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Memories of Essex
Cressing - The Street
This picture must have been taken when the former 'Peculiar People' chapel visible on the right of the photograph (one of the few buildings then on that side) was built. It has just celebrated its centenary. Now 'Cressing Evangelical Church' it was opened in August 1909, and is very much still in use for regular worship. I live nearby, in Braintree, and my late father came as Pastor there in 1968. If you know or knew the village, you may have come across him - John Pierson.
If you are interested further please contact me on "marktpierson@hotmail.com".
God bless!
The Peculiar People's Chapel
Mark Pierson (hello Mark - we know each other) suggests the Peculiar People's chapel was in the Street - but it was definitely situated at Hawbush Green, at least during my early childhood in the Fifties. I distinctly remember hearing services held there as the congregation sang with gusto and without the benefit of any accompaniment - it was round the corner from where I used to live. By the way "Peculiar" in the title means "set apart" not "odd"! The chapel sadly closed soon after that but the Evangelical Church filled the gap. I remember Mark's father John very well, though I was no longer living in the village by that time - he became a good friend.
Braintree County High School
I attended Braintree County High School from 1944 to 1950. Nihil Nisi Optima I recall as the school motto, and the school song started with the words “With hearts close knit in comradeship …” When sung at morning Assembly, I remember some joker had changed the words to the last two lines of the first verse to “And, welcome him with half a brick; Who talks of school and arithmetic”. Giggling during Assembly was highly frowned upon by headmaster Dr Cordingly. Thus, one morning after dropping a water bomb during prayers from the balcony above the Assembly Hall in the Main Building, two friends of mine – Robin Addington and Gordon Smee – and I, were summoned to receive ‘six of the best’! First year the Headmaster was Mr Dell. He retired in 1945 when Dr Cordingly took over. Deputy Head was Ms Elliott (also French teacher). Other teachers I remember were: Mr Williamson (Math), Ms Lewis (English), Mr Boardman (German), Mr McLaren (Latin),... Read more
My Early Years
I lived in Cressing Road, went to Chapel Hill Primary School and then to Braintree County High School. I left there in 1952 when my father was transferred by Crittall Metal Windows, to Dunedin, New Zealand. I remember the 750th Anniversary celebrations in 1949 and had always said I would like to return for the 800th Anniversary, but I couldn't make it. I would love to hear from some old friends of my early school days - maybe someone will read this and remember me. I have fond memories of my early childhood, even thogh it was the start of the 1939-45 war. My parents used to billet some servicemen, three of whom I remember well - Ron Hamnet, Jimmy Galloway, and John Andrews who all played football for Crittall Athletic. Some old school friends I remember were Douggie Kemp and Malcolm Wassell, and John Mews. Our neighbours in Cressing Road were the Potters (Tony and Jill were my age), and the Foulkes. The Little family had a small general... Read more
My Early Years
I'm sorry to hear of Malcolm's death - I had tried to get in touch with him for many years. Do you have any more memories of early(for me) Braintree days. I seem to have lost touch with all those that I knew.
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