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Forum Archive |
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2008 Forum Threads - January to June
All forum threads posted between 2002 and 2013 have now been removed from the original forum (message board) and archived
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2008 entries
Click here for July - December entries.
Please be aware contact e-mail
addresses of some entries may no longer be valid.
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| 01) Mopsies Road, Basildon |
| 02) Langdon Hills Army Camp - 4 replies. |
| 03) Laindon War Memorial - 1 reply. |
| 04) Family History, Osborne Road, Pitsea - 2 replies. |
| 05) Basildon Hall - 2 replies. |
| 06) Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5 - 12 replies. |
| 07) Markhams Chase playing fields - 7 replies. |
| 08) Chase - Open Meeting |
| 09) Famous Basildonians - 2 replies. |
| 10) Basildon magic memories - 11 replies. |
| 11) Lee Chapel South Community Centre |
| 12) 1970's Fryerns Sunday afternoon disco - 3 replies. |
| 13) Langdon Hills Family History - Townsends - 2 replies. |
| 14) Clock Man - Town Centre, Basildon - 1 reply. |
| 15) Adventure Playground |
| 16) Laindon Memorial Hall - 4 replies. |
| 17) Adventure Playground, Church Road (off Whitmore Way 1970's) - 2 replies. |
| 18) Wrenns---60s workplace - 3 replies. |
| 19) S. E. M. - South Essex Motors |
| 20) Twins |
| 21) Basildon Stock Cars |
| 22) Bus Drivers or Conductors - 6 replies. |
| 23) Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon - 9 replies. |
| 24) Stock Car Racing - 2 replies. |
| 25) Double Six Darts' Team - 1 reply. |
| 26) Brockwell's of Laindon - 4 replies. |
| 27) Good old days - Redgrave Road, Vange - 2 replies. |
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| 1. Mopsies Road, Basildon |
Posted by Tucker  on 21/1/2008, 1:51 pm
My great grandmother Mrs Mary Millard and her husband John lived at OTRANTO LODGE MOPSIES ROAD
BASILDON UNTIL HER DEATH IN 1948.
I know that the self build bungalows in this area were
all compulsory purchased for the building of Basildon New Town. I have been trying to find out
more about this area ie when and how these plots of land were originally bought and when the
area was redevloped.
As a child my family stayed at a Chicken Farm in Church Road
belonging to a William Buckley which was also purchased to be part of the redevelopment. Any
information will be greatly appreciated.
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| 2. Langdon Hills Army Camp |
Posted by craftsman on 23/1/2008, 4:37 pm
Anybody have any memories of the army camp located in Langdon hills in the early 50s. I was
stationed there a short while! AB............
Re: Langdon Hills Army Camp
Posted by Michael Evans on 25/1/2008, 2:52 pm
I remember the army camp in the Hills. I was demobbed from the Royal Artillery in 1957, after
serving my National Service in Cyprus. While working for the North Thames Gas Board, I had to
do some work at the camp when I ran into one of my old Sergeants, who I remember as a mean
S.O.B. I also became friends with a couple of the soldiers there who would come to my house
and work on our motorbikes, one of those guys married a local girl and another, Ken Appleby, was
killed riding his bike near the camp. My other memories are virtually none.
Re: Langdon Hills Army Camp
Posted by Brian Baylis on 26/1/2008, 12:06 am
See the photo's of Langdon Hills.
Re: Langdon Hills Army Camp
Posted by Margaret Hickman on 25/3/2008, 12:34 am
I remember going dancing at the Kursaal, meeting soldiers at the dance who then had to walk
from Pitsea Station to the wilds of Vange because the buses had stopped.
Re: Langdon Hills Army Camp
Posted by ken Page on 18/7/2008, 12:52 pm
Where we lived on Berry Park estate we could hear the sargents drilling the blokes in the
early mornings, my old man was an ex marine and he used to laugh when he heard it, "poor
buggers" he used to say, Ken
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| 3. Laindon War Memorial |
Posted by Ron Francis on 3/2/2008, 7:38 pm
Help is requested to locate the names of all those who fell in the two World Wars and were
recorded on a plaque of some sort that disappeared when the War Memorial was moved from the
front of the Memorial Hall in Laindon High Road in the 1970's to its present location at
Laindon Centre. The names are needed to ensure they are replaced where they belong with the
War Memorial.
Many thanks.
Basildon & Laindon Branch. Royal British Legion.
Re: Laindon War Memorial
Posted by Fred Rand on 27/6/2008, 11:56 am
Hi Ron, Cant supply you with any names but I do remember the Memorial being taken to the
Barleylands Council depot for safe keeping perhaps they can shed some light on what happened
to the Plaque. Although I now live in Norfolk I still care about old Laindon, I used to live
on the Berry Park Est known as Plotlands.
Hope you have some success. Fred Rand.
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| 4. Family History, Osborne Road, Pitsea |
Posted by Will Smith on 15/2/2008, 8:37 pm
Smith family at 3 Osborne Road, Pitsea. I once lived at this address between 1951 and 52 and
visited there once during 1959. My Grandmother and my parents lived at the address along with
other family members. The house no longer exists. I believe that my grandfather also lived at
the address but died in 1945 and is buried in South Benfleet. His name, I believe, was
Francis
George Smith. His wife was Agnes. I am anxious to trace family members. If you
can help, please contact me. Thanks. Will
Re: Family History, Osborne Road, Pitsea
Posted by Valerie Wilson on 29/3/2008, 10:50 am
Hi will i lived in church road 147 which was just the other side of the bridge... I do know
there was a George and beetie smith but they lived down near the town centre, I will ask my
brother if he remembers as he is 3 years older than me... there was a family by the surname of
stokes and they lived half way up osbourne road and were there from 1956 perhaps this might
help... Good luck with the search i am doing the same... try going through friendsreunited on
the web it,s great, because you can go into school,s and road,s etc. take care, valerie
Re: Family History, Osborne Road, Pitsea
Posted by Will Smith on 12/6/2008, 11:05 pm
Hi Val. Sorry I haven't got back to you until now. I have gone to great lengths to try to
trace my Smith family but they are proving very elusive. I have full details of all of them
on genes reunited but they remain apparently undetectable. Drop me an email if you have
aquired any further info. Thanks, Will
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| 5. Basildon Hall |
Posted by Richard on 19/2/2008, 11:39 pm
My 6x great grandfather was born in Basildon about 1767. HIS parents are found to be
lodging "Lodgers at Basildon Hall". If anyone knows of Claxon or Clarkson families in this
area from this time period, I would like to hear from them.
Richard
New Jersey
Re: Basildon Hall
Posted by Chris Harrison on 3/4/2008, 9:06 pm
Sorry but this does not answer you question relating to surnames but I'm not sure if your
interested I can point you to the location where Basildon Hall was. You could try Holy Cross
church or St Nicholas church in your search as these are the 2 nearest parish churches which
date back to well before the 18th century.
I used to live near where it was and
although nothing remains of it you can still see the outlines of the building in the summer
and the moat which surrounded it is still there. It's now a small play park / field on a
cul-de-sac called East Thorpe. If you google map East Thorpe, Basildon, you'll see it there
between the railway line and the row of houses running east west to the north of the line.
Re: Basildon Hall
Posted by Richard on 7/7/2008, 2:56 am
Thanks very much !
Rich
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| 6. Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5 |
Posted by Memory Man on 29/2/2008, 3:08 pm
Heard the sad news that Mike Smith passed away this morning, he was the lead singer with the
Dave Clark Five who were resident band at the Locarno Basildon in the sixties R.I.P.
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Dave Oakley on 1/3/2008, 4:26 am
 read that myself today adelaide time
memory man, im sure there are many here in aussie that fondly remember dave and the group at
the locarno--a true icon of british 60s rock and roll,--dave oakley.
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Brian Baylis on 7/3/2008, 11:13 am
Very Sad news indeed. I must admit that despite being a man, I shed a few tears. I am Glad
All Over to have seen them play at the Locarno and to this day, I still have their singles, an
ep, albums, video and cd.
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Valerie Wilson on 29/3/2008, 12:29 pm
I too have my single glad all over so the nice thing is he will live for ever... I can see
myself driving my mum and dad mad playing my record over and over again. valerie.
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Brian Baylis on 31/3/2008, 10:59 pm
I must drive any passenger mad in our car. I keep playing their cd.
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Dave Oakley on 6/4/2008, 11:01 am
hi all --- well remember frantically stamping my foot in time with the line "im glad all
over" on the basildon mecca floor-- the poop 0oops pop music churned out today leaves a lot
to be desired eh?-- dave o.
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Alan Wickens on 8/6/2008, 9:29 pm
I hi,
I have the toffee hammer of Dennis Payton before he became famous with the Dave Clark
Five. I took over his job with Reliance Controls in Walthamstow and the hammer still has his
initials on it.
Best regards,
Alan.
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Shirley Crosbie on 5/7/2008, 6:16 pm
I started work at the Locarno Ballroom in the box office on the last weekend Dave Clark was the
resident band. I nearly died from shock when I saw the queue to get in that first night, it
went right round the bus station to the fish and chip shop. I worked in the box office from
1964-1970 and have many happy memories of working there. In fact I met my 2nd husband there,
and this August we will be celebrating 40 years together. I am in contact with 3 of the under
managers from my time there, Tony Dow, John Porter and Jimmy Vail. My husband went on to open
a mobile butchers, Rays Mobile Butchers, that served Laindon and Langdon Hills. We moved to
Norfolk in 1989 after many happy years in Basildon. Our son and daughter Sharon and John both
attended Lee Chapel South school and later Woodlands. Sadly our son passed away this March
aged 44 (from first marriage) and it has been a sad time for us. We received so many cards
and phone calls following his death from friends and neighbours from Basildon it was a great
comfort. Would like to hear from anyone who worked at the Locarno during my years there.
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Mick on 5/10/2008, 1:55 pm
What days they were. I was introduced to 'The Mecca' by my cousin Brian Baylis, a contributor
here, back in '62. DC5 were just the house band then and I often relate to people about those
days, about speaking to the band like they were mates and remembering the late great Mike Smith
muttering obscenities when trying to repair a malfuctioning footpedal. Great days
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Mick on 6/10/2008, 9:16 pm
Who remembers the 5 doing 'Half Time'? It was their showstopper and we all hope it would be
the follow up to Glad All Over, but because it was an instrumental, their management had other
ideas, hence Bits And Pieces. Did it ever appear on any album or e.p.? Don't think
so. Shame. While we are at the Locarno, how many of you ladies out there remember and were
responsible for back in '63, pulling the lead singer of the Toggery Five off the stage and
forcing yourselves on his person? You brazen hussies, what great days they were.
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Frank Young on 18/10/2008, 2:15 pm
I was that lead singer dragged off the stage at the Locarno, Basildon. Whilst with the Toggery
5. Now living in the sun in Fuerteventura.
frankyoung.info
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Jack Fisher on 28/2/2010, 4:28 pm
In the late 1960s I worked at the Century Cinema in Pitsea. To boost our audience on a Sunday
we put bands on stage. One of these groups was a group called The Expresso Five they got very
popular. They started getting bookings and moved to Basildon Locarno and renamed themselves
The Dave Clark Five. Is that right Dave?
Re: Mike Smith, lead singer of the Dave Clark 5
Posted by Dave Oakley on 1/3/2010, 5:28 am
HI JACK, according to the Shirley Crosby posting above you, the Dave Clark Five were at the
Locarno until sometime IN 64, I dont know about the name change though, maybe someone else can
remember and help us out--regards Dave O.
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| 7. Markhams Chase playing fields |
Posted by David Lea-Jackson on 12/3/2008, 3:49 pm
Our property overlooks the playing fields and during the winter months, when snow is on the
ground, you can see the outline of building foundations, they also appear during the summer
months once the ground has been baked hard.
I have made enquiries with the Local Authority
but they were not able to help. The area I refer to is just before Janet Duke school.
I trust someone has the answer to a puzzle that has intrigued me for many years.
Re: Markhams Chase playing fields
Posted by Brian Baylis on 18/3/2008, 4:11 pm
You don't say exactly which side of the school, but from what I remember, there was a number
of homes on either side and prior to Basildon being built up. I do hope this is of some help.
Re: Markhams Chase playing fields
Posted by Rob on 20/3/2008, 7:29 pm
hi david i went to school with duncan not many people with a surname like yours. with regard
to your outline my arial foto of this area c1962 shows only 1 largish house nr where you are
talking about so it could be the foundations to this regards rob wood
Re: Markhams Chase playing fields
Posted by David Lea-Jackson on 23/3/2008, 5:17 pm
Rob/Brian,
thanks for the reply. The snow is on the ground and there it is again. Two out
lines infact, quite large backing onto the properties in Great Knightleys, Markhams Chase
end.
Many Thanks,
David L-J.
Re: Markhams Chase playing fields
Posted by Anne on 16/4/2008, 8:34 am
I used to go to Janet Duke school in the 60's.
I remember a little row of shops directly
opposite our school and at the heel of St Nicholas School playing fields stood another junior
school - Chowdhary. So many schools then.
Towards Blue House junior and infant School at
the other end of Markhams Chase playing fields was a play centre that stayed open to all comers
into mid evening where kids of all ages went to play ping pong, or borrow stilts and balls,
to paint and use board games. It was there still in the 70's..I don't know if it has
gone now.
I drive home sometimes to walk the same streets. I cry every time.
Re: Markhams Chase playing fields
Posted by Alan Wickens on 8/6/2008, 9:48 pm
Hi,
I used to go to Markhams Chase Primary School in the early "50's when Janet Duke was
the headmistress. Since Basildon came I have no idea what has happened to the area but I only
know what a wonderful time I had there. For part of the time we were in an annex near the
railway crossing with Miss Whitley. We went to school through the wheat fields from
Laindon. Life was so different then. I have no idea what has happened recently but thought
you ought to know what it was like all those years ago.
Alan.
Re: Markhams Chase playing fields
Posted by Brian Baylis on 11/6/2008, 4:57 pm
Hi Alan, I too started in Miss Whitley's class and 1951. I recently heard Miss Pike the music
teacher is still about.
Re: Markhams Chase playing fields
Posted by Peter Hudson on 8/11/2009, 2:48 pm
i seem to remember that the buildings were attached to blue house farm. the building was still
there in the late sixties or seventies
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| 8. Chase - Open Meeting |
Posted by Susan Randle on 20/3/2008, 5:19 pm
CHASE Cultural Heritage for all in South Essex, (the organisation that came out of the
Gloucester Park Swimming pool meeting held last year) are organising another public meeting to
find out what arts provision is wanted by Basildonians. The Council have asked us to be the
conduit for all the clubs, and associations in the area, so we have organised another meeting
at the Pastoral Centre of St. Martins Church, Church Walk (next to M & S). It is on May 20th
at 7pm. If you are at all interested in the Arts of any sort please come.
Sue Randle secretary of CHASE
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| 9. Famous Basildonians |
Posted by Susan Randle on 20/3/2008, 7:32 pm
There is a list of famous people who lived or had anything to do with Basildon
on
https://www.myspace.com/culturalheritage.
Sue Randle
Re: Famous Basildonians
Posted by Fred Rand on 24/6/2008, 7:50 pm
Just one that I know for sure came from Basildon is Alison Moyet, she was born in 14 Butneys
where I lived when thay moved out.
Re: Famous Basildonians
Posted by Nobby on 24/6/2009, 9:22 pm
That's why I was in the same infant school class at Ghyllgrove School as her older sister in
1964 then (Mrs. Bruce was the teacher as far as I remember).
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| 10. Basildon magic memories |
Posted by Valerie Wilson on 29/3/2008, 11:22 am
Hi am not sure who will read this but Basildon holds wonderful memories for me. Having moved
to Basildon in 1956-57 i feel i grew up with the town. The fun watching everything being built
and new people arriving... Lifetime friendship's were made and they were the days when no
wall's were needed around your gardens... I took part in everything that was going on and i am
sure by the time i left there were more than a few people glad to see me go... However like
many origanal people from Basildon who left for one reason or another a major part of my heart
is still in my old home town... To all still there i send my best wishes and i hold on strong
to my memories of friends of all ages and Basildon in the good old day's bye for now until in
my dreams i return... Valerie Wilson (valeriewilson78@yahoo.co.uk)
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Dave Oakley on 30/3/2008, 6:35 am
hi valerie welcome to the message board maybe by sharing a few of your memories you will jog
some of ours--dave oakley -good old basildon 1961-71.
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Valerie Wilson on 30/3/2008, 2:28 pm
Hi there what about good old Basildon carnival, All the fun getting ready and
taking part... What part of basildon did you live Dave?
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Dave Oakley on 31/3/2008, 9:24 am
hi valarie i lived in little spenders opposite the double six--litle spenders backed onto holy
cross church and the fishing club and moat. --regards dave o.
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Valerie Wilson on 1/4/2008, 12:58 am
Hi Dave. Well i must get the map up of Basildon and remind myself just where the double six
was, In fact i only found out that the same double six was pulled down and apartments were
built. i often take myself for a wonder around the roads in my mind and i love the warm
thoughts of home... Valerie
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Dave Oakley on 2/4/2008, 6:45 am
the double six was opposite the shops and library along whitmore way -- one of the shops there
was peachey bros greengrocers where i worked for a while plus all of their other shops around
basildon and laindon in the 60s-- dave o.
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Ex Fairhouse on 7/4/2008, 2:27 pm
Dave, valerie
Hi, I'm a newby here. Yes I remember the Double six, then I think it changed
to the flying childers and then back again to double six.
I also worked in Peacheys during
summer hols in 1965 or 66. I can still remember ma peachey at the front by the door with her
blue rinse hair.
Do you remember the old barn up church road? and rectory road before they
built the tractor plant? Those were the days! Scrumping all day and then getting chased away
by the farmers!
Think I need to sit and try to get my memory in order, there's so much to
tell.
Do you remember "Georges" club, another highlight from the 60's?
regards
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Margaret Hickman on 15/4/2008, 8:30 pm
The late forties and very early fifties were the best times for Basildon, you still had lots
of green fields, Campbells buses with their wooden seats struggled up the hill from Pitsea
Station. The war memorial was in the centre of Pitsea not hidden away in a park as it
is now. Sharps fish shop in Pitsea High Street where we got fish and chips after the cinema
and then the long trek home to Basildon for some people - yes they really were fitter and
walked miles. I used to walk from Craylands School (why did they shut that?) to Pitsea just to
walk home with friends. In Basildon many people lived in unmade roads and helped each
other, I remember my Aunty's house, outside toilet with squares of News of the World hung on a
hook so you could read while you waited
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Brian Baylis on 11/6/2008, 4:55 pm
My old classmate Tony James also worked for Peacheys. In fact I am still in touch with him.
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Mike Fruin on 24/9/2008, 12:30 pm
I lived in Danbury Down from 1954 - 1958.
I had a friend in Little Spenders called Maureen
Lake. Anyone remember her?
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Lin V on 30/9/2008, 8:01 pm
Wow, this must be the Peachey's Club. Is Valerie Wilson the sister of Stephen Wilson who also
worked at Peaches in the 60's. I went to Manor School in Church Road.
Re: Basildon magic memories
Posted by Paula on 24/1/2010, 12:00 am
Hi everyone - came across this fascinating website purely by accident. I was born St Andrews
hospital, Billericay 1964 and lived in Basildon till 1983. I have many memories of growing up
there and I'll pick the brains of my parents (who moved to Basildon in 1957) and my 3 older
siblings. Will keep an eye out for anything I can help with.
Best Wishes
Paula Davies.
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| 11. Lee Chapel South Community Centre |
Posted by Lynda on 3/4/2008, 4:55 pm
Hi, i moved from Basildon years ago. But does anyone remember back in the 60's when the
Rolling Stone Bill Wyman opened a fete at the Lee Chapel South Community Centre? I was very
young at the time and remembered being pulled out of the crowd to sit on the edge of the stage
with Bill's young son (about the same age as myself). I could not understand what all the
screaming was about.
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| 12. 1970's Fryerns Sunday afternoon disco |
Posted by Lynda on 19/4/2008, 2:42 pm
Does anybody remember the Sunday afternoon disco in the Fryerns Community centre opposite the
Double Six, in the early 70'S? We all wore our tank tops and wore gorgoeus groovy fly away
collars!
Re: 1970's Fryerns Sunday afternoon disco
Posted by Martin Twelftree on 27/4/2008, 8:58 pm
YES I REMEMBER DANCING TO "LILY THE PINK" THE SCAFFOLD. WHICH WAS BACK IN 1968. IT USED TO
GET REALLY PACKED OUT THEN.
I THINK THE DISCO WAS " DISCOTRONIC " AND THE D.J. WAS MIKE
PETERS AND ANOTHER GUY WHO WORKED IN GODFREYS IN THE TOWN. CAN'T REMEMBER WHY IT CLOSED THAY
WERE GOOD SUNDAY NIGHT WITH NO TROUBLE.
Re: 1970's Fryerns Sunday afternoon disco
Posted by Lynda on 2/5/2008, 6:41 pm
Hi Martin, i was only 10 then, but i used to go to the Disco when i was about 12-13 years old
in the 70's. We used to dance to T.Rex, Sweet, Slade and Dave and Ansell Collins
(Double Barrel and Monkey Spanner) Oh and not forgetting good old Johnny Reggae, who can
forget that?
Re: 1970's Fryerns Sunday afternoon disco
Posted by Alison on 29/9/2008, 8:16 am
I think it was called 4 O Clock rock or something like that. It was really good.
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| 13. Langdon Hills Family History - Townsends |
Posted by Louise Mumford on 30/4/2008, 9:50 pm
Hi,
I have discovered that far from being entirely a product of the North as I had thought,
one of my great-great grandfathers was born in Langdon Hills. He was James Henry Townsend,
son of John (born Horndon-on-the-Hill) and Sarah (born Vange), and had eight brothers and
sisters.
Since my great grandfather seems totally to have buried his Townsend ancestry,
I would be very glad to hear from any other Townsend descendents from Langdon Hills who might
know some more about the family. I haven't got any further back, as the church records for
Horndon aren't on the internet
Louise
Re: Langdon Hills Family History - Townsends
Posted by Mary Saunderson on 9/8/2008, 8:07 am
hi louise,
have just read your message regarding the townsend family, of Langdon
Hills.
As a child in that area, our next door neighbours were Jim and Kathy Townsend, who
ran one of the local greengrocers shops in Laindon, (an adjoinig village). They had two
children, a boy, also jim, and a girl, Christine.
They lived at 2, Bristow Road, Langdon
hills, until the late '50's, when the Basildon Development Corporation demolished the row of
houses for rebuilding.
The younger Jim, Still runs a florist stall, in Basildon, at the
back of the Argos Building, and can be found there most days.
Hope this helps your research,
regards,
mary
Re: Langdon Hills Family History - Townsends
Posted by Mike Burchett on 17/12/2008, 11:49 pm
Mary - are you sure the son was Jim? I thought his name was Pete. We lived two doors away
from the Townsends when they lived in Berry Lane (now Great Berry Lane). Inbetween us was
Frank and Stella ... which house were you?
|
| 14. Clock Man - Town Centre, Basildon |
Posted by Lynda on 2/5/2008, 6:32 pm
Does anyone remember the old man who used to play the accordian under the pickled onion clock opposite
John Waltons? Sometimes his little wife used to stand by his side, they were so sweet!
Re: Clock Man - Town Centre, Basildon
Posted by Jess Pearce on 5/6/2009, 1:17 pm
Hi yes he was blind and had a little money bag attached to it. I was always amazed at the
fact that he could hear me coming to put money in it and he would bend right down to me and
always called me madam!!
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| 15. Adventure Playground |
Posted by Alan Wickens on 8/6/2008, 9:20 pm
Hi,
I am trying to find my assistant on an adventure playground off Whitmore Way in the
early 1970's. The reason is she had photos of the tower we both built on the playground. She
was a maths teacher at (I think!) Fryerns Comprehensive. The tower was burnt down by vandals
on one 5th of November.
Can anyone help to retrieve those photos.
Alan.
|
| 16. Laindon Memorial Hall |
Posted by Brian Baylis on 12/6/2008, 9:13 pm
How many readers on here remember the Laindon Memorial Hall? Oh the times Mum and Dad took my
sister, brother and me there to watch one of the productions put on by 'The Revellers' and run
by the late Fred Penson Snr. I am still in contact with Fred Jnr and have mentioned to him
about these shows. They truly were Entertainment and far better than some of the rubbish on
the television today.
On the night of the Dagenham Rail Crash and Thursday 30th January
1958, 'The Revellers' had another production on and during the break, a lady came in to the
kitchen area and told everybody of this crash.
On a visit to the Photographic
Exhibition held at Laindon Library on 26th April this year with my now widowed Father, I was
browsing through some copies of a Basildon Standard and dated September 1954. As I turned one
page over, I saw a photograph of some people attending another function in the Memorial Hall
in the August. Upon recognising the family in this photograph, I called my Dad over to look
at it. He said: "That looks a bit like me." I then told him: "That's because it is you, with
Mum, Marlene (my sister) and me." Sadly, I doubt we can get a copy of this, but I would like
a copy of the photograph of the Hall as on display at this Exhibition.
Re: Laindon Memorial Hall
Posted by Jose Bowen on 8/7/2008, 11:30 am
Yes I remember the Laindon Memorial Hall and have a photo of it somewere and I do remember
Fred Penson Jnr very well please get in contact at email address above. Would be lovely to
catch up I am in Australia now and have been 45 yaers. Have emailed some people from the past
it's great to do so, more would been even better. Thanks Jo. Morris now.
Re: Laindon Memorial Hall
Posted by Ken Page on 18/7/2008, 12:37 pm
Gday Brian, I recall going to the Memorial Hall reviews put on by the revellers, young Freddy
Penson used to star in most of them, I believe he did a fair rendition of Ralph Readers
"riding along on the crest of a wave". Re the Dagenham train crash; my brother used to get
that train home every night and travel with our neighbour a Mr Theobald, that night Peter got
an earlier train but poor Mr T. got killed, luck was on our family's side that night for
sure, Peter's nearly 70 now, regards Ken from Australia
Re: Laindon Memorial Hall
Posted by Jan Wright on 6/3/2009, 6:09 pm
Just found this site and enjoyed reading all the comments. Lived in Laindon - Dunton Road,
1955 til 1966. I went tap and ballet dancing at the Memorial Hall every Saturday
morning. Laindon is nothing like it was - even my secondary school has gone now. They were
Good ol' days.
Re: Laindon Memorial Hall
Posted by Jean Davison on 14/4/2010, 10:11 pm
Hi wonder if anyone remembers my mother in law Dorothy Humberstone, Laindon. She used to
entertain "the revellers" would love to pass on any messages to her. regards Jean.x
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| 17. Adventure Playground, Church Road (off Whitmore Way 1970's) |
Posted by Alan Wickens on 16/6/2008, 10:28 pm
I am trying to trace my assistnt Jackie (Jaquie) who I think was a Maths teacher at Fryerns
School. She has photos of the tower we built on the adventure playground. It was run by a
committee chaired by a local doctor.
If anyone has any knowledge of this adventure
playground would they please contact me. My email address is: wickens@otenet.gr.
I
would be most grateful
Alan Wickens.
Re: Adventure Playground, Church Road (off Whitmore Way 1970's)
Posted by Paul Finucane on 19/5/2009, 11:18 pm
i remember having a great time there and the smell of burning wood!
If I remember the
northover family had something to do with it and some group of people or maybe a club called
the woodcraft folk?
Re: Adventure Playground, Church Road (off Whitmore Way 1970's)
Posted by Jess Pearce on 5/6/2009, 1:22 pm
Hi, my mum was the first district headman for the 'Folk! We were the Higginson family. My dad
used to run the venturers the teenage group, and we had several school groups including Swan
Mead, Greensted, The Gordon Hall, Bryn Juniors, Northlands, and Pitsea too. Get in touch have
many happy memories with my dad as a teenager in the venturers. Went all over the country
camping etc. Best wishes 
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| 18. Wrenns---60s workplace |
Posted by Dave Oakley on 19/6/2008, 10:25 am
Just wondering if there is anyone linked to this message board who remembers WRENNS the model
railway and racecar manufacturer of the 60s---. Dave Oakley
Re: Wrenns---60s workplace
Posted by Brian Baylis on 21/6/2008, 12:24 am
Cor, I remember Wrenn Dave and Thank you for the memory of them.
Back in the 1960's,
I actually applied for a job with them, but never got one much to my disappointment. Being the
Rail Enthusiast that I am, I would have been extremely happy working for them.
In the
1980's and when married, my then wife bought me a Wrenn MALLARD that I have treasured since and
mainly because this is my all-time favourite loco.
Thank you so much again for the
memory link.
Re: Wrenns---60s workplace
Posted by Jim Green on 19/1/2009, 3:54 pm
Hello Dave, I used to be the Postman who delivered parcels to Wrenns on the No.1 industrial
site. I collected all the Wrenn Formula 152 cars and most of the track too and had many a
fine time playing with my kids. The manager there kept me informed of any new models and let
me have them on discount. Can't remember the name of the crescent where Wrenns was but it was
just off Honywood Road. Happy days mate !!!!
Re: Wrenns---60s workplace
Posted by Dave Oakley on 21/1/2009, 6:27 am
Hi jim If my memory serves me
correct wrenns were located in Bowlers Croft. For a while there i worked in the repair
department, any cars sent back from customers were fixed there and then run around a track for
awhile to check them out. Not a bad job for a 16-17 year old.-- GOOD FUN.--- REGARDS DAVE O.
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| 19. S. E. M. - South Essex Motors |
Posted by Brian Baylis on 21/6/2008, 12:47 am
Back in 1965/6 I worked for SEM and as a Petrol Pump Attendant. What days they were, but
sadly I left there after a dispute with another employee who claimed she was suddenly a
Manageress, plus I personally was 'short' in the till compared to the reading on the
pumps. Considering there were then three of us working them on every shift, how did she know
WHO was short, but never blamed the other two?
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| 20. Twins |
Posted by Ark on 23/6/2008, 4:39 pm
DOES ANYONE OUT THERE REMEMBER THE BARNEY TWINS
THEY USED TO BE SLAB LAYERS BACK IN THE 60s
THEY WERE SO ALIKE IT WAS HARD TO TELL THEM APART, USED TO DRESS THE SAME AS WELL, THEY
MUST BE IN THERE LATE 70s OR EARLY 80s NOW, THEY LIVED AT THE TIME IN PITSEA/BASILDON
BUT I CAUGHT A GLIMPSE OF THEM IN SOUTHEND MANY YEARS AGO
ARK
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| 21. Basildon Stock Cars |
Posted by Fred Rand on 26/6/2008, 3:56 pm
Hi Any one out there remember the old Basildon Boys Stock car team, Ernie Byron, Jim Gannon,
George Bartley & Fred Rand, Would love to hear from anybody who does.
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| 22. Bus Drivers or Conductors |
Posted by Fred Rand on 27/6/2008, 2:33 pm
Any old bus drivers out there from the early days?? I was a conductor at the old Bull Road
garage in 1959 and a driver at the new Basildon garage later on, would love to make contact
with any one who was there.
Re: Bus Drivers or Conductors
Posted by Ken Page on 18/7/2008, 6:15 am
Gday Brian [Fred], I was a conductor at Grays LT depot then went to Romford Green Line depot in
London Road until 1964 when I left for Australia, it was actually talking to you that got me
to join the buses, I was a junior postman at Barstable PO with my old man [Charlie] money was
lousy eight quid a week
LT were paying about ten or twelve plus o/time. Mind you shift work
played havoc with your social life, I've still got my conductors licence badge, number 87687,
lost the hat badge years ago unfortunatly,Regards to all in Laindon Ken Page
Re: Bus Drivers or Conductors
Posted by Ken Page on 18/7/2008, 12:49 pm
Getting to Grays bus depot by 4.20 am was no fun in the winter of '62/'63, I rode a BSA 500
there every day for months, came down outside the Crown Hotel on black Ice, was not happy,
blimey Ive never been so cold in my life as I was that winter, thats what drove me out to
Australia, Ken
Re: Bus Drivers or Conductors
Posted by David Merchant on 3/11/2008, 11:16 am
Hello Fred, not sure if this is of any interest to you but my dad worked at the Bull Road bus
garage for a while, it must have been around about the same time as you. He was in the
workshops to start off with, then a conductor, then driver. I remember going there when very
young. Not sure if he went on to the new garage, but by the late 60s he was a telephonist at
the Basildon exchange in Winstanley Way. His name was Don Merchant, he would have been 45 in
1960, and lived up Noak Hill Road, Billericay.
David
Re: Bus Drivers or Conductors
Posted by Fred Rand on 4/11/2008, 8:50 am
Hi David, Thanks for the message. I remember your dad very well I can remember that if any
one had a problem with their car he used to fix it for them in fact he did a big job on one of
my cars an old Austin A40. What happy days they were. I think he came to the new garage for
a short while then left to join the then GPO.
Re: Bus Drivers or Conductors
Posted by Brian Baylis on 25/11/2008, 11:25 pm
Does anybody remember Conductor Steve Akhurst from Canvey depot in the days of the Bristol
Lodekka? (I hope I spelt it correctly as I am not a bus fan?)
Re: Bus Drivers or Conductors
Posted by Debbie on 2/5/2009, 6:41 pm
Hello
My dad worked for the eastern national at basildon. My mum and dad came down from
london with the job in the 1950s.
My dad used to take me with him i was only 6 months old
and have photos of my dad giving me my bottle on southend sea front. The clippy used to look
after me and he put my carrycot in the baggage compartment.
Debbie
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| 23. Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon |
Posted by Vic Wiles on 27/6/2008, 4:45 pm
Does anyone out there remember Rotary Hoes at West Horndon quite a few people from the Basildon
area worked there between 1948 - 1975. I worked in the Maintenance department there for 16
years until they closed and moved up north
Re: Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon
Posted by Brian Baylis on 1/7/2008, 8:28 pm
I used to work at Brown & Tawse 'next door' and started there as a Telext-Boy straight from
school. I started on 3rd Jan 1962 and left in 1964, just a couple of months before moving to
Norfolk.
Back in the 1980's, I met a guy named Jim Hill (Not 'The Chin' on BBC) that
did work for Howard Rotavators, or Rotary Hoes as we all knew them. He was a Traffic Warden in
Kings Lynn and one of the few pleasant ones at that.
Re: Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon
Posted by Ken Page on 18/7/2008, 12:40 pm
I didnt know it all those years ago but it seems that Howard Rotavators was owned by
Australians, they also made a small crawler tractor ???, Ken P
Re: Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon
Posted by Grfarmer on 12/9/2008, 4:54 am
we have a old howard gem year unknown model number 29561 can anyone give me a approx date of
manufacture
Re: Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon
Posted by Andrea Ash nee Pinnell on 17/10/2008, 8:09 pm
Brian, way back in July you mentioned Brown & Tawse. My first office job after leaving school
at 16 in 1959 was at B&T. I am just wondering whether anyone reading this would know
anything about ANGELA (Tullett?) who I worked with at B&T - we were good friends and the
fellows in the works would sing ''Angela Jones'' when we walked through there - she was
pushing her ''Pink Witch'' bike across the arterial road and was involved in an accident; she
was only about 16, a pretty bright girl who was so full of life. I believe her brother worked
there too.
Re: Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon
Posted by Brian Baylis on 25/11/2008, 11:22 pm
Andrea, I left school (Laindon High Road) on 21st December 1961, starting B&T on 3rd January
1962. Sadly, I can't recall the names of the Office Girls who worked there, other than a
Shirley and Ann(e). I remember Ivy and Dot in the Hanger, plus another Lady I believe the
surname was Fuller.
Going back to Howard Rotovator's, I have since met another employee
of theirs, but sadly never got his name, or the years he worked there.
Re: Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon
Posted by Fred Rand on 4/12/2008, 5:56 pm
Hallo, Vic, Just a quick message as its been on the site a while. I worked at neat Castings
West Horndon which was part Of Rotary Hoes. There were a couple of old Laindon boys who
worked there. There was John Birch, Alf Sutton, Ted French, and another one I can remember
was Brian Reynolds. Happy days we used to have some laughs on the train from Laindon to West
Horndon. All the very best Fred.
Re: Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon
Posted by Geoff Mansfield on 26/6/2009, 3:15 am
My brother, John Mansfield worked at Brown and Tawse before and after World War 2.
Re: Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon
Posted by Marina on 30/7/2009, 7:18 pm
HI All
I have just spent a good couple of hours looking at all these messages. Talk
about a trip down memory Lane
I refer in particular to 2.
I was reading of Peter
and Jose Tyler of Tyler Avenue, I moved to Tyler at the tender age of about 13 yrs right next
door to Jose and Peter. My Mum and Dad Alan and June Collins. Dad now sadly passed some
10 years ago.
Peter and Jose the best of folk who my children used to run to at every
opportunity to see them.
The other was Rotary Hoes. My dad and Mum both worked there. All
I know is Mum used to control an office and My Dad years ago worked in the Foundry his brother
Bryant also worked there. Dad then changed jobs at Mums request ha ha!!
I remember as a
child the wonderful christmas parties held at the factory each year and listening to the tales
of the dances that Mum and Dad used to go to along with Moira and Russ (John Russell). Dads
brother Bryant moved to Norfolk when the firm went there and some years later I moved here
followed by my Mum and Dad
Thanks, Marina Collins
Re: Rotary Hoes & Brown and Tawse at West Horndon
Posted by Robin Lockhart on 29/9/2009, 8:27 pm
My father worked there from 1948 to 1954 approx. he was a skilled toolmaker working in either
the toolroom or the machine shop, those staff Xmas parties were brilliant. His name was George.
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| 24. Stock Car Racing |
Posted by Vic Wiles on 27/6/2008, 5:45 pm
Do you remember Stock Car night at Rayleigh Stadium in the late 60's early 70's all the top
drivers in the country including one from Basildon, the track was one of the best and the
Blinking Owl Cafe's good food on the way home an added bonus
Re: Stock Car Racing
Posted by Fred Rand on 28/6/2008, 10:17 am
Hi Vic, What days they were, good old fashioned stock mostly hand made by the drivers, as for
the Blinking Owl we used to have some good laughs there with Len & his wife after the
meetings, What about his Bacon Sarnies great thick slices of bread and loads of Bacon. Good
old days, do you remember Ernie Byron turning up one night in a top hat and the announcer
introducing him as Lord Byron!!!!!
Re: Stock Car Racing
Posted by Brian Baylis on 1/7/2008, 8:22 pm
It was through Ernie Byron's Dad that I got into the Stock Car Racing, but going to West Ham,
now another dammed Housing Estate. I only ever went to the Weir once for a meeting and it had
been cancelled for some reason.
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| 25. Double Six Darts' Team |
Posted by Dave Oakley on 28/6/2008, 10:30 am
Any old dart players out there, my brother mick and i used to throw a few for the double six
in the mid to late sixties.---- dave oakley.
Re: Double Six Darts' Team
Posted by Debbie on 2/5/2009, 6:25 pm
Hello my dad used to play for the long riding and the castle mayne in the 60s and 70s
Debbie
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| 26. Brockwell's of Laindon |
Posted by Fred Rand on 29/6/2008, 3:33 pm
Back in 1953 Brockwell the removers moved me from Camberwll to Laindon can any one remember
them??
Their yard was on the left hand side of the high road going towards the
Fortune. Before you got to King Edward Road
Re: Brockwell's of Laindon
Posted by Brian Baylis on 1/7/2008, 8:30 pm
While I can't remember them, I can recall D. C. Jeakins, plus Francis & Jagger. In fact I was
in the same class as Alan Jagger whose father ran the business.
Re: Brockwell's of Laindon
Posted by Colin Clarke on 12/7/2008, 11:23 pm
Hi Fred!
We remember Brockwell's, Old Georgie Brockwell used to live next door to the North
Parade post office, he used to work part time in Sid Clifford's greengrocery. Mick Dean and I
used to help him put the veggies out before school!
I don't know if you remember me,
I married Ernie's Cousin Linda and used to tag along to the stock car meetings! I also wasted
my nights in the Blinking Owl cafe, but I was only one of the "little" boys then!
Re: Brockwell's of Laindon
Posted by Fred Rand on 16/7/2008, 10:06 am
Hi Colin, Thanks for your reply about George Brockwell, that old boy sure brings back some
memories, If you would like to get in touch some time I would love to hear from you.Fred.
Re: Brockwell's of Laindon
Posted by Geoff Mansfield on 26/6/2009, 3:07 am
I remember the Brockwell's. George ran the business, and his son, Tommy, helped out. Last met
Tommy in 1974, when he was running the Crown Hotel. As far as I know they were the only
carriers in Laindon when I lived there. 1923 to 1936, and 1940 to 1949.
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| 27. Good old days - Redgrave Road, Vange |
Posted by John Walker on 30/6/2008, 7:21 am
Interesting to read all the comments, my parents had the first house in the new town in 1951
which was 61 Redgrave Road. went to Swan mead school when first opened. also remember fields
& orchards & scrumping, tuck shop at bottom of redgrave rd. putting pennies on train lines
near timberlog lane bridge to make them larger. would like to hear from anyone who remembers
me, my name then was Melvyn Walker, now called John.
Re: Good old days - Redgrave Road, Vange
Posted by Brian Baylis on 1/7/2008, 8:19 pm
While I didn't know you, I am glad I wasn't the only one that put things on the railway line,
but nearer to Laindon station. At least until I got caught and the guy threatened to tell my Dad.
Re: Good old days - Redgrave Road, Vange
Posted by Jack Fisher on 28/2/2010, 4:31 pm
There was houses in Basildon before the town became Basildon. I used to make my half pennies
into pennies at the level crossing at the Five Bells. I was born in a road called Bellevue
Drive, some where where Redgrave Road is today.
Click here for July - December 2008 entries
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