The Village c1965, Chigwell
The Village c1965, Chigwell Ref: C88146
Memories of The Village c1965, Chigwell
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Chigwell & local memories
Read and share memories of Chigwell and Essex inspired by Frith photos.
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.
