Chigwell, the Swimming Pool, Grange Farm Centre c1955

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.