Here you can see a list of the most recently added comments on this site. You can add your own comments at the bottom of any page on the site.
I had one of these models, made by Topsy (don’t know her full name). She used to do some craft work at the Heritage Centre in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Believe she lived in Janette Avenue.
I attended Ballroom Dancing classes in the first half of the 1960s at Greenglades. This was by then the building to the left in this photograph, but with a hall attached. There was an interconnecting door from the hall to the building. Mr and Mrs Groombridge ran the classes.
My Nan had this bungalow and sold it to Barclays Bank it was called Cromwell then. Around 1952. Name was Mr and Mrs Elmes. Valerie Smeaden
I was at the school from 1949-55, starting at 5 and a half as the school was overfull. I spent 6 months in each of the lower classes, ending up in Mr Groves’ class at 9 and waiting to be allowed to take the 11+. It was really annoying when John Bamfield was allowed to take it aged 10 as he had an early September birthday! That was how I caught up with Susan, whose father was a local pharmacist, and others.
I am full of admiration for Violet Verbena Vincent, Wilfred Groves, Eleanor Bell and the amazing team who held Leigh Beck together after WWII and again after the 1953 flood. My husband cannot believe stories of us collecting chalk from the beach and bringing in roofing slates for infant classes so money could go to replacing musical instruments, etc. How Mr Groves taught 40+ 9’s to 11’s in 3 mixed ability groups I shall never know! Modern teachers require an assistant to teach 20. Those who were able reached grammar schools and did well. Discipline was a bit harsh with Miss V and Mr Groves holding caning licences and Mr G and Mr Broderick being aces at wielding Size 11 plimsolls onto upper legs and cracking ruler sides down on knuckles to restore attention to the blackboard. Miss Bell and Miss Greer rivalled the legendary Mrs Skinner, of Canvey Junior for reddening forearms with resounding slaps. Most of the staff were quite short and I remember being taller than all but Mr G and Mr B at 10 years of age, much to the amusement of waiting parents as we left school.
Sadly, I missed the bamboo recorders but Mr Groves gave me a few piano lessons at Whittier Hall before we lost the Canvey pianos to 4ft of flood water and they all ended up in the Piano Smashing Competition!
i think the 6th man along from the left is named Alan Wiles.
In December 1910 a similar fish was caught at Southend and weighed 112 Ibs.
I remember my school days at St Joseph’s I actually enjoyed going to school. Sr Annunciata was a sweet, caring petite nun. I went back to visit her in 1990, she was sick in bed. I remember Miriam Collier and Marjorie Dykes. My name is Barbara Clifford
Can’t make out any of the wording, is there a readable copy available
This is the bottom of the Helter Skelter.
I can see it has been updated from when I remember it.It looks really nice and makes a lovely venue for parties etc.I worked there around 1969 with my dear friend Sue who sadly passed away 8 years ago.We ran a childrens playgroup and loved it,we had such fun with all these little 3/4 year olds.We had our twins with us that were all part of the group,all grown up and now 52years old.I wonder how many of those kids still live on Canvey.
I too remember Dr.Machacek with great affection along with the other three lovely doctors,Dr.Lintner,Dr.Sonnek and Dr.McCarthy.I worked there as a receptionist for two years until my twins were born.I found them all lovely ,kind,and special employers as well as being really great doctors.
Ted Herbert was my dads Dad, my grandad
yes he was a lovely man!
I’m surprised the 34-35 Snowgoose is not mentioned, I have one from 1972 built on the island and I’ve brought her back home for an extensive rebuild. She is at Dauntless now. I was looking forward for little history about them 😀
Middle row.. 3rd from left is Beryl Wilson.
In answer to your question – it was during. I believe the year to be 1973/4
Hello Ron Weston,
you have the same name as the boy I knew on the Parkway during and after WW2, he had a sister, Jean. My most vivid memory of the two of them was when they learned that their Dad had been killed somewhere in Asia? A very sad day. Seems to me, that Jean was a very strong willed girl and could always held her own at the local youth centre on Long Road at that time.
Gerald am very interested to hear any stories however vague about the westons, if not on here by email. Many thanks, by email if you prefer
Was this pic before or after Wilko hit the big time?
I loved going to The Dolphin fish and chip shop which was ipposite the old cinema. They also sold wet fish. I remember being able to buy scallops and chips there at the same proce as they did scampi, but this was, to this day, the nicest thing I have ever eaten.
The couple there (1970’s) must have been Mr and Mrs Vandersteen. A really lovely couple. Do we know where they are now? He was tall and they were both blonde. I also wonder what year it closed?
We can now report that the graves of the nuns and lay members have now been moved and it is planned to intern them at Willows cemetery in Northwick Rd. Sister Barbara is keeping us updated. There will be some sort of memorial placed at their new gravesite soon.
I remember your brother Brian Howi. I think that’s right spelling. Ii sent this correspondence to Jean she was thrilled and remembers you. She now lives in the gold coast still playing her double bass. I took a jazz band to europe three times from Australia. Love to hear more from you or anybody from that time. Regards Chris
anyone know what year the old lady was removed?
Hello Chris
I remember you and your family really well from when I lived almost opposite you at number 10
I also remember you had one of the oldest phone numbers on Canvey——-Canvey 9
I helped out there in the kitchen when I was 17 via the YOP scheme back 1981/82. I did meet Harry briefly, he was an amazing person along with other elderly people I served, loved it.
You can also see a list of the latest pages added to the site.
View latest pages