Chigwell memories
Here are memories of Chigwell and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Chigwell or a Chigwell photo.
Grange Farm
Although I lived in Barkingside, it was in the days when you were sent to the school of your choice if you passed the 11+. I was fortunate to attend the newly built West Hatch. It was through school that we went to Grange Farm to befriend a group of French students who were holidaying there. It was a great site with the added bonus of that beautiful lido and all in the surroundings of the quiet countryside - long before the noise of the M11 and M25. Now a fancy eatery - I prefer the former.
Camping in Chigwell
I visited a camping site when I was a child, this was back in the early 1970s, I think this is the place with the outdoor pool, I think it was about 1973, I never forgot my 2 weeks there. I remember there was a hut with a juke box in and I used to play 'School's Out' by Alice Cooper which was a hit at the time. In the hut was a TV and table tennis table. I would like to know if it is still there for me to take my grandchildren to. Ian Lambert.
West Hatch School
I lived my early years in the grounds of Great West Hatch Hospital (my father was the gardener there), next door to the school site. I can remember the school being substantially finished by the time I was 11 (1957), though my parents persuaded me (against my better judgement) not to go there for my secondary schooling. I have older memories of the land as part of Furze's farm, and helping stack sheaves of wheat at harvest time.
Wonderful Memories
I visited Grange Farm on a week's holiday with my school in 1960. It was my first real holiday, away from the streets of St Helens, Lancs. We slept in what looked like barrack rooms with about a dozen bunk beds which looked like they were leftovers from the war. We also had day trips to London, and the London Zoo. This was also the first time I had seen such a big swimming pool. It was a wonderful time. I remember the trip including transport and accomodation cost 12 pounds, included was two pounds for our 'spending money. Happy days!
Grange Farm Swimming Pool by Carol Gook
I lived in nearby Abridge, and swam at Grange Farm pool around this time, with my school, Lambourne Primary in Abridge. I learnt to swim here, in the cold water. I loved this pool, it was a magical place for me, and I spent many summers splashing and swimming and then, later, posing and flirting teenage style. So sad that this lovely outdoor pool is no more. It was one of my favourite places and contributed to my love of swimming in cold water. I still swim now, outdoors every day - I am lucky to live near a big outdoor pool that has survived but I always think of those beautiful summer days at Grange Farm, gone but not forgotten.
Great Place Lost.
Grange Farm was the place to go for all teens. You could swim or just hang around with friends. To get there we walked across the fields and over the bridge across the Roding. Now of course this place is no more. A great loss.
Grange Farm Restaurant.
I worked in the restaurant at Grange Farm until 1957. The West Ham United football team used to come in for a meal after their training session.
Memories of Essex
Morgan's Shop
The shop with the sunblind known as Morgan's sold confectionary and tobacco. It was established in about 1943 or '44 by -?- Morgan after he was invalided out of the forces. I believe he married Miss Freebody, the daughter of the butcher who had a shop at the village end of Gravel Lane, just below the Maypole.
I Live Here
I have lived here with my parents since I was 3 years old (1980). If anyone knows more history about the shop and the house I would love to hear from you. ssavage55@hotmail.com
W & C French Ltd Contractors.
My father Leon Lalonde was Mechanical Engineer for W&C French from 1928 to 1947. He was responsible for the repair and maintenance of all Mechanical Equipment and Heavy Machinery. The large yard was located between Fairlands Close and The Reindeer Pub on Epping New Road. The yard housed every different kind of machine and piece of equipment a construction company might need. It also had a major repair workshop, paintshop, welding shop, and wood working shop.
During the war Mr. Charles French was naturally very concerned about the safety and welfare of his staff and employees and their families. He ordered a series of Air Raid shelters to be built into the natural side of a hill within the yard. These were to be four side by side concrete shelters, reinforced with tram lines from Walthamstow, which had switched to trolley buses. They would have a roof several feet thick, and walls of equal strength. One was designated as a Womans and Childrens Shelter, the second for Men. Each... Read more
The Two Bob Gun.
At the top of Queens Road in Buckhurst Hill is a small newsagents shop. It was owned by the Mr & Mrs. Silk. The shop sold papers magazines cigarettes, sweets and a few toys. Situated right across the road from where Princes Road branches off. The little shop did a roaring trade. I attended school at Taunton House about half way down Queens Road., and of course passed Silks going to and from school. My Mother always let me stop for a minute to look in the shop window.
One day I saw a toy revolver, like the cowboys used in the wild west. It was a cap gun and with the holster cost two shillings. I asked my parents so many times if I could have that gun. Each time I was told No, as it was too expensive. After several months of hoping and asking I still recieved the same answer. One day I looked in the window and it was gone ! I was heart broken, someone... Read more
Trolly Times
Most young boys at sometime rode and or built their own trolly. My experience growing up, living on the edge of French's Yard on Epping New Road in Buckhurst Hill, was full of good times riding my home-built trolly down the long slope in the yard after working hours and on weekends. My main difficulty back then was finding at least two matching pram wheels. Having one wheel was useless, but finding two the same size was like gold! Many times the two front wheels were the smallest, and the bigger pair were for the back. A good wide plank was to sit on, a six inch nail, or a proper bolt through the centre of the wooden front axle allowed us to steer it, by a rope nailed to each end. Brakes? The best kind was a stick nailed into the side of the plank, and pulled up on so it dragged on the ground.
I can't recall how many trollys I built back in those wartime days but... Read more
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