around Laindon. I worked with him at Hatters garage when he was doing some building work. His brother Claud was in the trade as well, drove a green mini-pick up truck. Two great tough little characters, Claud would swing a 5 gallon drum of oil onto his shoulder as if it was a bag of feathers.I was quite impressionable at 15 and always aspired after a donkey jacket and mini pick up to be like those guys. . I think George was going out with a girl at LHR but I can’t remember who, hopefully someone will remember all this.

Do you know this person? : Re: Georgie Wager and Claud Wager by Brian Cordell added 01/02/2012
I heard that George had died some years ago, he was a good friend of mine, at school his girl friend was Pat Brumell?

Do you know this person? : Re: Georgie Wager and Claud Wager by Richard Haines added 02/02/2012
Hi Brian, thanks for posting this. I had no idea about George leaving us. Nice to know he was your buddy, he was a fantastic bloke, always ready to give advice. Yes his girl was Pat Brummell, she was in my year (1958-1963).. I wonder if Claud is still around. If you get a chance can you see if they are on the Laindon High Road photos thanks.

Do you know this person? : Re: Georgie Wager and Claud Wager by Linda Mayes added 04/02/2012
How weird – I was discussing old Laindon names with Roy Brummel only yeterday and one of the names we mentioned was George Wager so was surprised to see him mentioned on the website – George did date Roy’s sister Pat – they married in 1966 and moved to Mayland where George ran a garage but later they divorced. Pat later married Chris Barry and moved to Shropshire – George was a great guy and I was sadened to think that he may no longer be with us.

Do you know this person? : Re: Georgie Wager and Claud Wager by Richard Haines added 05/02/2012
Hello Linda, thank you so much for this. Its nice to know George and Pat were married, she was such a nice girl at school, very popular. George was a nice guy as you say, very helpful with loads of advice on girls and stuff when I was about 15/16. This was in the cold winter of 1962/63 when we were working at Trevor Hatters garage. Wish I had known he moved to Maylandsea, only a few miles from my house. I think I picked him out on the Laindon School 1958 photo page 13 but I am sometimes wrong on my choices!! If you remember anymore please let me know !!

Do you know this person? : Re: Georgie Wager and Claud Wager by Christine Hutchings added 28/04/2012
I think the girl may have been Christine Brummel?

Do you know this person? : Re: Georgie Wager and Claud Wager by Linda Mayes added 12/06/2012
No, it was Pat Brummel who married George Wager – I used to be her sister-in-law, Christine was her younger sister.

Do you know this person? : Re: Georgie Wager and Claud Wager by Linda Mayes added 30/07/2013
I am so pleased to be able to say that George is alive and well and living in Devon, unfortunately no contact details but at least we know he is doing ok.

Do you know this person? : Re: Georgie Wager and Claud Wager by Alan Taylor added 22/10/2013
Hi Christine, you were not far off, he married Pat Brummel who lived near the Prince of Wales.

Do you know this person? : Peachey’s by Steve White added 05/02/2012
I remember peacheys very well I used to do door to door canvasing for eggs and potatoes in upminster for him, they would be delivered to order later,I spose i must have done quite well as he offered me a manager job in the new store he was going to open in the NEW TOWN CENTRE wow!!! I declined it as at that time i had a career in London Fire Brigade.. Steve White 5-02-12

Do you know this person? : Re: Peachey’s by John Longstaff added 14/05/2014
I remember when peachy had a fruit stall outside, or near the Radion picture house. Laindon end of Laindon Link. Was it on Buckingham’s the butcher’s forecourt? There were 2 Buckingham butchers in Laindon. One near the Radion and the other one near the Fortune of War, close to Weedon’s the newsagent. Anyone remember Pelham’s alley, beside pelham’s sweetshop? Opposite Nichol road? Next to the timber yard.

Do you know this person? : Bobby Davies by Alan Davies added 09/02/2012
Bobby Davies was a cousin of mine. Our very modest bungalows were 100 to 150 yards apart through the bushes and a field. Our mutual grandmother lived next door to us in “Randley”, Raglan Rd while we lived next door to her in an even more modest bungalow “Lowlands.” Bobby and his parents (Uncle Jack—my father’s older brother and aunt Daisy) lived in “Lilacs” Beatrice (or Bridge) rd. I was born in Plaistow but we moved to Laindon when I was two. When the new council houises were built after 1945 we moved to King Edward Terrace in 1948. As I rememember it —–and remember both original information and memories can be false—— uncle Jack’s children were Violet. Eileen, John, Betty, Bobby, Kenny (my age), Marion and Pat. (Marion, I think, married Pat Burr who was the cousin of my schoolboy friend through Langdon Hills, Laindon High Road, and Chelmsford Tech—– Alan Burr.). Reading through some of the earlier postings it was my understanding that Daisy and Lowell (or Lil) were relatives — not Daisy and Harry. Harry and Lowell of course married and had a son Ronnie. He and Kenny were the same age and as thick as thieves.. Again memory and original understanding may be in error but I always understood that John met an unfortunate end. In the post war period he was posted in National Service in the BAOR and on a cold winter day was unloading equipment from the the back of his lorry when the truck behind failed to stop on the ice. He is buried in (now closed) St Nicholas churchyard.. My knowledge of the consequent news of the rest of the family is sparse. I am not in contact with any of them. Bobby, I was told, moved to New Zealand. . Kenny, I was told, had a garage at the Old Fortune. . Marion, I was told, married Pat Parr.. What happened to Pat White after I saw her fifteen years ago and she was living in Sussex, I have no idea?. Eileen, I was told, provided care care and assistance to our grandmother in her declining yearts. As we referred to her nan-next-door.. About fifteen years ago, when we were living in Atlanta, we got a call from Pat who was passing through on vacation. Goddness know how she found us. At the time she was Pat White, widowed and living in Sussex.

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobby Davies by Pat White née Davies added 12/02/2012
Hi Alan. It was great to see your comments on both this blog and also on Junes, so pleased to hear that Aunt May is still keeping well, the last time I saw her was when I was in Savanna, which was 5 years ago and I visited her at her home, she was so good and laid on a very nice English!! tea for me. Somewhere on another blog it mention my Mother as being the local midwife and when I was with your Mum she said that my Mum had delivered all three of you. I have now got Junes e-mail address so I can catch up with all her news, I will try to get hold of yours. I am still living in East Sussex.. Pat White née Davies

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobby Davies by Gloria Sewell added 16/03/2012
Hello Alan I am Violets daughter. I remember your mum and dad so well and I remember them coming back for a stay in England in the 1960s I think.. Jack and Daisy were my nan and grandad whom I spent so many hours of my childhood days with in Betrice Rd. . I still see Aunty Marion regular even though I now live in Suffolk and she still lives in Laindon. . I looked after Aunty Eileen in her last years and I have done a lot of writing about the family on this site please have a read under family memories in the name of Gloria Sewell. . The Webmaster will give you my email address as we have 50 years of catch up, I am thinking.

Do you know this person? : Re: Bobby Davies by Gloria Sewell added 20/04/2012
Hello Alan Just to put you right Uncle John Davies was killed during the war 1943 and is buried in St. Nicholas chuch and has a war grave head stone which my granny Daisy Davies visited every week untill she was no longer fit enough as she was emensly proud of her son John, his grave is still looked after by Aunty Marion. St. Nicholas Church yard is also still open and well kept and worth a visit. My Mother Violet, Aunty Eileen, Aunty Betty,and Uncle Ken Are no longer with us Aunty Marion, Aunty Pat and Uncle Bob are thankfully still with us. There are of course many cousins and offsprings now. I am very proud to think they are all my gran and grandpa Davies’s desendants. Aunty Marion is the the only one of their children to still live in Laindon but many of the next generation still do.

Do you know this person? : Arthur Thomas Willis by John Constable added 14/02/2012
Hello, I have been searching for a lost father Arthur Thomas Willis who was 7 yrs in the 1911 census and I now I am sure that I have found the right one after probably 20 years from various family snippets. . In the 1911 census the residents of No.? Laindon Railway Cottages were: Walter Henry Willis 42 Alice Annie Willis 29 Walter George Willis 12 Rose Alice Willis 11 Lilly Eliza Willis Thomas Arthur Willis 7 George Ernest Willis 3 Eliza Kemp (visitor) 59 Widow.. I was given to understand that Arthur worked in Churchill Johnson Builders in about 1925, can anybody confirm this or provide further information about this?. His father was Walter Henry Willis, address was Laindon Station Cottages which you mention, so perhaps some one might have details of the Electoral Registers, as I was given to understand many years ago, that none were available prior to 1945. I might add that I was born in “Avondale” oppsite the “Radion Cinema” in 1926 and we eventual moved to Kings Road c.1935 and have lived in Chelmsford since 1947 after de-mob. . As a matter of interest my step father built two detached bungalows in Corona Road just before and after the war. One was sold for £375 and after the war £1,500?????

Do you know this person? : Derek Chapman by Julie added 14/02/2012
Does any one remember Derek Chapman lived in Tattenham Road he was friends with Johnny Tyler but was a couple of years older then Johnny

Do you know this person? : Re: Derek Chapman by Andrea Ash (née Pinnell) added 22/02/2012
Hi Julie, sorry but don’t have any recent knowledge of Derek, only that my husband worked with him around 1959/60 when he worked on Butt’s building site in South Green; he then started work for Jeakins and that’s the last he heard of him.

Do you know this person? : Re: Derek Chapman by Eddie Lewis added 02/03/2012
Hi Julie, I remember your Dad more than well, we near enough grew up together, lived opposite him in Tattenham Rd. Had a good few laughs with him over the years Julie, but then we all got ourselves married and drifted apart as mates do, often saw him though, well we were nearly neighbours weren’t we. . Julie if there is anything you want know, i`ll try and help. Bye for now.

Do you know this person? : Re: Derek Chapman by Brian Slaughter added 07/05/2012
Hi Julie, I worked with Dereck Chapman years ago when he worked for DC Jeakins, and my wife and I were quite friendly with Derek and his wife, whose name slips my mind (old age), but I lost contact in the late sixties when we left Jeakins, I cannot remember how many children he had, but i know he had some. Hope this helps.

Do you know this person? : Re: Derek Chapman by Donald Joy added 25/08/2015
Brian Slaughter – Derek Jeakins wife’s name – Myrna Shepherd. I too worked for D.C.J.as a schoolboy doing odd jobs around the yard. Your brother Kenny and his mate Tony Spencer upturned me into a water butt for being a trappy little @#*^. But I liked them both just the same.

Do you know this person? : Greg Smith by Jeniene Rogers added 15/02/2012
I live in Australia and need to know if you would know if Greg Smith (the producer who was raised in the area) was born Gregory Ivor Smith. . The reason is my husband (who died) of cancer in 2010, Kevin, was born 08/06/1959 to a biological father Gregory Ivor Smith who was in an amateur theatre group near Basildon. After Kevin’s death, I feel I need to fill in the spaces for our son.

Do you know this person? : Re: Greg Smith by Gloria Swell added 15/02/2012
Hello fellow site members, please read Jeniene’s comments above and try to help her with her request how wonderful if we could help this lad find his Grandaddys family isn’t this part of what this site is all about.

Do you know this person? : Re: Greg Smith by W.H.Diment added 15/02/2012
I note that Jeniene having seen the article on Greg Smith under notable people was seeking possible confirmation they are one and the same person. . Given the birthdate of Kevin, it was quite possible age wise for the Greg Smith to have been his father and the connection in respect of the theatrical backgrounds could possibly confirm this. . Also I notice Jeniene refers to a ‘biological father’ which might indicate there was no marriage or partnership and could cause some diificulty in tracing the birth, unless Kevin’s mother or near relatives could give some details of his birth or conception.

Do you know this person? : Ronda Shipley by Ronda Henderson [née Shipley] added 22/02/2012
Hi I have just found this amazing site. I was born and bred in Laindon – but moved to Australia in 1980. I went to Laindon High School of course. I would love to hear from any of my old class mates, or anyone that remembers me from all those years ago. I lived in Victoria Road, Laindon.

Do you know this person? : Re: Ronda Shipley by Gloria Sewell added 16/03/2012
Hi Ronda can you give us a little more information. My family were good friends with the Shipleys during the war. Lilly, Rosy, my mum and aunts were friends with Daisy and Johnny. . I was friends with Johnnys wife Margrate My son was at school with John and Margaret’s son are you the same family?

Do you know this person? : Re: Ronda Shipley by Jemima Chapman added 12/04/2012
Hello Ronda, I knew your mum and dad very well. Your dad if I have this right was the Laindon window cleaner and was very well known, and you went to school with my daughter Carolyn who also lives in Australia. I hope Gwen and Ron are well.

Do you know this person? : Re: Ronda Shipley by Ronda Henderson added 03/05/2012
Hi Jemima, Mum and dad were very excited to hear that I had got a message from you. Couldn’t believe it when dad said that your husband was Best Man at their wedding. They are both well and enjoying life here in Australia, they have 2 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren whom they spoil rotton. They asked me to pass on their best wishes to you and your family.

Do you know this person? : Re: Ronda Shipley by stan harvey added 25/07/2016
Hi Ronda, Are you related to a Ron Shipley from Laindon who also is in Australia. I have just left a message to Ron as I think I use to work with him in his Hod-carrying days. If you are, perhaps you could contact him, in case it is the same Ron, and he doesn’t see it. Thanks Stan

Do you know this person? : Re: Ronda Shipley by Stan Harvey added 28/07/2016
Hi Ronda, Is Ron Shipley a family member of yours, and could it be an ex Hodcarrier I worked with many many years ago? I have sent a message to him, but, just in case he does not see it, can you do anything. I worked with him and a Jimmy Milne, another Bricklayer. Thanks Stan

Do you know this person? : Annette Earp by Richard Haines added 23/02/2012
Does anyone remember Annette Earp, a chatty little girl who went to Laindon Park School and who lived nearby, in one of the adjacent roads, another Laindon character of my era.

Do you know this person? : Re: Annette Earp by Keith Nock added 24/02/2012
Hi Richard, yes I used to hang out with Annette’s brother John, Their other brother was Alan. I saw Annette about 6 months ago, she lives in Beccles a couple of houses down from her brother John. She has recently lost her husband Ron. They used to live in Basildon Rise little unmade road up beside of Laindon Park school.

Do you know this person? : Re: Annette Earp by Bob Connell added 26/02/2012
I do remember Annette Earp, she lived in the road next to Laindon Park School, I think it’s called Basildon Rise now. She had a younger brother called John who was also a character.

Do you know this person? : Re: Annette Earp by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 09/03/2012
I remember Annette. Around 1963 she came to work in the same office as myself at Spong & Co., on the No 2 industrial Site. She was a delightful girl, full of enthusiasm and plenty of ambition. However, she may have taken on too much because she was also working in the Wimpey Bar during the evenings and only stayed with us a few short weeks. I enjoyed her company and we had something in common. We both had a brother called Alan.

Do you know this person? : Re: Annette Earp by pam dawes née watson added 11/12/2014
My brother Roger Watson knew Alan Aarp any relation?

Do you know this person? : Re: Annette Earp by Donald Joy added 25/08/2015
I too remember Annette from both primary and secondary school, I believe she was in my class all through school. Not being rude but she always seemed small and delicate to me but obviously, because of her now age and thankfully too, she was sturdier than she appeared. Regards to you girlie if you are reading this.

Do you know this person? : George Harvey King by Ronald Curtis King added 26/02/2012
My great-grandfather, George Harvey King, born about 1792 in Otley, Suffolk, is recorded in the 1861 England Census as being resident in Laindon, Essex. At that time he was a farmer, living at Great Gibbons Farm (360 acres) with his wife, Martha King (née Curtis), born in 1823 in Billericay, Essex, and 11 surviving children.. Any information about the antecedents of George Harvey King or Martha Curtis and the ownership of Great Gibbons Farm would be most welcome.

Do you know this person? : David Harrison by David Harrison added 02/03/2012
I am David Harrison – born 1938 – lived at “Bethune” Worthing Road. My sister Joyce – father Bill , mother Alice.. Went to Langdon Hills Primary school, then to Palmers School for Boys at Grays.. Played football later for Laindon United behind the Hotel.. Anyone who remembers me – get in touch.

Do you know this person? : Re: David Harrison by mick merrison added 09/03/2014
Hello David – I remember you from Palmers. We used to travel on the school bus, were in the same class and as I remember fought a lot.

Do you know this person? : Howard Davies by Richard Haines added 06/03/2012
Does anyone remember Howard Davies, he lived in a bungalow in Church Road near to Laindon Park School, one of my first friends when I moved to the school as a 10 year old in 1957. Happy times.

Do you know this person? : Re: Howard Davies by Brian Cordell added 21/03/2012
Hi Richard, Howard Davies I remember that name. I think they had a firm called Laindon Building Supplies on the A127 near Church Road next to Coles Body Builders? I remember he had a brother and they were in to souped up 105’s.

Do you know this person? : Re: Howard Davies by Richard Haines added 22/03/2012
Brian thanks, sounds the sort of thing they might have done. My cousin had a 105E with 1600GT engine and widened steel wheels (he worked at Fords and could get everything then). It was sprayed in the street in Dagenham – yellow. Lowered and with a nice exhaust system. I had a Cooper S around the same time so had some good times as you might imagine.

Do you know this person? : Re: Howard Davies by Don Joy (Smith ) added 13/08/2015
the Howard Davies you mention is, I assume, the same person I remember from school at Laindon Park ? As I recall he lived, not in Church Road but, somewhere on Noak Hill Road. His father was a J.P. Magistrate who I and my parents met after Howard and myself had a physical disagreement that led to us never being friends thereafter.

Do you know this person? : Re: Howard Davies by Donald Joy added 25/08/2015
Richard, I’m not suggesting that you are mistaken but, as I recall Howard Davies lived on Noak Hill Road. This may have been at a later date when possibly fortunes improved ? Mr Davies, Howard’s father was a J.P. a magistrate at Billericay Magistrates Court (don’t ask how I know) who had occasion to visit my parents home one time following an altercation between Howard and myself (I won). Correction – I only won until my parents became aware – then I lost !

Do you know this person? : Bill White 1950 by Catherine Martinelli added 14/03/2012
I’m searching for any details or anyone that can remember my Grandfather Bill White, of ‘Elinor’ Lord Burleigh Drive circa 1950.. I never knew him, and have recently discovered that he took his own life in July 1950 at the above address.. Just a long shot, but would like to hear from any one who may have known him and my Grandma ‘Lucy’. Or can recall anything of the tragic event.. Any info even if just a snippet will be much appreciated.. Many thanks.

Do you know this person? : The Morris Family by Ann-Marie Arnold added 02/04/2012
I am looking for information regarding my reatives the Morris’s from Laindon, Basildon area

Do you know this person? : Re: The Morris Family by Eric Pasco added 03/04/2012
Hi Ann-Marie,. Do not know if this is of any help without more detail from you.. We lived next door but one from a Morris family in Essex Road, Laindon. I was born 1947 and moved from Essex Rd in 1963/64, the Morris family were there during that time. . Their house was called ‘Shamrock” and they had a son named Alfie Morris. I think his Mum was either Stella or Dolly, cannot remember the fathers name.. None of the above may be relevant to your Morris’s . Let me know how we go with that.

Do you know this person? : Re: The Morris Family by Brian Baylis added 06/01/2013
When my parents moved from Tyler Avenue in 1960, a family with the surname Morris moved in and I recall one boy had the first name of Godfrey, who later became a bus conductor for Eastern National at Basildon depot. If still alive, he will be around 66 years of age now, the same as me.. We left Laindon just three years later, only because of Basildon becoming so large, thus losing contact with many.

Do you know this person? : Stefan Labedski by Richard Parrish added 19/04/2012
I would very much like to get in touch with Stefan Labedski, any information would be much appreciated.

Do you know this person? : Re: Stefan Labedski by Ken Page added 20/04/2012
Hy Richard, Stefan is alive and well and living in France, near Bordeaux

Do you know this person? : Re: Stefan Labedski by Christine Hutchings (née Oliver) added 28/04/2012
Hello Richard. Until a year or so ago Stefan lived in Lavenham with his wife Jackie, but he then moved to Bordoux in France. I know that Ken Page is in contact with him so I will email Ken for them and pass on to you via this site as soon as possible.

Do you know this person? : Re: Stefan Labedski by Richard Parrish added 31/08/2012
Hello Christine Hutchings, thank you for replying to my message, although I have been rather slow to respond. I have also sent a message to ken Page in the of hope taking things further.. Regards.

Do you know this person? : Re: Stefan Labedski by Richard Parrish added 04/09/2012
Hello Ken page, sorry to take so long to reply, thank you for your message. I would like to forward my contact details to Stefan, if there is a secure way and you can help I would be very grateful.. Regards

Do you know this person? : Mary Pyne by Ronda Henderson added 03/05/2012
Hi I am just wondering if anyone knows whereabouts Mary Pyne may be these days. She grew up in Somerset Road and went to Laindon High Road. Her birthday was 9/9/58 and she did marry and became an Applegate. But think she may have reverted back to her maiden name at some stage. Would love to track her down so any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance Ronda Henderson [née Shipley]

Do you know this person? : Rodger Wicking by Brenda Gray added 12/05/2012
Does anybody have knowledge of what happened to Rodger Wicking

Do you know this person? : Re: Rodger Wicking by Roger Wicking added 06/08/2012
Hi Bren……..All OK here, still at Clay Hill Road, opposite Witchards……..HGV driver for East Anglia relocations.. Did you keep your Family Home (Gt. Gregorie) like me? We’ll have to play catch-up 1 Day.

Do you know this person? : Re: Rodger Wicking by Brenda Gray added 19/08/2012
Hi Roger, I moved from Great Gregorie when I got married to John Brooks who lived in Cherrydown. We now live in Wickford off Belmont Avenue. I still keep in touch with Maureen Gray, fond memories of Markhams Chase, she is now a widow and lives with her daughter Marie Morley in Westbourne Grove Westcliff. Do you remember sweet shop in Markhams Chase?

Do you know this person? : Re: Rodger Wicking by Roger Wicking added 07/09/2012
28th Sept at Laindon Library 10 to noon for a meet. Bring 50’s photos/papers

Do you know this person? : Re: Rodger Wicking by Roger Wicking added 27/11/2012
Hi Brenda, Cherrydown’s ATC 2243 has Tony Wicking Trophy for best cadets (RAF, killed on my birthday, when ejector parachute failed). . His twin brother Terry Wicking RAF REGIMENT served in Aden (Mau Mau).. I went Church Road for ATC Hut parades alongside army cadets, Great Fun!! . We also got evicted on my jinxed birthday by BDC (BANDITS) from our Laindon smallholding to a Council House! . Please give Maureen Gray my Love and. I will be on Pier 4 SOS AIRSHOW WHITSUN 2013 FOR COFFEE X

Do you know this person? : Re: Rodger Wicking by Brenda Gray added 25/02/2013
Hi Rodger, just seen your message 27/11/12. I will pass your message on to Maureen Gray.

Do you know this person? : Mary Purser by Prue Puser added 14/05/2012
We have a letter dated 1865 from the Laindon Rectory, from our g.g.g.grandmother, who worked at the Rectory, having 4 servants underneath her.We have no record of her after this time.  Her name was Mary Purser, née Fennimore – married in Witney, Oxfordshire 1827 to Thomas Purser, who subsequently died, where she married his cousin Job Purser in 1852. Does anyone know of her?

Do you know this person? : The Beckford Family by Adam Beckford added 14/05/2012
Hi just wondered if anyone knows my family the Beckfords?

Do you know this person? : Re: The Beckford Family by Joan Merchant added 25/10/2012
Fred Beckford and his wife lived at the back of our bungalow in Berry Lane the road would have been called Heathleigh Drive? I also knew Fred’s son who lived opposite Langdon Hills Primary School and I think he had a son called Colin Wellington (not sure about that one) but somewhere along the line the family were related albeit distantly from mine. My single name was White and my Mum and Dad were Alice & Will. My sister is called Nova. Does this help at all

Do you know this person? : Re: The Beckford Family by Philip Davis added 20/02/2014
I used to go to school with Russell Beckford, as I recall. At Langdon Hills Primary from 1960 to 1966. . Is this the same family?

Do you know this person? : Re: The Beckford Family by cr added 07/04/2015
Russell & Claire live london, Russell’s Mum Rose, who married Ron Beckford, I believe is still alive, and living in Laindon

Do you know this person? : Re: The Beckford Family by Peter Martin added 07/08/2016
I used to work with a Fred Beckford 68/69 at Wernicks Prefabricated Buildings in Billericay, my dad Bert Martin knew him well. He and his wife lived just up Heathleigh Drive opposite my home, he had to move because of the re devlopement and refused until they found them a better home to live in and they were given a very nice new bungalow just down Berry Lane opposite Alice and Charlie’s shop. I used to park my car in his drive when i first passed my test, i think his son lived on the High Road at the top end of Berry Lane. Peter Martin

Do you know this person? : Cliff Viner by Keith Nock added 15/05/2012
Hi I wonder if anyone remembers Cliff Viner he worked at Laindon Service Station and married Mr James’s daughter Muriel. He used to rent juke boxes out to pubs

Do you know this person? : Isaac Levy by Bernard Robinson added 01/06/2012
Can anyone provide me with information about my great-grandfather, Isaac Levy (died 1922)? He is mentioned in this website’s article on the WI Hall, Samuel Road, Langdon Hills, and his house, Primrose Lodge, is in the ‘Old Photographs of Langdon Hills’ (middle of bottom row).. Furthermore, he provided the land for the Nightingale Mission Church, (now the Langdon Hills Methodist Church), and laid the foundation stone on 1 April 1907. And he had 13 children.. I would like to know the exact locations of Primrose Lodge and the houses known as ‘Alton’ and ‘Albany’ (all in High Road, Langdon Hills) in which some of his descendants lived.. Any other information would of course be gratefully received.

Do you know this person? : Re: Isaac Levy by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 03/06/2012
Hello Bernard.. While compiling the article regarding the WI Hall in Samuel Road, I did quite a lot of research into Isaac Levy, the result of which is as follows:. Isaac Levy was born in Spitalfields in 1852. He married Kate Michaels in 1870. They had 11 children: Kate (Kitty), Elizabeth (Bessie), Isaac, Esther, Samuel, Rebecca, John, Emanuel, Phoebe, Rose and Florence. Kate died in 1896 giving birth to a 12th child (a child that probably didn’t survive.). Isaac remarried in 1897 to Leah Sesenwine. They had five children but only David and Miriam survived. Therefore, Isaac had fathered 17 children in total.. In 1901, Isaac described as a ‘Metal Merchant’, was living with his family at 62 Albany Road, Southwark.. The youngest daughter Miriam was born in Camberwell in 1904, so we can deduce that the family moved to Langdon Hills soon after as the stone plaque at the Methodist Church was laid by Isaac in 1907. (The church is situated in the High Road, Langdon Hills on the corner of Emanuel Road – very close to where I live).. By 1911 the family were living at ‘Primrose Lodge’ in High Road, Langdon Hills, situated between Grove Road and Corona Road.. The House ‘Albany’ which is still there and occupied, is situated in the High Road, Langdon Hills on the corner of Samuel Road (very close to the WI Hall). The house apparently having been named after the road where the family were living when in Southwark.. I haven’t yet been able to locate the exact position of ‘Alton’, although I will continue with my searches.. Isaac Levy died aged 70 in Orsett (no doubt in the hospital there) on 25th February 1922.. I hope this information is helpful to you.. With very best wishes.

Do you know this person? : Re: Isaac Levy by Bernard Robinson added 08/06/2012
Hello Nina. Many thanks for your valuable information. One minor amendment – according to his death certificate, Isaac Levy died at home in Primrose Lodge.. He must have been a remarkable man; when he married Kate in 1870 he was described as a rag merchant, but within a few years he had become an ‘iron and metal merchant’. He prospered so well that by 1911 he was living on private means in an 8-room house in Langdon Hills. . As you mentioned, his second wife was Leah Sesenwine, née Snook; her first husband, Philip, had died from TB after only 2 years of marriage. Isaac Levy had a large family; just a year after his first wife’s death he remarried, to a young widow 14 years his junior. They had probably met at the Borough New Synagogue, where Isaac was an active member of the congregation.

Do you know this person? : Re: Isaac Levy by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 08/06/2012
Hi Bernard. Yes, I agree that your great-grandfather was an amazing man. I feel quite privileged that I live in a road named after one of his sons. I often walk passed the Methodist Church on the corner and glance at the stone that he laid there back in 1907. It is marked with his name and the date.. When I moved here in the early eighties, I walked passed ‘Albany’ each day when taking my children to school. A very old lady lived there at that time. Our local community Policeman called in every day to check on her. I used to see him chatting to her at the front door. I have often wondered if she was a descendant of your great-grandfather. The house is still standing and a very fine, well-built house it is too, although I don’t know who lives in it now.. I have since read, that ‘Alton’ had been a bungalow situated in the High Road between Alexander Road and St David’s Road.. I have re-checked the online records and discovered that “Orsett” was the registration district of Isaac’s death. I am very pleased to hear that he didn’t in fact die in hospital but in the comfort of his own home ‘Primrose Lodge” as it looks such a beautiful place in the photograph. With very best wishes.

Do you know this person? : Re: Isaac Levy by Bernard Robinson added 19/07/2012
Hello Nina. I have spent a lot of time investigating your suggestion that the old lady resident in ‘Albany’ in the early eighties was related to Isaac Levy. I have not yet found anything to confirm or refute this suggestion. Sorry!. Another Levy address I have found is that of Isaac’s second wife, Leah – Fleetwood Lodge, again in High Road, Laindon; but the internet tells me that it is occupied by Laindon Plumbing & Mechanical Engineering Ltd. Alas and alack, how unromantic; not at all like the idyllic country town where, as you described, the local policeman kept a neighbourly eye on the old lady living in ‘Albany’ ! Once more, thanks indeed for all your information.

Do you know this person? : Re: Isaac Levy by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 23/07/2012
Hello Bernard. Thank you for that. I recently asked a neighbour about Albany. She told me that a Mr Brooks lived there at one time. His wife’s maiden name was Toomey and was probably a daughter of the people who owned Toomey’s garage in Laindon. I’ve since heard that he was probably Basil Brooks, the brother of Alfred Brooks who lived at Goldsmiths, the man who named the hall in Samuel Road the ‘Hut Club’ after he acquired it from Isaac Levy.. I have walked passed Albany several times recently. The owners are doing a grand job. They have removed the overgrown hedge and erected smart new wooden fence panelling. It is possible to see the house more clearly now and it appears to have had a new back door fitted recently. I must say the house is looking very smart and well cared for. . Fleetwood Lodge (now the home of Laindon Plumbing and Mechanical Services) used to stand in the High Road between Butler’s Grove and Grove Road. That section of the High Road was altered some years ago and now appears to lie slightly behind the current High Road. As it is just a short walk from here, I will take a stroll very soon and have a look. I will let you know anything else I can discover. Best wishes.

Do you know this person? : Re: Isaac Levy by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 27/10/2012
I have now discovered the original Fleetwood House once the home of Leah Levy, that stood in the High Road between Butlers Grove and Grove Road has also since been demolished. However, the name ‘Fleetwood House’ has been adopted by a new build in the same position in the High Road and is the home of ‘Laindon Plumbing & Mechanical Engineering Ltd’.

Do you know this person? : Sissinghurst Nursing Home Langdon Hills by Ellen English née Burr added 22/06/2012
Does anyone remember Nurse Young or other members of staff circa 1930’s or have a photo of Sissinghurst.I know Shakun Banfield responded on a previous message but am trying to find a little more info,. Thank You

Do you know this person? : Re: Sissinghurst Nursing Home Langdon Hills by Colin Humphrey added 29/06/2012
Hi Ellen, the 1929 Electoral Register shows that Dorothy Eva Young and Lily Young were in residence at ‘Sissinghurst (misspelled as Sissinghunt in the register).. Kind regards Colin

Do you know this person? : Terry Venner by Jo Morris added 06/08/2012
Hi all Jose Bowen here, well it’s Jose Morris now, and I have been reading some of the things that people have been writing about people from the past and found it all very interesting. I have been in touch with some friends from school and even some that are in Australia as that is where I am living now and have been for nearly 50 years it would be great to hear from anyone who would like to write. . Editor: We do not disclose email addresses on the site but if anyone wishes to contact Jo I will pass your email address on if you contact me at laindonarchive@gmail.com

Do you know this person? : Frederick (Fred) Muller by John Hamore added 19/08/2012
I am trying to trace an Army friend who I believe lived at 176 Spurriers, Laindon, Essex.  His name is Frederick (Fred) Muller and he joined The Coldstream Guards in 1962 aged 15 as a boy soldier and left the Army in the late 70’s/early 80’s.. Any information on Fred would be very welcome.

Do you know this person? : Memories of Lawrence’s Sweet Shop by Roger Wicking added 29/08/2012
Laurence’s sweet shop on the corner of drive to Bluehouse Farm opposite Markhams Chase School brings back memories to me. The Gray families shared two terraced houses further up the road towards St Nicholas Church and Maureen Ivy Gray cut her foot in an adjacent field. . I also remember on my first day at school I needed a number of Sherberts after seeing two naked boys being scrubbed clean in sinks by two large ladies! I ran home to mum Rose, who then had to join the school as a dinner lady to ensure I went to school.. My wife Eve and I had no children and devorced after seventeen years of marriage in 1991

Do you know this person? : Re: Memories of Lawrence’s Sweet Shop by DAPHNE ROWBOTHAM (CHURMS) added 30/09/2012
Mrs Lawrence,s sweet shop opposite Markhams Chase school was an obvious favourite with the pupils when buying sweets, but I wonder if they realised they were not so popular when being used in our maths lessons? Many a maths lesson would feature problems beginning with the words ‘I went to Mrs Lawrences and bought……….’ and we were left to work out the sums!. I loved going there with my pennies to buy black jacks and rainbow chews, but what I desired most was a chocolate Punch and Judy set complete with a cardboard red and white striped puppet tent! It cost 6d, and if I got off the bus one stop early every day I could save ½p each time on the way to school (no chance of doing that on the way home because Nanny would be waiting at the Hiawatha bus stop to see me across the High Road, and I dare not be late.) So I figured that if I saved my ½p every day, after 12 days I would have enough to buy Punch and Judy, but it never happened, I always gave in and bought something else!. I also think Mrs Lawrence must have sold groceries, because I bought my first ever yoghurt from there towards the end of my time at Markhams Chase, I thought it was the most revolting thing I had ever tasted, just like sour milk! It too cost 6p, and I suspect I used my dinner money for it.

Do you know this person? : Re: Memories of Lawrence’s Sweet Shop by Brian Baylis added 06/01/2013
When attending Markhams Chase, I walked from Tyler Avenue via Bluehouse Farm, and every so often and normally a Friday afternoon after school if memory serves me right, my brother, sister and I would go in Lawrences and I bought a Jamboree Bag.. I have a photo of Mr. Lawrence passing a lolly to a girl outside the shop.

Do you know this person? : Re: Memories of Lawrence’s Sweet Shop by John Grant added 20/02/2013
I remember that sweet shop too (Lawrence`s) my mother took me in there, after school to buy sweets or an ice cream, what a tanner could buy you! I would usually buy a jamboree bag, the one with a plastic toy inside. lovely 🙂

Do you know this person? : Re: Memories of Lawrence’s Sweet Shop by Gloria Sewell added 13/06/2013
I also clearly remember Lawrence’s sweet shop. When I first started school in 1947 we were given a threepenny piece and a coupon, as sweets were still on ration. Yes there were Black Jacks, fruit salad ,lemon sherbet, cough candy, army and navy, tiger nuts ands liquorish sticks. . I also recall the school gate was shut early in the morning and the tiny bottles of milk we used to get at break were left out side the shop

Do you know this person? : Re: Memories of Lawrence’s Sweet Shop by Gillian Alliston née Taylor added 14/03/2015
I remember Lawrence’s Sweet Shop very well. I went to Markhams Chase School and every day our Mum would give us 3 pence after school to buy sweets with and you could get quite a lot for 3 old pence in the 1950’s. I do remember my best friend used to have school dinners and I used to take sandwiches. The dinner money had to be paid on Monday, 5 shillings, and for a couple of weeks, until we got rumbled, we used to go over to Lawrence’s on Monday lunch times and spend all her dinner money on sweets and I would share my sandwiches with her for the rest of the week. I don’t know who shopped us, probably the Lawrences, but it was good while it lasted. However, after that the school gates were locked at lunch times!

Do you know this person? : Re: Memories of Lawrence’s Sweet Shop by Donald Joy added 25/08/2015
Roger, please clarify sherbets. Are we talking sherbets as in sweeties or sherbets meaning alcoholic beverages ? If the latter and your first day at school, RESPECT !

Do you know this person? : Re: Memories of Lawrence’s Sweet Shop by Roger Wicking added 27/01/2016
Sweeties darling, mind you I was in so much shock on my 1st day at school that I ran home to mum, stating I was not going back to school any more, unless

Do you know this person? : Re: Memories of Lawrence’s Sweet Shop by Roger Wicking added 30/01/2016
Unless she came in as a dinner lady, or she was there at school; because my 1st sight upon entering the corner cloakroom was 2 naked boys being scrubbed down, standing in sink by 2 burly ladies with soap/flannels etc!. Whoosh! I ran home to Pembroke Ave; to Mum Rose & told her and I went back to Markhams Chase with my protector Lady a few days later!. (There was later – on a health reason, an explanation given as to Why?)

Do you know this person? : Harry Brummel by Keith Nock added 28/09/2012
Hi I wonder if anyone remember Harry Brummel of Wash Rd., Laindon? A great old Laindoner who sadly died this month formerly worked at Yardley’s a man who will be sadly missed.

Do you know this person? : Re: Harry Brummel by William Diment added 03/10/2012
I well remember Harry Brummel and family. He first moved to Laindon from Ingatestone in the early 1930”s when his father obtained employment with the Billericay Council as a steam roller driver and later as a diesel driver and after retirement was a commissionaire at the Radion . . Harry was the youngest of three children, Jack, Cynthia and Harry. On leaving school Harry worked in the Dartboard Factory. He served in the navy and afterwards worked for Costains at Childerditch and as a bookies runner for Charlie Wignall which made him a well known figure and when betting became legal set himself up as a turf accountant but later closed this and went to work in accountancy for Yardleys.. He was married to Lillian McDonald who lived in the north side of Pound Lane but sadly died in middle age.. In his younger days played football as a goalkeeper for Costains who played in the Romford League. Harry was a most affable person and well liked by all who knew him.

Do you know this person? : Re: Harry Brummel by Linda Mayes added 31/10/2012
I am writing this reply on behalf of Harry’s son, Roy, who would like to thank both you Keith and William for your kind words about his dad. He doesn’t recognise your names but you both obviously new Harry well and like lots of people thought a lot of him – he really was a true old Laindon character and we still laugh at stories of his bid to escape from the police when he was a bookies runner when betting was illegal. He was actually one of four children – his youngest brother Brian is still thankfully with us. Harry had four children, Roy, Pat, Raymond and Christine. Sadly Raymaond died several years ago. He will of course be sadly missed by his children, his 10 grandchildren and his great grandchildren.

Do you know this person? : Re: Harry Brummel by Keith Nock added 31/10/2012
Hi Linda regards to Roy. Harry is going to be missed so much I used to pop in and see him quite a lot before my wife become ill. I was saddened by missing Harry’s funeral. I had email from Bert and Ann Merrison, who lived in Wash Rd before moving to Moreton, but the funeral had already taken place I left a card. . Harry and I used to drink in the Prince of Wales. I remember Christine coming overt speak to pat at school reunion last year. Harry was such a character, the laughs we had.

Do you know this person? : Re: Harry Brummel by William Diment added 02/11/2012
I must apologise to Linda Mayes and the Brummel family for having forgotten to mention Brian. This was unforgivable, as they lived next door but one to me. I knew him as child and also remember when he grew up he worked for a fire prevention company. Jack continued to live by himself after the other family members had moved on and died in their childhood home. I can only attribute my lapse of memory to old age.

Do you know this person? : Re: Harry Brummel by Sandy Craig added 21/11/2012
Hi Pat & Roy. I dont know if you remember me, My name was Pearl Penson, (I am now Sandy Craig) I have been following the site, and I would like to say how sorry I am to hear about your father.. Please take care and keep well.

Do you know this person? : Re: Harry Brummel by Sue Brummel added 04/02/2013
Dear all. It has been so lovely reading messages concerning the passing of my father in law Harry Brummel. The family has been heartbroken over his loss but we gather comfort knowing he is now reunited with Lil his late wife and my beloved husband Ray. The family welcome more messages and stories or our beloved pops x x

Do you know this person? : Re: Harry Brummel by mick merrison added 09/03/2014
I remember Harry very well. We lived two houses away in Wash Road. Sad to hear that he has gone, as he was very much a larger than life character. I was a friend of his younger brother Brian, what has happened to him. . I thought that Harry & Lil had three children; Roy, Pat and a younger one whose name I can’t remember. I know we used to play football together in the cow fields and Harry would often join in, and we youngsters often played cards in his shed or garage. Good days.

Do you know this person? : Re: Harry Brummel by Donald Joy added 16/10/2015
Pat was in my class at LHR school, I remember her well, such a pretty girl and a girly girl, so cute. She was always beautifully presented, she looked as though she had just stepped out of a fashion catalogue. Even in the 1958 school photo she stands out from all the others for looking so nicely dressed. A daughter to be proud of.

Do you know this person? : Down the Line’ by Allan Young by Ian Mott added 11/10/2012
I have a digital copy of the above publication and would like to contact Allan’s family to get approval to publish it on the website as a memorial to his dedication to the memory of his child hood in Dunton. . Various people have informed me that they were involve at the time of its publication but cannot provide me with contact details. If you know the family please let them know that I am trying to contact them as I do not want his effort and work in publishing his memories of living in our community to be lost.

Do you know this person? : Arthur Thomas Willis by John Constable added 11/10/2012
Thomas Arthur Willis was born 8 May 1903 at 6 Railway Cottages Laindon Station. Father Walter Henry Willis,  Railway Tracklayer, Little Burstead. Mother Alice Annie, formerly Kemp. Arthur Thomas Willis married Jessie M. Gridley 1928  and there might be family that be of common interest. Thomas Arthur Willis died 1994 and I believe that Arthur Thomas might be interred about March-April 1994 in St Magdalene, Great Burstead. I would be interest in details that might be of common  in the above. Your interest in the above would be appreciated.

Do you know this person? : The Fowler Family by Marilyn Peckover added 06/01/2013
Does anyone remember any of the Fowler family that lived at “Grandene” in New Century Rd opposite the old “flea pit” cinema. They consisted of Martha and John Fowler with their children George, Sadie, Ollie, John, Winnie, Margaret (known as “Bobbie”), Isobel (“Bella”,my mum) and Iris. They moved on to Kathleen Ferrier Crescent when the land was purchased by the council.

Do you know this person? : Tony Woods by Linda O’keeffe (Doe) added 11/02/2013
Does anyone know the whereabouts of Tony Woods who lived in Durham Road in the 60s and I think he went to Laindon High Road school, would love to catch up.

Do you know this person? : Re: Tony Woods by Brenda Gray added 22/02/2013
Yes Linda, Tony Woods did go to laindon high rd school.He was in my class.I remember him having a cheeky little face and rather naughty at times.I don’t know when he left or what happened to him.

Do you know this person? : Re: Tony Woods by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 05/03/2013
Linda. Tony Woods is still around. He popped into Laindon Library for ‘Memory Days’ on 25th January. He still lives locally and is in the building trade.

Do you know this person? : Re: Tony Woods by a added 22/10/2013
hi linda i saw tony woods last year , i might be able to get his number for you , yes he did go to laindon high road

Do you know this person? : Lost friend by Brenda Gray added 25/02/2013
Does anyone know what happened to Sylvia Smith, who was my cousins best friend.

Do you know this person? : Petrol Heads of Laindon by William Diment added 09/03/2013
While much has been written in respect of the bikers of Laindon. Does anyone remember Perry McCarthy who raced cars and had success in the company of persons such as Johnny Herbert, but never quite made it into Formula 1.. In the late 1970’s, Perry lived in Church Rd. opposite the police garages.

Do you know this person? : Re: Petrol Heads of Laindon by Barry Ellerby added 10/03/2013
I new Perry I went to school with him. He went on to race formula one race cars. He also went on to become the Stig in the TV show top gear I think he now lives in Billericay.

Do you know this person? : Re: Petrol Heads of Laindon by William Diment added 12/03/2013
Hallo Barry, Ian has a comprehensive list of Perry’s career but is waiting for permission from the website to use it. I hope it is granted as it makes interesting reading.. You are correct, he did move to Billericay, but I do not know if he is still there.. I have sent an email directly to Barry and will follow up if I do not hear in the next couple of days.

Do you know this person? : Re: Petrol Heads of Laindon by Barry Ellerby added 13/03/2013
Hallo William I’m glad you brought this subject up and yes it will make intresting reading if permission is given.. Editor: I will chase this up during the week to see if I can get permission

Do you know this person? : Re: Petrol Heads of Laindon by William Diment added 27/03/2013
Hallo Barry, It would seem that Ian is having some problems in respect of copyright concerning Perry McCarthy and I give below the website where this information can be obtained.. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PERRY_McCARTHY

Do you know this person? : Re: Petrol Heads of Laindon by William Diment added 13/04/2013
Hallo Ian, Have you by any chance been able to make any progress in respect of the copyright protecting the career of Perry McCarthy? I have been tied up with some personal problems but will be chasing it up over the next couple of weeks.

Do you know this person? : Re: Petrol Heads of Laindon by W.H.Diment added 07/06/2013
It does seem a pity that the history of Perry McCarthy has not been recorded in the archives due to copyright regulations. I can understand the difficulty Ian has had in his attempt, as s I too wrote to the Perry McCarthy PA team requesting permission for some of the information already in the public domain via the internet to be shown and while I did receive an acknowledgement nothing further was forthcoming.

Do you know this person? : Re: Petrol Heads of Laindon by Paul Gibson added 13/06/2013
Perry McCarthy was the guest speaker at Basildon Round Tables 50th Charter Dinner at the Holiday Inn Basildon last month. He held his audience spellbound for over an hour talking about his life as the Stig and his rise though the ranks from go carts to formula one.He has written a book aptly named :Flat out,Flat broke,Formula one the hard way: which was published in March this year.An interesting read for petrolheads

Do you know this person? : Re: Petrol Heads of Laindon by Ian Mott added 13/06/2013
I will create an article on the Perry McCarthy on site with all these messages.. I will also make a further attempt to contact him and will also add his book to our list of good reads.

Do you know this person? : Brenda Gray re Sylvia Smith by Anita Tibbles added 05/04/2013
Sylvia Smith is my sister. She married moved to Romford and to Perth Western Australia where she has lived for the last 43 years. She visits me here from time to time to catch up with us and friends. The name Brenda Gray doesn’t ring a bell with her but maybe if we had the cousins name.

Do you know this person? : Re: Brenda Gray re Sylvia Smith by Brenda Gray added 09/04/2013
Hi Anita, my cousin Maureen Gray was friends with Sylvia Smith who lived in Agnes Road Noak Hill. Sylvia had two cousins Alfie Sutton and Avril Murphy.Is this Sylvia your sister..? . We lived in markhams chase next door to each other.

Do you know this person? : Richard Tucker by Jackie Kendall added 29/04/2013
Hello, don’t know if anyone on here can help me. I’m trying to trace the whereabouts of Richard Tucker’s next of kin. It appears he owned a plot of land near Basildon which i’m keen to purchase. I’m not sure who the land now belongs to it’s been untouched for more than 16 years. Does anyone know? thank you.

Do you know this person? : Re: Richard Tucker by Keith Nock added 12/05/2013
Hi I do remember Richard Tucker he was married to a girl Nightingale who came from Laindon. I will try and get some info for you they live in Wales now.

Do you know this person? : Re: Richard Tucker by Jemima Chapman added 23/05/2013
Would that be in Pound Lane, I wonder?

Do you know this person? : Re: Richard Tucker by Gloria Sewel added 14/06/2013
Richard Tucker was one of the boys that owned Tuckers the Butchers in Laindon and Pitsea. I am in touch with Veronica Nightingale the younger of the Nightingale girls who does indeed live in Wales. . Richard married the middle sister she would be about 74 now I think Pat or Dimps. So far as I know but this was over 50 years ago. Richard and Pat lived in Pitsea and did not go to Wales with the rest of the family then? . Veronica is a very private person but I will next time I write inquire for you

Do you know this person? : Brother I never met by By Justin Smith added 25/09/2013
I wonder if you are able to help me?. I am trying to track down a brother whom i have never met – and whom would not know of my existence.. My father, Joseph Leonard Smith, who was from the Southend area (though born in Birmingham), married a resident of Laindon in the late 60’s named Maureen Ford (or Forde). They had a child they named Sean – I am unsure if he was known as Sean Smith or Sean Ford (or Forde). The marriage and the birth both would have been between 1965 and 1971 – I am not sure in which order. They parted ways when Sean was very young – certainly less than 2 years old.. The only other information I have is I believe Maureen may have had some connection with a kennels in Laindon.. Sean would now be in his forties. Maureen would I imagine be in her sixties.. I am a son of the same Joseph Leonard Smith, my mother being his second wife.. If anyone in your group has any recollection of these names or any leads they would be most gratefully appreciated.

Do you know this person? : Re: Brother I never met by Justin Smith added 07/05/2014
Bit of an update…….. Seems I got the surname wrong….her name was Maureen Hart. Also she had a sister called Susan and step-sister Patricia. Her fathers name was Tom Hart. Hoping that this helps.

Do you know this person? : The Brown Family of Berry Lane by Jenny Murley added 01/10/2013
I would like to trace my old friends, the Brown family, who lived in a bungalow called Ven-Lo on Berry Lane. I used to spend time with them at Berry farm, where I used to keep my pony, Ross. This was around 1974. . There was Eddie Brown who had a pony called Beau, and we used to ride together around the lanes behind the Farm. He had an older brother, Danny, and 2 sisters, Debbie and Teresa. . Teresa Brown and I used to walk my pony Ross up and down Berry Lane. I would love to know what they are all doing now – happy days!

Do you know this person? : Re: The Brown Family of Berry Lane by Philip Davis added 20/02/2014
Hi Jenny. I stumbled across your request, and I have been in touch with Danny Brown recently. . Danny was my best friend at primary school, and used to live 3 doors away from be, near the school in the High Street. This is before they moved to Berry Lane. . If you want to be put in touch with Danny, let me know. . All the best. Editor: We do not publish email addresses, to try and prevent spam. If you wish we can with the approval of both of you provide it in an email.

Do you know this person? : Geoerge and Evelyn Slater by Sheilagh Davies added 20/10/2013
I am researching my husband’s family tree and trying to locate any relatives of George and Evelyn Slater who I believe may have owned/run a dress/haberdashery shop in Laindon – probably in the 1950’s although can’t be sure. Any information would be welcome as my husband knows so little about any of his family. Many thanks.

Do you know this person? : Re: George and Evelyn Slater by Sheilagh Davies added 09/02/2014
Thank you if you have read the posting requesting information about about George and Evelyn Slater. Just to inform anyone that may be interested I have now tracked down their daughter who emigrated – along with her parents- in the 1970’s.. Going to try and start on my husband’s fathers side of the family next but the surname is going to prove a nightmare…and they came from London !!. Regards

Do you know this person? : Charles and Winifred Townsend by Sheilagh Davies added 20/10/2013
Am trying to locate members of my husband’s family who lived in Laindon. Charles and Winifred Townsend were his aunt and uncle and I have recently discovered they had two children David born in 1948 and Margaret born in 1953. Does anyone know anything about the family ? David and Margaret will be my husband’s first cousins so any information would be great. Many thanks.

Do you know this person? : Re: Charles and Winifred Townsend by alan davies added 24/11/2013
Sheilagh, I have no recollection of Charles or Winifred Townsend but may I ask your husband’s first name? Conceivably we are related as my extended family, generally speaking, comprised numerous children. The dates you mention seem to correspond.

Do you know this person? : Re: Charles and Winifred Townsend by Seilagh Davies added 01/12/2013
Alan…thank you for your response. My husband’s name is Gordon Shakespeare Davies. He had three brothers..Clifford Leslie Woodley Davies, Bernard Lawson Johnston Davies and Anthony Aldridge Davies. Sadly all have died so any information on Gordon’s aunts, uncles and cousins would be appreciated.. Regards…..Sheilagh Davies

Do you know this person? : Re: Charles and Winifred Townsend by Alan Davies added 08/12/2013
Sheilagh…….Sorry. Our family were pretty prolific and I thought there may be a relationship of some description. It must be an entirely different family. None of my relatives have any of the names you mention. Sorry.

Do you know this person? : The Bott family by David Shearcroft added 11/11/2013
Does anyone know the whereabouts of any of the Bott family once living in Holst Ave Laindon?

Do you know this person? : Pinjarra Almada-Ave by Lorraine Turner added 14/11/2013
Can anyone help. My grandmother lived at this address at the time of her death 1940. I was born in Perth W Aust. and never knew her. I am visiting U.K. in 2014 and had hoped to be able to locate this house or street. Is this a possibility? I Have not been able to locate it on any maps. I would be very grateful if anyone can help. Lorraine

Do you know this person? : Re: Pinjarra Almada-Ave by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 15/11/2013
Lorraine. Unfortunately the area where your Grandmother once lived was redeveloped several decades ago (approx. 1960) and Almada Avenue no longer exists. The house or bungalow called ‘Pinjarra’, together with the other dwellings in Almada Avenue were all demolished at that time. The area is now known as Lee Chapel North. Other people have made enquiries about that area and there is an old map (1938) that may be of interest to you. You can find it by going to the Article List on the front page of this website; scroll down until you find the section headed ‘Areas and Places’; scroll down in that section until you come to the word ‘Where’. The first item you will see is an article called “Almada Avenue, Lee Chapel”. Open that article and you will see the map. Part of the re-development was the building of a new road called ‘The Link’ which connected Laindon to Basildon and which ran through the area where Almada Avenue had once been. We will endeavour to locate the exact position of where Pinjarra had stood in Almada Avenue, so as to establish what is there today. Please bear with us and we hope to get back to you before too long. Best wishes. Nina.

Do you know this person? : Re: Pinjarra Almada-Ave by Lorraine Turner (Buggins) added 17/11/2013
To Nina, Thank you so much for your prompt reply and information. I was disappointed but not surprised. I now need to locate the cemetery or graveyard where my grandmother was buried so I can place some flowers there for my late father. If anyone has any Idea of which cemeteries were used in 1940 it would be a start for me, as time in the UK will be limited Thank you once again, Regards Lorraine.

Do you know this person? : Re: Pinjarra Almada-Ave by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 17/11/2013
Lorraine. Your Grandmother’s home was very close to St Nicholas Church in Laindon, so it’s quite possible she is buried there. I know the Church Walden there, so can ask him to check the records. First I would need your Grandmother’s full name. I have looked at the online records and think she may have been Ethel Buggins. If that is correct, I assume you are the daughter of one of her sons, Sidney or Arthur. As soon as you can let me know your Grandmother’s name for sure, I will immediately start enquiries for you. What time of year are you coming over in 2014? I await to hear. Best wishes. Nina.

Do you know this person? : Re: Pinjarra Almada-Ave by Lorraine Turner (Buggins) added 18/11/2013
Hi Nina , and thank you . You are correct ,grandmothers name was Ethel Buggins about 1881-1940 .I am the daughter of Maurice the middle son . The three boys were sent to Fairbridge Farm school In Pinjarra ,south of Perth when Dad was 8 years old . It would be great if you could check and find out if St Nicholas is the place . I arrive in London with my sister and brother -in-law on the 13 may , so some time yet . Look forward to hearing from you , regards Lorraine

Do you know this person? : Re: Pinjarra Almada-Ave by Eric Pasco added 20/11/2013
Hi Lorraine,. This caught my attention as I am familiar with Pinjarra, Almada Ave and also with the name Buggins.because as you probably know my late Aunt Madge (née Buggins) Schofield was your fathers sister who stayed in England with your Grandmother when your father & uncles went to Australia. My mother was a Schofield.. She lived in Pinjarra, Almada Ave and married Alf Schofield in 1941 shortly after her mothers death and then lived in that house until moving to Cambridge Rd.After my grandad Schofield died in 1960 they left for Australia to be re united with her brothers.The house was obviously named Pinjarra since that was the location of the 3 sons at Fairbridge Farm.. I knew the house Pinjarra when I was a kid probably spent some time there as you will know it was named after Pinjarra in WA where your father and uncles were sent to Fairbridge farm.. Hope you find the grave, I could not find my grandfathers in St Nicholas and he died in 1960 after which Aunt Madge & Uncle Alf left for Oz to be re united with her brothers.. I hope you have success finding the gravesite and as Nina suggests probably at St Nicholas Church.. I also live in Perth and will also be in Laindon in May 2014.. Regards.

Do you know this person? : Re: Pinjarra Almada-Ave by Lorraine Turner (Buggins) added 26/11/2013
Hi Eric . I was pleased to hear from you and thank you for sharing your memories of Laindon and Pinjarra with me. I did contact Maureen and she seemed to have recollections of her mum toiling up the hill to St Nicholas to tend a grave, presumably Grandma’s.. I have been doing our family tree and found Dad had told us quite a lot about his family, Uncle Sid had planned to bring Grandma out to Australia when he got settled after the war but tragically she died before he could raise the money. . On a happier note, I am looking forward to my first visit to England.. Regards

Do you know this person? : David Townsend and Margaret Townsend by Sheilagh Davies added 11/01/2014
David Townsend – born 1948? – and his sister Margaret – born1953? – are first cousins of my husband, Gordon. They lived in Laindon/Langdon Hills in the 1950’s/1960’s and probably went to school locally. Their parents were Charles and Winifred Townsend, Winifred was a younger sister of Annie ( my husband’s mother).Would anyone know anything more about David and Margaret and where they might be now?. Grateful thanks.

Do you know this person? : Re: David Townsend and Margaret Townsend by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 13/01/2014
Hi Sheilagh. David C Townsend was born in Brentwood 1948, his mother’s maiden name was Lawson-Johnston. Margaret C Townsend was born Brentwood 1953, her mother’s maiden name was Johnston. The Electoral Register for the late fifties shows Alice M Johnston plus Winifred and Charles Townsend living in “Claremont”, Tyler Avenue, Laindon.. There’s a Margaret Townsend shown on the 1961 Langdon Hills school photograph. She is No. 36 on page 5. There’s a marriage record for Margaret C Townsend, she married Christopher J Player in Brentwood in the first quarter of 1974. That’s all I could find. Hope it helps.

Do you know this person? : Re: David Townsend and Margaret Townsend by Sheilagh davies added 16/01/2014
Dear Nina…. Once again thank you so much for the information regarding David and Margaret Townsend, I shall certainly try and find out more about them.. Regards…..Sheilagh Davies

Do you know this person? : Re: David Townsend and Margaret Townsend by Brian Baylis added 23/01/2014
I can recall David from 1950’s when I lived at the top of Tyler Avenue, as we sometimes played together.

Do you know this person? : Re: David Townsend and Margaret Townsend by Sheilagh davies added 25/01/2014
Dear Nina….. Just to let you know that after finding out a little more info and then some wild guesses! I have located David Townsend’s family. Sadly he died 3 years ago but I have talked on the phone with his wife and we have exchanged photos. His wife is in contact with Margaret Townsend (David’s sister) so hoping my husband and I will meet up with his new found family in the near future and possibly find out more about other relatives.. Regards……Sheilagh Davies

Do you know this person? : Re: David Townsend and Margaret Townsend by Sheilagh davies added 25/01/2014
Dear Brian…. Thank you for your reply. After more research and some wild guesses ! I have now located David Townsend’s wife. Very sadly, David died 3 years ago but his wife and I have exchanged photos etc. She is in regular contact with David’s sister Margaret who will be the first cousin my husband has ever known!. Hopefully he will meet his new found relative in the very near future!. Regards……Sheilagh Davies

Do you know this person? : Re: David Townsend and Margaret Townsend by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 26/01/2014
That’s wonderful Sheilagh. I’m so pleased for you and your husband. Best wishes.

Do you know this person? : Chalkley family by Hazel Hunter née Hopkins added 05/03/2014
Does anyone know what happened to the Chalkley family? They lived at 2 Tallis Road. I went to school with Jimmy, he had two sisters. I think his parents moved to the flats on the King Edward Estate. Also Linda Huxen who lived at Home Mead.

Do you know this person? : Re: Chalkley family by Chris Harris added 28/04/2014
I believe Jimmy Chalkley married Pat Chesterman. I know Linda Huxen married Paul Bishop and live in Laindon.

Do you know this person? : Re: Chalkley family by hazel hunter added 01/05/2014
Thank you for that Chris, I think you were in my class at Markhams Chase. I left in 1958 when Miss Cross was my teacher. I also remember Nadine Bunn, Christine Kemp, Malcolm Bridges and Christopher Dobson.

Do you know this person? : Re: Chalkley family by Chris Harris added 01/05/2014
Yes, we were. I still see Chris Dobson, Derek Grainger, Kathleen Morley and Val Marshall regularly and in contact with Malcolm Bridges, Bob Adams, Graham Card, Pam Pithers and a few more.

Do you know this person? : David and Jeanie Ross by Hazel Hunter added 10/03/2014
David and Jeanie Ross lived next door to us in Dowland Walk in the 1950s. We moved away and I heard that they had moved to Witham. Does anybody know where they are, as I have old photos of Jeanie that she might like to have?

Do you know this person? : Re: David and Jeanie Ross by Barry Ellerby added 12/03/2014
Linda Huxen was a frend of my late sister Sue. I have old black and white photos of them in our house in Dickens drive. I also have photos of the Barker family and my sister in the garden of number eight Dowland Walk. Sorry cant help with anymore.

Do you know this person? : Re: David and Jeanie Ross by hazel hunter née hopkins added 16/03/2014
Hello Barry. Thank you for your reply. We lived at 3 Dowland Walk and I remember the Barker family. Did your sister go to Markhams Chase with Linda Huxen? We were in the same class until I left in 1958, she was my best friend at the time.

Do you know this person? : Re: David and Jeanie Ross by Barry Ellerby added 17/03/2014
Hi Hazel. Yes my sister Sue and my brother Jim went to. Markhams Chase. I cannot tell you the exact years but it was in the late 50s they left. My family where living in Byrd Court at that time. They moved around the corner in 1961 to 22 Dickens Drive when i was born as they wanted a larger house and garden. They exchanged houses with a family named Cox. I remember my sister became very good friends with Wendy Cox.

Do you know this person? : Re: David and Jeanie Ross by Shirley Thompson added 22/03/2014
Hello Hazel, on the school photo page 12, it has been posted that David died in 2012. I remember him well. We lived opposite you at number 4. I was Shirley Talbot, and my sister is Thelma. She married Bob Young who lived at no 6Do you know this person? : Re: David and Jeanie Ross by Hazel Hunter née Hopkins added 25/03/2014
Hello Shirley. Thank you for the information. I am sorry that David Ross has died, do you know anyone who knows where Jeanie is? I remember you and your sister well, the very bad winter, we had loads of snow and we were outside your house trying to build an igloo. My hands was freezing but I didn’t want to go in. Do you remember my brothers Stephen and Tommy? From Hazel.

Do you know this person? : Re: David and Jeanie Ross by Donald Joy added 07/08/2015
David was a good friend of mine whilst at school, however as with many associations, we drifted apart, going our own ways after this time. Sorry to hear of his demise. Thelma Talbot ! Boy did I have the hots for her, if only I’d known how to communicate with girls back then. Hope she is well and happy.

Do you know this person? : Re: David and Jeanie Ross by Donald Joy added 14/08/2015
I remember David from school we got on well. Sorry to hear of his passing, he was a good lad. Last I heard of him many years ago, was that he had joined the police force ? I also knew his neighbour. Paul Stryzec (excuse the spelling) whose name I have not seen mentioned on this site. I also remember Thelma Talbot who lived opposite, I REALLY liked her but at that age I didn’t know why ?

Do you know this person? : Re: David and Jeanie Ross by Donald Joy added 16/10/2015
I was in class with David all through our time at LHR school, we were good mates. To the best of my knowledge he joined the police force after leaving school. I am also informed that he was stationed at Colchester for many years, but I cannot confirm this as being correct. Was saddened to learn of his death, he was a good mate. . I seem to remember Paul Stryzec (not sure of the spelling) living next door to David at some time, also remember Thelma Talbot who lived opposite. I really had the hots for her but never did anything about it as I didn’t know how. Such innocence !

Do you know this person? : patricia ann hay by Mary Saunderson née Luton added 28/03/2014
Hi all. I have been trying for years to contact Patricia Ann Hay, who was an old school friend of mine. She lived in Vowler Road, Langdon Hills and her father was projectionist at the old Radion Cinema in Laindon High Road. I think she married Eric Cole sometime after 1964 which was when we lost contact.. Any information would be gratefully received. Many thanks. Mary.

Do you know this person? : Re: Patricia Ann Hay by Mary Cole added 30/08/2014
I have no up to date info, but I knew her when she was a member of The Girls Life Brigade at the Baptist Church. I once saw her with a young daughter but that was before we left the village 40 years ago.. Mr Hay worked as a caretaker at Laindon High Road School after the Radion closed. When I worked there I was amused to find that he wasn’t allowed to touch the school projectors as “he wasnt qualified”!!!. Mary Cole

Do you know this person? : Re: patricia ann hay by Isabel Smith added 02/07/2016
Hi Mary, did you ever find Pat Hay? I remember Pat as she was in my class at the Langdon Hills Primary School. Also yourself, I remember, if you are the same Mary, having long plaits! Your Mother was the school Secretary, I think? We were in Mr. Richardson’s class in the last year, I believe you went to Grammar School after that. I am still in touch with a couple of girls from that school. Goodness such a long time ago!!

Do you know this person? : Re: patricia ann hay by Mary Saunderson, née Luton added 27/08/2016
Hi, Isabel, So sorry to take a long time in replying, but I havn’t neen to this site for a couple of months. No I never was able to find her, and yes you are right, I am the same Mary that you remember with the plaits, that was until Henry Freeman cut one of them off!! happy days….I went off to Palmers, and afterwards to a lifelong career in nursing and social work. Now a lady of leisure!

Do you know this person? : searching for cousins from the luton family by Mary Saunderson née Luton added 28/03/2014
Hi All. I am searching for the following people, all my cousins with whom I have lost touch over the years: Veronica, Lynette and Nicholas Freeman, Hillary Ware, Alan Barlow and Christopher Luton. They were all from the Northern end of Laindon around the Fortune of War area. Any information would be greatly appreciated, as I think we may have discovered a “new” cousin!

Do you know this person? : Re: searching for cousins from the luton family by Esther added 10/04/2014
This is my family. The people you are looking for is my mum and her siblings.

Do you know this person? : Re: searching for cousins from the luton family by Lyn Freeman added 11/04/2014
Hi Mary. . Esther, my daughter, told me you had left a message. It would be good to get in touch again. Lyn

Do you know this person? : Re: searching for cousins from the luton family by mary saunderson added 15/04/2014
Hi Lyn. Thank you for replying to my request and say thanks to your girl as well.. Would you email me whenever you have the time?. Hope to hear from you soon,. Mary.. Editor: Please note that we do not publish e-mail addresses on the site. Therefore I will pass your contact details onto Lyn separately.

Do you know this person? : Soldier that was at the camp in Langdon Hills who came from the north of England and knew a girl called Connie Pinnell by Barry Pinnell added 03/04/2014
I am looking for a soldier that was in the army camp at Langdon Hills 66 years ago. All I know is that his name was William and he came from the north of England and knew a girl called Connie Pinnell.

Do you know this person? : One Legged Johnny by Mike Fruin added 06/07/2014
In 55/56 we used to dance rock n roll at the Railway in Pitsea. One good dancer, called Johnny, a smart dresser was from Laindon. He had an artificial leg and after a few drinks, would turn his leg around! Anyone remember him?

Do you know this person? : Bikers at Bob’s café by Mike Fruin added 05/08/2014
I used to ride across from Basildon in 1956 to meet other bikers at Bob’s café opposite the Fortune of War.. There used to be a Laindon girl that hung around the café, I think her name was Dianne Pocock. Anyone remember her?

Do you know this person? : Re: Bikers at Bob’s café by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 05/08/2014
Yes. I remember Diana Pocock. She was the daughter of a Mrs Pocock who lived in a bungalow not far from St Nicholas Church.. In the late fifties/early sixties, I often saw Diana walking with her mother. Diana was a very colourful character, often changing the colour of her hair. She dressed in the fashion of the day. One outfit I remember included skin tight leopard skin trousers. This was in stark contrast to her mother who, as far as I can remember, always dressed in black.

Do you know this person? : Re: Bikers at Bob’s café by Donald Joy added 25/08/2015
Hi Mike, Diane Pocock used to live, with her Mother in St Nicholas Lane, the unmade part until such time as Basildon Development Corporation decided to move all the occupants of the road prior to demolition and subsequent redevelopment. They then took up residence in the made up part of the same road just a few yards from the junction with Pound Lane where I lived. One of their neighbours was the Shepherd family whose daughter Myrna married Derek Jeakins of D.C.Jeakins the removals, haulage and taxi company that played a big part in Laindon history. Diane was as mentioned extrovert in her dress sense and was a particularly attractive sight to see unlike her mother who dressed in a very dowdy manner. As children we all thought she was a witch !

Do you know this person? : Re: Bikers at Bob’s café by Pat Gregory added 11/12/2015
Hi there, yes I remember Diane Pocock, but I don’t know what happened to her, sorry.. I used to hang out in that café, dirty old dump really, I had to catch bus from near there to go to Dunton Waylets and then walk a mile and a half home to the Dunton Avenues. I was born there and lived there until 1959 when Basildon Development Corp did compulsory purchase of land. I went to Laindon High Road School, so did Diane Pocock, Diane had lived somewhere in Laindon. Hope you find her, take care. . Pat.

Do you know this person? : Michael Allen? by Rachel Wells added 01/11/2014
I am trying to locate my long lost uncle. He had two brothers named David and Trevor (Terry) who grew up in the area. I’m not quite sure if his last name was Allen or Ivey at birth, but both of his brothers last names were Allen. He was born around 1946-47 to Marjorie Ivey, later to become Allen. I would very much like to make contact, and would appreciate contact with anyone who has information about his whereabouts, or might know anything about him.

Do you know this person? : Jefferies – White Post Farm by Sarah Taylor added 10/05/2015
James Thomas Jefferies was my Great Great Grandfather and lived at White Post Farm. He is registered as living there on the 1871,1881, 1891, 1901 census. With his wife Emma and 10 children all born in Laindon. Thomas, Emma, Frank, Maria, Annie, Fred (my great grandfather), May, Ada, Alice and Lizzie. I was wondering if there are any descendent Jefferies still living in Laindon and if anyone has any old photographs from this 30-40 year time span of the farm or family. Kind regards. Sarah

Do you know this person? : Jimmy Quinton by David Shearcroft added 02/06/2015
Does anyone know the whereabouts of Jimmy Quinton please?. We lived in Laindon at the same time and was in the BB with myself and others.

Do you know this person? : Re: Jimmy Quinton by Andrea Ash née Pinnell added 03/08/2015
I have seen and spoken with Jimmy Quinton at a couple of the Laindon Library get togethers – so perhaps he reads these pages?

Do you know this person? : Stanley Sydney Hart by Frans van den Berg, The Netherlands added 15/06/2015
For my friend I am searching for more information about his family.. His father was Stanley Sydney Hart and according to what we know of him born in Langdon Hills. He was born in 1913.. My friends name is Lionel Ian Hart and it is possible that he was named after a brother of his father, Ian or Lionel.. Stanley Sydney Hart was in the Royal Navy from 1939 until 1945. He married in Cape Town in 1941 and drowned in Walvis Bay working for Irvin Johnson.. My friend Lionel Hart immigrated from South Africa to The Netherlands in 1987. He has no information about relatives and he was only three years old when his father died.. Maybe his father was baptised and we can imagine that there are records on this. He must have gone to school and maybe there are records of that.. We could also imagine that members of the family still live in Langdon Hills and that you could give us information about them.. We look forward to your answer and hope you can help.. Thank you very much in advance.. With kind regards, Frans H. van den Berg

Do you know this person? : Re: Stanley Sydney Hart by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 16/06/2015
I have searched through the UK records but as yet cannot trace any connection with Stanley Sydney Hart to Langdon Hills. However I do have some information which I have passed onto you via email.

Do you know this person? : Re: Stanley Sydney Hart by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 30/06/2015
This enquiry has now been answered. See article “The Cobb Family of Fleetwood Lodge.

Do you know this person? : Laindon Country Club by Faye Wheeler added 07/07/2015
Hi. Does anyone remember Sadie Rothstien and her brother Joe, they ran the Laindon Country Club back in 1950’s. Sadie was married to my grandfather Francis Mudd also known as George. He also helped run the place.

Do you know this person? : Wilson family by Donald Joy added 23/08/2015
Does anybody remember the Wilson family? They lived in a bungalow on Doves Hill which was/is a grass road that ran from St Nicholas Church down to Pound Lane. The Father was, I believe, the verger at the church. There were 2 sons, John the eldest then Henry and a daughter Jean.. Each Guy Fawkes night we would have an enormous bonfire in the field behind our house that we had been building for weeks around a telegraph pole that John had acquired and set in the ground as the backbone of the fire. Jean was the first wannabe “mod” girl I knew. Happy days, happy memories. I’d go back if I could, maybe I’d get more things right second time around.

Do you know this person? : Re: Wilson family by Eric Pasco added 14/09/2015
I do remember Jean Wilson very well, she was part of our crowd at Nicholas Youth Centre in mid 60s, then I left for Australia. She was married to Chris Dobson at one time.. I know that one of her brothers married one of the Frost girls from Pound Lane. Arnie Frost was a mate of mine and we still keep in touch.. If memory serves me well her Dad was also the gravedigger.. Also Don I checked you out on 1958 LHR photo and now I recognise you.

Do you know this person? : Re: Wilson family by Donald Joy added 14/09/2015
Eric, thanks for the response, a little info goes a long way. All the way from Oz. Glad you recognised me from the photo, would have been disappointed if you hadn’t. You knew me when I had a snotty nose and my ass hanging out of my trousers. You’ll be glad to know, I haven’t changed! Good to hear from you.

Do you know this person? : Richard Haines by Donald Joy added 15/10/2015
Can’t help noticing Richard, that in many of your comments, you mention the music of the day, Eddie Cochran and the like. Well I thought of one as well that I thought particularly apt for this website, Buddy Holly, “Reminiscing”.

Do you know this person? : Lana family by Donald Joy added 19/10/2015
Does anyone know anything about a family named Lana (I’m told that’s the correct spelling?) My aunt Mag (Margaret?) cousin Judith and “Sailor” thought to be Mags second husband. They lived in Buckingham Road in the ’50s ? Have always known they were family but nothing more than that.

Do you know this person? : Re: Lana family by Nina Humphrey(née Burton) added 19/10/2015
The 1949 to 1962 Electoral Registers show that Arthur E L and Margaret Larner were living at ‘Broadlea’, Buckingham Road, Laindon. The online records show that Arthur E L Larner had married Margaret Finch in 1946 at Brentwood. Judith Larner was born in 1948.

Do you know this person? : Re: Lana family by Donald Joy added 20/10/2015
Thanks Nina, knew I could count on you. So that’s another piece of puzzle put in place. The Finch link ties in nicely with my granny Turner, whose maiden name was, I believe, also Finch. Sorry to have got the spelling wrong, my other cousin Cassie assured me that was how it was spelt. Duh ! Don.

Do you know this person? : Re: Lana family by Donald Joy added 11/12/2015
Thanks Nina, that explains, in part, yet another link in the family tree, the name Finch. My grandmothers maiden name was Finch and I gather my aunt was her sister. The only problem with family trees is, that by solving one mystery, you then find another one to deal with. Judith now lives close to me in Frinton on sea.

Do you know this person? : Ron Shipley by Ron shipley added 26/01/2016
Hi not sure if this is the correct spot. However I used to be a window cleaner around Laindon for 30 years from 1956 I now live in Australia but would love to hear from anyone that remembers me.

Do you know this person? : Re: Ron Shipley by stan harvey added 25/07/2016
Hi Ron, Were you once a Hod-carrier in the Laindon area. I use to work with a Jimmy Milne another Bricklayer, and Ernie (use to have a motorcycle combination at one time). If so would like to hear from you. Thanks Stan

Do you know this person? : Hammond and Tinworth families by Lesley Neville added 01/07/2016
I am descended from Thomas Hammond and Honour Tinworth who married in Langdon Hills in 1809. They had a lot of children, and most of their children also had a lot of children, so there were a large number of Hammonds, and also some Tinworth relatives, living in Langdon Hills in the mid 19th century. Many of them lived on Dry Street. Towards the end of the 19th century people started moving to London for work and my own direct ancestor moved there around 1880. But there were still some members of the family living in Langdon Hills at the time of the 1911 census. Mostly these were older people, but there was a young couple (Benjamin and Florence) living at Northlands Cottage with their daughter Nora who was born in 1910. I wondered if the family stayed in Langdon and if anyone knew anything about them.

Do you know this person? : Churchill Johnson by Robert Howard added 25/12/2016
Anyone know of or where any family members are of Fred Sears who worked at Churchill Johnson when I was there 1954-58 in the warehouse in paint section at Laindon. Last heard of in King Edward estate as an O.A.P. Also any of the following Jim Whitehead:- wallpaper, Dickens Drive, daughter was secretary to Mr Mason, managing director, Pop Bloomfield, sons Clary and Kenny, St Nicholas Lane, Harry Hallet, light iron, Dunton, accessed by Durham Road, Georgie Drew or Trew, general duties, 1st Avenue, possibly had a shop on Dunton Road before coming to Churchill Johnson. Would like to get a photo of them.

Do you know this person? : Re: Churchill Johnson by Robert Springate added 27/02/2017
can anyone assist please…? (Genealogy only). An unmentioned relative died while at the, what was, The Isolation Hospital, Buttsbury (in Billericay) in April 1945, before the introduction of the NHS in 1948. Where would they have been buried having died there? The age reads 13months on the death certificate, which is correct with the birth certificate. The parents lived in Bowers Gifford at the time.. The person isn’t buried at the Pitsea Cemetery, Church Road beside the A13, which was first port of call, as it’s only a short distance from Bowers Gifford. Also in the churchyard of St Margaret Church, Bowers Gifford bottom end of Church Road and neither in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, South Benfleet. . I have yet to visit the churchyards of St Mary Magdalene in Great Burstead, St Mary the Virgin in Little Burstead and St Mary’s in Buttsbury.. Where did once stand The Isolation Hospital, Buttsbury situated in Billericay. I would be guessing that an Isolation Hospital would have been to the outskirts at the time.. Any help, assistance or information please would be great.. Kind Regards, Tim