Bocking memories
Here are memories of Bocking and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Bocking or a Bocking photo.
Marriage
With no Catholic Church in Braintree in 1937, my late parents' wedding took place in November at the Bocking Convent.
Franciscan Convent School
I remember being a pupil from the age of 5 (1930) to the age of 13 at the school run by the Franciscan sisters at this Convent. The original house and grounds were given to the Sisters by a member of the Courtauld family, Madame Edith Arendrup (Edith married a Dane, hence the surname). There were about 80 or 90 pupils. As this was the only Catholic school in the area, children cycled from neighbouring villges to attend. Mother Mary Michael was a great force in the school.
I can also remember that there was a large metal ring let into the wall. I think one member of the Courtauld family used to paint animal pictures and used the ring to tether the animals! I should be delighted to hear from anyone who remembers this Convent when it was run as a school. I can remember the names of Ernest Testi (with whom I used to fight regularly!), Billy Pask, 'Pie Face'... Read more
Memories of Essex
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.
Manor St. Brush Works
My father had his hand brush making business in Manor St. My Grandfather started the business in 1918 above horse stables that lay behind the Sun Public House. Because of this he called it "The Sunbrush Works". They later moved to premises in Manor St. I wonder if anyone remembers buying any brushes from them. Sadly the small factory was closed in 1971 when dad retired.
Manor Street School
The wall on the left in the photo is Manor Street School which I attended from about 1953 until 1959. I am still in touch with Rod Gray. Does anyone else remember me or Rod from that time? The Headmistress was Miss Jarvis who was always accompanied by her Dachsund dog!
Sun Brush Works
I remember the brush works in Manor Street very well. My grandmother's brother worked there, his name was Arthur Rayner. I had a hand brush from Sun Brush Works and used it for many years.
Memorybank total
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Places this week
Here are some of the places you've shared memories of this week:
- Lewisham, Greater London
- Perivale, Middlesex
- Pamington, Gloucestershire
- Rotherwick, Hampshire
- Wickford, Essex
- Bodfari, Clwyd
- Potters Bar, Hertfordshire
- Rockfield, Gwent
- Woking, Surrey
- Pengegon, Cornwall
- Seaton Carew, Cleveland
- Daccombe, Devon
- Brynamman, Dyfed
- South Woodford, Greater London
- Blaydon-On-Tyne, Tyne and Wear
- Corringham, Essex
- Savernake, Wiltshire
- Crowborough, East Sussex
- Greenock, Renfrewshire
- Bushey, Hertfordshire
- ... and lots more - Browse this week's memories now.
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I Remember When...
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A colourful treasure trove of memories, "I Remember When" is an
irresistible mix of personal stories and recollections that affectionately reveal the detail of everyday life in Britain.
