Burtons Green, Essex

blacksmiths

I attended the grammar school 1936-9. Whilst waiting for buses home I used to talk to the local blacksmith. I said to him ,"My granddad uised to be a smith"
When I told him my surname was `King` he asked "Was he Tom King ?" I did not know as my relative had died when I was two but asked "Why?"... [more]

Grandmother

I have little information, other than my paternal Grandmother was the eldest of 16 children born in Bradwell approximately at this time, or much earlier, possibly 1875 onwards. Her maiden name was Elizabeth Cook. A cousin of mine says we should have a lot of relatives in Bradwell! Unfortunately we have no record of them. My... [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... [more]

Braintree County High School

I own a picture of the students of BCHS taken in 1947.  Such a view has many many names and connections. There is the headmaster Dr. Cordingly [he of the famous stick]. Here is the vicar Hartley Brook's daughter. My old girl friend Shirley, and members of my class including Billy Cranfield, Ron Whittaker, David Woodward, Valerie O'Neill and a crowd... [more]

Public House (Coach Stop)

During the 1960s I was a representative for a world known vermouth manufacturer and remember calling regularly on this large pub on the main road to Colchester and the Essex coast. The licensee John, and his wife, Marion, became good friends and I spent many happy hours just talking and joking away the hours. The coaches rolled in and were accommodated... [more]

Where I grew up.

I lived most of my life in Sible Hedingham, as a family we moved there from London in 1962.  I was just 2 years old at the time. My father Robert Farren, "Bob" as he was best known and my mother Ivy, took over the licence of The White Lion, Church Street.  Growing up I never imagined that I would ever... [more]

The Ransons move to Castle Hedingham

We arrived in Castle Hedingham around the turn of the year 1964/5, Mum, Dad, my three little brothers and myself. Our newly built house was just out of shot to the left of this photo of Pye Corner. Mum & Dad's friend Tony owned the white Alvis car parked on the green. We were very excited be in our big house.... [more]

Our wedding

I am originally from St. Helens, Lancashire, and met my husband, Roy, at Burtonwood AFB where I worked. He was stationed at Wethersfield but came on occasion to Burtonwood. When I moved south to be married, I had to live in the neighbourhood for three weeks for the bans to be called out, and my husband's NCOIC was friendly... [more]