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Forum Archive |
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2007 Forum Threads - July to December
All forum threads posted between 2002 and 2013 have now been removed from the original forum (message board) and archived
under their original entry title. It is not possible to post a direct response to these entries but you can use
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2007 entries
Click here for January - June entries.
Please be aware contact e-mail
addresses of some entries may no longer be valid.
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| 15) Vange Bootfair - Brickfield Road - 7 replies. |
| 16) Bread deliveries in Pitsea - 3 replies. |
| 17) Parmenter family - 2 replies. |
| 18) Trenham Avenue, Pitsea |
| 19) 1985/88 Barstable School friends |
| 20) Pitsea prefabs - 1 reply. |
| 21) Ngoma bungalow, Helmore Crescent, Laindon |
| 22) Jack the doorman at Pitsea cinema - 2 replies. |
| 23) Ernie Phillips - 2 replies. |
| 24) Missing person from Craylands estate in 1974 |
| 25) 5 Hartford End, Craylands, Basildon - 1 reply. |
| 26) Pitsea Cemetery |
| 27) Happy birthday |
| 28) Wagner's christmas cracker factory, A127, Laindon - 3 replies. |
| 29) The Van Gogh pub, Paycocke Road - 4 replies. |
| 30) Old Rectory, Dunton |
| 31) Old Rectory, Basildon - 1 reply. |
| 32) Charles Caravan Park, Dunton |
| 33) (Doughy) Saunders the baker - 1 reply. |
| 34) Wraysbury Drive, Laindon - 3 replies. |
| 35) Roads divided by the A127 through Basildon |
| 36) Markhams Chase school twins |
| 37) One Tree Hill & Dry Street development - 7 replies. |
| 38) Ho--Ho--Ho. - 1 reply. |
| 39) How Laindon and Basildon have changed - 2 replies. |
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| 15. Vange Bootfair - Brickfield Road |
Posted by Frustrated O.A.P on 4/7/2007, 12:05 pm
WELL ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN, VANGE BOOTFAIR IS NOW CLOSED. WHY WHEN IT BOUGHT SO MUCH
PLEASURE TO US OLDIES? IT WAS RIGHT ON OUR DOORSTEPS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE. NOW WE HAVE TO
GET A BUS TO CANVEY ISLAND!!. LAND HAS BEEN SOLD.
Re: Vange Bootfair - Brickfield Road
Posted by Clair  on 18/7/2007, 11:34 pm
worrie not. as the boot sale is back on!!!. not only will it be open on wednesday, it will be
open sunday too. hope this has cheered you up a little!.
Re: Vange Bootfair - Brickfield Road
Posted by Frustrated O.A.P on 19/7/2007, 10:00 am
NOT REALLY AS WE FOUND OUT THE NICE MAN WHO WAS KICKED OFF HERE HAS RELOCATED JUST UP THE ROAD
TO A BIGGER & FLATTER SITE. BUS STOP RIGHT OUTSIDE ENTRANCE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE
ROAD. PACKED YESTERDAY.
Re: Vange Bootfair - Brickfield Road
Posted by Clair on 21/7/2007, 12:56 am
have you seen their so called sign they have put up on the corner of brickfield??. its very
funny, it has so many spelling mistakes on there!!
Re: Vange Bootfair - Brickfield Road
Posted by Frustrated O.A.P on 21/7/2007, 10:18 am
WHAT SANDAY, WENSDAY, HEAR.
GET ON A BUS TO BASILDON HOSPITAL, CHANGE TO NO 100 OR 200 TO
LAKESIDE GET OFF JUST AFTER THE PETROL STATION AND ITS JUST LIKE IT USED TO BE BUT
BETTER. FREE BUS PASSES FOR PENSIONERS AFTER 9a.m. BUSES RUN EVERY 10 MINS FROM THE HOSPITAL.
Re: Vange Bootfair - Brickfield Road
Posted by Bob Barker on 23/7/2007, 11:41 am
Yes i agree with you, i went last week there were only 3 stalls at vange & he was charging
30p to get in. i went yesterday and it was closed. I think i'll stick to the new one down
the road as he's been doing bootsales for years. It's only a minor hicup having to change
buses at the hospital.
Re: Vange Bootfair - Brickfield Road
Posted by Sheila on 24/7/2007, 8:56 am
I will be going tommorow leaving on the 9.10 to hospital, (stop by the slades) if anyone is
unsure how to get to new bootsale, sheila.
Re: Vange Bootfair - Brickfield Road
Posted by Brickfield Bird on 25/7/2007, 2:59 pm
wots happened to the bootsale at vange, no-one bothered to open & the kids are on
holiday. not impressed at all.
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| 16. Bread deliveries in Pitsea |
Posted by Gerry Jones on 26/7/2007, 2:52 pm
does anyone remember having bread & cakes delivered to their doors in the pitsea
area? there used to be so many doorstep delivery men in the sixties & seventies. can't
remember if they came from grays, southend or basildon. i think one came from garons at
southend. anyone remember?
Re: Bread deliveries in Pitsea
Posted by Graham on 29/9/2007, 1:55 pm
Bread deliveries used to come out of the building behind what was the Bowling Alley in Basildon
Town Centre. And that did Pitsea and the surrounding area. Opposite was the Milk Delivery
Depot.
Re: Bread deliveries in Pitsea
Posted by Valerie Wilson on 29/3/2008, 11:28 am
Hi i remember the bread van that we had and he used to sell round mince pies they were
gorgeous and there was a lemonade man as well. They were the good times ... fresh food
straight to your door. Let's be honest you couldn't wish for more...valerie
Re: Bread deliveries in Pitsea
Posted by Jess Pearce on 5/6/2009, 1:15 pm
Hi I remember the Bread and Roll company used to deliver in the Ghyllgrove area. My mum always
used to buy loads of rolls because we used to go camping lots with the Woodcraft Folk, and
these were always part of Friday night supper at Danbury campsite!!
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| 17. Parmenter family |
Posted by Margaret Hofman on 29/7/2007, 5:47 pm
Does anybody remember two families called PARMENTER. My cousin lived at the junction of Clay
Hill Road and the other family my aunty and uncle lived further down.
Re: Parmenter family
Posted by Melissa Horton on 6/9/2007, 11:31 pm
Would a Richard Parmenter be one of the people you are looking for?
Re: Parmenter family
Posted by Valerie Wilson on 29/3/2008, 11:10 am
I remember a girl called angela parmenter and if you go on .. friendsreunited you may find she
went to swanmead junior school. she was a very nice girl so i hope it runs in the family. Good hunting, valerie
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| 18. Trenham Avenue, Pitsea |
Posted by Patricia on 12/8/2007, 10:15 pm
does anyone remember the Lovering family? They lived in Trenham AVE in the 1940s / 50s
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| 19. Barstable School friends |
Posted by Barrie on 14/8/2007, 10:06 pm
Hi would love 2 link up wid old school. i used 2 go barstable school around 1985 2 1988, get
back 2 my email address Thanx Barrie
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| 20. Pitsea prefabs |
Posted by Patricia on 17/8/2007, 10:36 am
do you remember the prefabs, off of rectory road, kenneth road. my brothers mates lived there,
near the gap in trenham ave. dennis bowly was one & tommy parker (think he's in oz now),
also eric eldridge from trenham. his sister christine was my childhood friend, when we stayed
with my gran.
Re: Pitsea prefabs
Posted by Fred Rand on 26/6/2008, 4:12 pm
I remember the Prefabs in Rectory Road. a friend of mine used to live in one his name was
Billy Hartgrove and was a keen Photographer.
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| 21. Ngoma bungalow, Helmore Crescent, Laindon |
Posted by Ian Priston on 17/8/2007, 1:17 pm
My father's family lived in this property in the 1930s and I wondered whether anybody has any
recollections of it or the Pristons who lived there?
A long shot but worth a try!
Ian
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| 22. Jack the doorman at Pitsea cinema |
Posted by Ark on 21/8/2007, 2:10 pm
IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO CAN REMEMBER JACK THE DOORMAN WHO WORKED AT PITSEA CINEMA IN
THE FIFTIES? HE WAS A TALL SLIM MAN AND I WOULD BE INTERESTED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM AS
WE ARE DOING A STUDY OF PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN THAT AREA IN THE LATE FORTIES AND
FIFTIES.
ALSO DOES ANYONE REMEMBER HENRY CRAMP (NOBBY)? HE WILL BE IN HIS MIDDLE
SIXTIES NOW, AND I WONDERED WHERE HE MOVED TO
Re: Jack the doorman at Pitsea cinema
Posted by Margaret J on 22/8/2007, 5:50 pm
I think I lived near to the Cramp family in Sandon (Station) Road but I've no idea where there they went. So many people,
including my family moved out in the 50's and 60's.
Margaret J
Re: Jack the doorman at Pitsea cinema
Posted by Cxxx on 31/1/2014, 11:18 pm
In answer to the 2007 question. Jack was my great uncle. A real gentleman who sadly passed away end of 1996.
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| 23. Ernie Phillips |
Posted by Ray Farrant on 25/8/2007, 12:34 am
Does anyone know the whereabouts of ernie phillips, last known address 195 Long riding
Re: Ernie Phillips
Posted by Patricia on 25/8/2007, 5:52 pm
was he a motor mechanic?
Re: Ernie Phillips
Posted by Ray on 25/8/2007, 6:55 pm
The last i heard from him was 3 years ago, he was working at york in basidon
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| 24. Missing person from Craylands estate in 1974 |
Posted by Melissa Horton on 5/9/2007, 12:19 am
Re: MISSING PERSON FROM PITSEA 1974
Phronsie Cleland aka Frances/Frankie as first names
and Cleland, Berstein, Walker and Grigglestone as last names.
Phronsie/Frankie is my
aunt and I would like to trace her whereabouts as the case has gone very cold and I would like
to revive it. I never knew my aunt as she went missing one year before I was born.
Phronsie/Frankie was 25 at the time of her disappearance, she was married to Michael John
Cleland and had a two year old daughter named Micaela Abigail Cleland.
Phronsie/Frankie was petite 5'0" - 5'4" blonde haired woman with immaculate nails, makeup and
hair as she, amongst mainy things was a beautician and hair sylist.
They lived at 5,
Hartford End in Pitsea, Basildon from early 1970's until her disappearance in January
1974.
Our family does not believe she is alive but we would like to trace her last
moments before she disappeared, as we are doing our own investigation.
Phronsie/Frankie
spent Christmas 1973 and new year 1974 with her family and friends in Norwich, Norfolk and
went back to Basildon the 2nd week in January 1974.
Both Phronsie/Frankie and her
husband Michael were having affairs. Phronsie was dating a Richard Parmenter (who I would
love to contact as we have no idea who this man is) and Michael was dating Christine
Murray - Michael and Christine married (Cleland) in 1976 and moved to Hailsham, East Sussex
with Micaela.
Michael was working as a driving instructor, but which driving school is
unknown. Michael also has a brother who we think is named Terry Cleland, also another person
I would love to hear from.
We, her family, do not believe she would have "moved away"
without taking her daughter. Her husband claims he came home one night and Phronsie/Frankie
had disappeared and leaving baby micaela in her cot. Also, very interesting to know that
Michael never reported Phronsie/Frankie missing. Phronsie's best friend in Norwich reported
her missing but unfortunately it was 18 months later in Oct 1975.
It would be greatly
appereciated if anyone that remembers Phronsie/Frankie or Michael to please contact me. It
doesn't matter how much or little you remember them...it could be just at the local
newsgagents/supermarket anything is great to me right now. No matter how small and
insignificant it is to you and may not be to me.
Looking forward to your comments.
Many thanks in advance for any info pertaining to Phronsie/Frankie Cleland.
Regards, Melissa Horton
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| 25. 5 Hartford End, Craylands, Basildon |
Posted by Melissa Horton on 6/9/2007, 11:39 pm
HAVE YOU LIVED AT 5, Hartford End, Pitsea, Basildon after 1975? Or are you a neighbour who
lived in the area during 1970-1975 or maybe you still live in the area...if so, I need your
help to solve the mystery that surrounds my aunt's missing person case....
Re: MISSING
PERSON FROM PITSEA 1974
Phronsie Cleland aka Frances/Frankie as first names and Cleland,
Berstein, Walker and Grigglestone as last names.
Phronsie/Frankie is my aunt and I would
like to trace her whereabouts as the case has gone very cold and I would like to revive it. I
never knew my aunt as she went missing one year before I was born.
Phronsie/Frankie was
25 at the time of her disappearance, she was married to Michael John Cleland and had a two year
old daughter named Micaela Abigail Cleland.
Phronsie/Frankie was petite 5'0" - 5'4" blonde
haired woman with immaculate nails, makeup and hair as she, amongst mainy things was a
beautician and hair sylist.
They lived at 5, Hartford End in Pitsea, Basildon from
early 1970's until her disappearance in January 1974.
Our family does not believe she
is alive but we would like to trace her last moments before she disappeared, as we are doing
our own investigation.
Phronsie/Frankie spent Christmas 1973 and new year 1974 with her
family and friends in Norwich, Norfolk and went back to Basildon the 2nd week in January
1974.
Both Phronsie/Frankie and her husband Michael were having affairs. Phronsie was
dating a Richard Parmenter (who I would love to contact as we have no idea who this man is) and
Michael was dating Christine Murray - Michael and Christine married (Cleland) in 1976 and
moved to Hailsham, East Sussex with Micaela.
Michael was working as a driving instructor,
but which driving school is unknown. Michael also has a brother who we think is named Terry
Cleland, also another person I would love to hear from.
We, her family, do not believe
she would have "moved away" without taking her daughter. Her husband claims he came home one
night and Phronsie/Frankie had disapeared and leaving baby micaela in her cot.
Also, very
interesting to know that Michael never reported Phronsie/Frankie missing. Phronsie's best
friend in Norwich reported her missing but unfortunately it was 18 months later in Oct
1975. Before she was reported missing Michael proceeded to divorce my aunt on the basis of
desertion....why would you divorce your wife without reporting her missing first....Hmmmm very
suspicious...
It would be greatly appereciated if anyone that remembers Phronsie/Frankie
or Michael to please contact me. It doesn't matter how much or little you remember
them...it could be just at the local newsgagents/supermarket anything is great to me right
now. No matter how small and insignificant it is to you and may not be to me.
Looking
forward to your comments.
Many thanks in advance for any info pertaining to my
aunt: Phronsie/Frankie Cleland.
Kind regards, Melissa Horton
Re: 5 Hartford End, Craylands, Basildon
Posted by Joy Poulton on 23/6/2009, 10:58 pm
Your Aunt, Frankie Cleland, was a good friend of mine. We met in 1969 when we were both first
married and living in flatlets in the same building, number 7, Trinity Avenue,
Westcliff-on-Sea. I moved into a flat in Southend when I had my daughter. Shortly after this
Frankie and Mike moved to Pitsea. Frankie used to visit us sometimes during the day and our
husbands used to socialise occassionally. My husband and I moved to Billericay early 1970. We
saw a lot more of Frankie and Mike then. They used to visit us and we went out together, fun
days out etc. I used to see Frankie most Saturdays, I would bus over to Pitsea with my
daughter. We would go to the market then have lunch at Frankie's house and when Mike got home
he would give my daughter and I a lift home. At this time, 1970-72 approx. Mike was a
manager of a supermarket, I didn't know which one. After Frankie had her baby it was a bit
more difficult to go out in the evening, so we all had dinner on occassion. We didn't see each
other so much after this, but still kept in touch with birthday and xmas cards. I thought it
strange when the cards stopped, as Frankie never missed.
I saw the report in the News of
the World about Frankie being missing and knowing Frankie could not believe she would leave the
baby on her own. I was visited by the C.I.D who found me via your Grandmother. Frankie had
brought her over to visit me once when she stayed with her. I couldn't really help them as I
hadn't seen Frankie for some time before she went missing, but told them this information as I
am now telling you. Hope this might be helpful.
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| 26. Pitsea Cemetery |
Posted by Patricia on 15/9/2007, 11:32 am
has anyone had reason to go to pitsea cemetery lately? if so could you tell me what times the
office is open. i last went to visit my grandfathers grave about ten years ago, but couldn't
find it. He was buried in 1948, when i was a child. It was there in 1965.
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| 27. Happy birthday |
Posted by Memory Man on 6/10/2007, 10:59 am
This site is six years old today, thanks bix for all you have done. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
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| 28. Wagner's christmas cracker factory, A127, Laindon |
Posted by Wendy Barnes on 17/10/2007, 3:41 pm
Does anyone remember the Wagner's Christmas Cracker factory on the Arterial Road near to the
Fortune of War roundabout (also sometimes called the "bonbon" factory). It was next to
Scott's Dartboard factory.
My father William (Bill) Cowell manged the factory from sometime
shortly after the war until his death at the age of 42 in 1964. His brother Cliff Cowell also
worked there. We lived in St Nicholas Lane; my elder brother (Eric), sister (Linda) and I all
attended what was then Markhams Chase Primary School (now Janet Duke). Eric and Linda went on
to attend Laindon High Road School.
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who remembers dad.
Re: Wagner's christmas cracker factory, A127, Laindon
Posted by Brian Baylis on 19/10/2007, 1:05 am
Hello Wendy, I sure do and I knew, your parents plus Eric and Linda. I have a photo of
Eric. Eric used to shadow-box at the Berry Boys Boxing Club and you all lived in Basil Drive,
while I lived in Tyler Avenue.
We used to roll the hats for the crackers at so much per
gross and my Mum bless her, used to wheel an old pram to the factory with them in sacks. By
all means, contact me, because the last I heard, Eric is now living North of the border and I
would Love to pay him a surprise visit.
Re: Wagner's christmas cracker factory, A127, Laindon
Posted by Sue on 20/10/2007, 6:11 pm
Sorry I don't remember your dad, but my mum worked for them but made the crackers at home,
gawd remember coming home to find her working hard making them. Although homeworkers then as
now got paid a pittance really.
Re: Wagner's christmas cracker factory, A127, Laindon
Posted by Christine on 3/1/2008, 11:18 am
I do indeed remember Wagners Cracker Factory ... and your father. I was also at Markhams Chase
school school with Eric. I think your sister was my brother Terrys age, or maybe it was my
sister Maxine she was at school with?
My mother worked many years for Wagners - at home when
we were small children, and later in the factory.
When she worked from home she waited
until we were in bed before she began and I can still remember the sound of her working away
in the kitchen below my bedroom. In fact, I was talking about this on Christmas Day. The
sound of the'double tie' of the first end, the clonk of the smaller brass tube being removed,
shaking the hat and gift down the cracker and the 'double tie' of the final end!! Our job as
kids was to sew the crackers into the boxes and help get them delivered back
to Wagners.
My mother must have been good at her job as she was allocated to making the
quality crackers for Tom Smiths - with large glittery fans to decorate the front of them and
good quality gifts inside. Our kitchen in the mornings was covered in
sparkling glitter dust!!
Seeing Christmas crackers for 365 days of the year as a child,
at the age of 63 I have only in the last few years bought Christmas crackers for my
family...........and only then because of our grandchild.
If you would like to contact me
direct my e/m is aabodies@aol.com
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| 29. The Van Gogh pub, Paycocke Road |
Posted by Dave Oakley on 27/10/2007, 7:46 am
hi there just wondering if anyone in "Good old Basildon" remembers the 'Van Gogh'. IT was sort
of a jazz/trad club--started up in the mid sixties, im not sure but i think it was on the
industrial estate--regards dave oakley.
Re: The Van Gogh pub, Paycocke Road
Posted by Martin Twelftree on 1/11/2007, 5:02 pm
yes it was on the junction of paycocke road and honywood road. it was above the shops
there.
closed down in the mid 80s after becoming a disco
Re: The Van Gogh pub, Paycocke Road
Posted by Tony Dow on 8/11/2007, 8:37 pm
I can remember Stan Green being the landlord of the van gogh at one time, also toni valente
being the owner, not sure of the dates
Re: The Van Gogh pub, Paycocke Road
Posted by Trotter on 29/1/2008, 9:47 pm
it changed to "monroes" i think. the landlord was from the "swan" in horden when it changed
then he went onto the joker in Laindon. I can't remember his name but was a friend of my dad's
Re: The Van Gogh pub, Paycocke Road
Posted by Overthefields on 11/8/2008, 11:32 pm
There used to be a blues/rock club held there in the late 60s or early 70s and run by a chap
called Roger Balcombe. Some really good bands played there including Thin Lizzy who turned up
one night to play for expenses! Anyone remember this?
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| 30. Old Rectory, Dunton |
Posted by David on 31/10/2007, 2:17 am
My grandparents, Charles and Mollie Leatherland, lived at the Old Rectory in Dunton from the
mid 1930s to 1950. I believe that the Old Rectory is now a hotel. My grandparents are no
longer alive, but I think they may have been quite well known in Dunton at the time
(my grandfather was a local councillor and News Editor of the old Daily Herald
newspaper).
I don't know the area but this website is most interesting. If anyone has
any recollections of the Old Rectory at that time, or even my grandparents, I'd be most
interested. Also, somewhere I have an old exercise book which gives lots of information about
the Parish Invasion Committee during the second world war. My gradnfather was involved in
this, which may be of interest to anyone who had relatives living in Dunton during the 1940s.
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| 31. Old Rectory, Basildon |
Posted by Sally on 31/10/2007, 11:50 am
I believe my father owned this property at one time about 1950. Can anyone give me any
information or stories as I am trying to find out more about his life in this area.
I also
believe that Dunton caravan site was a work house so information please.
Re: Old Rectory, Basildon
Posted by Sally on 31/10/2007, 11:53 am
The old rectory I refer to was situated where tractor plant is now.
Hope this has not
confused anyone.
Sally
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| 32. Charles Caravan Park, Dunton |
Posted by Sally on 31/10/2007, 11:55 am
When Dunton park was owned by Charles Gray I think he used to give shows for old people in the
hall. Can anyone remember a relation attending any of these?
Thanks
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| 33. (Doughy) Saunders the baker |
Posted by Ark on 10/11/2007, 2:22 pm
Can anyone remember the year (Doughy) Saunders the local Pitsea baker was killed by a train at
Websters farm crossing? you will have to go back to the Fifties
Re: (Doughy) Saunders the baker
Posted by B.C. on 16/1/2010, 7:23 pm
Peter Lucas' book "Basildon" (published in 1991) gives mention to this accident as having
occured at Vange in October 1956. His son Tom continued the business until 1963 when the
Basildon development corporation acquired the property for demolition.
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| 34. Wraysbury Drive, Laindon |
Posted by Ashley Sinclair on 23/11/2007, 12:03 am
Hi, does anyone have any info on the history of Wraysbury Drive in Steeple View? It's on the
1950 map, and I've heard from someone there used to be a chicken farm there. Can anyone
remember what was in that area before the Bellway homes were built in 1996?
I'd be very
grateful if anyone can shed any light.
Re: Wraysbury Drive, Laindon
Posted by Fred Rand on 6/8/2008, 10:32 am
Hi Ashley, Dont know if this helps at all, but back in about 1954 I used to deliver to a
factory in Wraysbury Drive I think they did work with Engineering of some sort also there was a
Taxi firm based there called Sid Farmer,s Taxis, He operated from the site also from Laindon
Station, at the time the road was unmade but had a hardcore base so you did not get stuck in
the mud in winter. Hope this sheds some light on you question.
Re: Wraysbury Drive, Laindon
Posted by Ashley Sinclair on 13/9/2008, 10:07 am
Thanks for replying Fred, I've got a 1955 map from the library that shows a blouse factory, so
there must've been a couple on the road. Thanks again, if you can remember anything else I'd
be very grateful.
Re: Wraysbury Drive, Laindon
Posted by Keith Nock on 14/4/2009, 9:50 am
hi i remember wraysbury drive. my uncle moved there in 1960 to a bungalow called rose villa
which still stands. there was a blouse factory there and my uncle worked there and there was a
taxis firm there called Farmers. i have some video footage of it hope it helps, regards keith
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| 35. Roads divided by the A127 through Basildon |
Posted by Ashley Sinclair on 23/11/2007, 12:13 am
Hi, does anyone know what period of time roads such as Church Road, Pound Lane, Gardiners Lane,
Pipps Hill Road were changed so that you couldn't cross the A127 using them?
Thanks, Ash
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| 36. Markhams Chase school twins |
Posted by David Merchant on 14/12/2007, 11:25 am
My twin brother and i were born at home in noak hill road, Billericay, but went to Markhams
Chase school. It was a long walk when the bus never ran on those foggy mornings that lasted
days on end. Whilst at Markhams Chase in the mid to late fifties there were about 15-20 sets
of twins all at school at the same time, also 1 set of triplets i believe. The local paper,
laindon recorder, sent a photographer along and we were photographed in the playground all
together. Has anyone got a copy or cutting still from that paper years ago, as we are about
to reach our 60th birthday. If anyone can help please contact me at Daffy13@tiscali.co.uk
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| 37. One Tree Hill & Dry Street development |
Posted by Brian Baylis on 18/12/2007, 2:12 pm
From a very early age, my parents used to take my sister, brother and I from Tyler Avenue, over
to Langdon Hills, walking up to the Crown Woods, before going along Dry Street and up to an
area we were told is called for some reason, One Tree Hill. Can anybody enlighten me as to how
it got this name and why please? 
I read yesterday,
there are yet another set of plans to smother Dry Street in concrete and bricks with 1,200 new
homes, but I Most sincerely hope they do NOT mar this very beautiful area of
Green Belt. 
Re: One Tree Hill & Dry Street development
Posted by John on 1/1/2008, 2:43 am
Born in 1940 and raised in Pitsea I spent many pleasurable days as a child on One Tree
Hill. From what I have read the hill supposedly gained its name from a large single ash tree
that grew there in early times. It was a really magic place and shared by many of the locals
with its open space and breathtaking views. At the right time of year the wooded areas would
be carpeted with bluebells and primroses etc. Plus there was always an abundance of wildlife
for a child to marvel at. Close by were the sand pits which were considered dangerous and out
of bounds.
As a young boy I also remember seeing German POW's walking around the area
exercising from the camp close by. Being a Laindon boy Brian you will no doubt be familiar
with some of this stuff.
I have lived in Australia now for 43 years, and when next
visiting the UK it would be a tragic experience for me to find that natural area further decimated.
Re: One Tree Hill & Dry Street development
Posted by Kevin Green on 1/2/2008, 8:20 pm
Hi Brian, have lived in Laindon for 48 years. Used to go up to one tree hill to do my courting
with the wife in the back of my old mini traveller. Took my kids up there to collect conkers
when they were little. Now take the grandaughter to see the sights........happy days!!
Re: One Tree Hill & Dry Street development
Posted by Valerie Wilson on 29/3/2008, 10:36 am
As a child i remember picking the beautiful blue-bells and no matter how many you picked you
never could see the ground. The view became a picture in my mind never to forget. Also i
remember going up with the guides and gaining badges for skills we had to do like set and
light a controlled small fire with the use of one single match... However the main achievement
was heading home with arms full of bluebells and wind fall apples, well maybe we helped the
apples fall... Rayside would have been my main place for newts and tadpoles. Ah magic memories...valerie
Re: One Tree Hill & Dry Street development
Posted by Prince Vulpine on 15/9/2008, 9:33 am
One Tree Hill was named after a tree (surprise!) which stood at its highest point, where the
trig point now stands. Used as a landmark by shipping in the Thames, it fell victim to a
fierce storm during the First World War.
The historical aspect of OTH that still remains
is the Vange Health Spa, a mineral well which remains, in delapidated condition, in Martinhole Wood.
Re: One Tree Hill & Dry Street development
Posted by Brian Baylis on 14/10/2008, 4:36 pm
Thank you for that Prince Vulpine. This morning, I was looking at photo's taken there years ago.
Re: One Tree Hill & Dry Street development
Posted by Michael Leigh on 12/6/2009, 2:00 pm
I have fond memories of a carefree childhood in Basildon when it was still quite a rural
place. We often used to go to One Tree Hill for picnics - sometimes walking all the way down
Dry Street. Quite an adventure for a twelve or thirteen year old. There used to me a
monument on top of the hill with a brass plaque that pointed out the distant views of
Fobbing, Corringham, Tilbury and other exciting places!
Re: One Tree Hill & Dry Street development
Posted by Gerry Ward on 29/7/2009, 9:43 pm
I loved One Tree Hill as a child back in the 60's. We would ride our bikes from Great Spenders
where I lived all through the little lanes that are now Basildon Town Centre. There was so
much to see and do, and getting lost in all the thickets down the East side of the hill was
exciting.
I hope it is still there and thriving, I have lived in Canada now for 35
years and it is one of the places I really miss.
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| 38. Ho--Ho--Ho. |
Posted by Dave Oakley on 24/12/2007, 12:22 am
WELL IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN TO WISH ALL ASSOCIATED WITH THIS WEBSITE AND ALL THOSE THAT
EITHER READ OR CONTRIBUTE TO THIS WEBSITE ABOUT
"GOOD OLD BASILDON".
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.   -DAVE OAKLEY.
Re: Ho--Ho--Ho.
Posted by Brian Baylis on 24/12/2007, 4:03 pm
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ME AS WELL, TO ALL IN OR FROM THE
BASILDON AREA. JUST KEEP POSTING AND KEEP THIS SITE STRONG.
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| 39. How Laindon and Basildon have changed |
Posted by Helen on 30/12/2007, 10:48 am
I love looking at all the wonderful photos of how Laindon and Basildon used to be. It is such
a terrible shame that many of the old buildings and plotlands have long since
disappeared. This is such a brilliant website and it is great to be able to see how things
used to be.
Re: How Laindon and Basildon have changed
Posted by Brian Baylis on 30/12/2007, 3:10 pm
I agree Helen and in fact, despite now living in Norfolk, my Love remains with the Old Laindon
I grew up in. I have Many photo's from then, as well as 7 original postcards.
Re: How Laindon and Basildon have changed
Posted by John Ward on 4/9/2008, 12:42 am
Helen, I can't wait for this thread to become soggy with nostalgia. My memories are of a
wonderful childhood in Langdon Hills with lifelong friendships and indelible memories e.g
Community Parties on birthdays, QE2 marriage and coronation and the annual Laindon Carnival
traditionally headed by Billy Foyle dressed as a cowboy on a white horse.
How sad it was to see the community slowly disappear like melting ice with each compulsory
purchase and shop closure.
Click here for January - June 2007 entries
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