The Kursal

A Memory of Southend-on-Sea.

We moved from Kent to Eastwood near Leigh-on-Sea when I was 11 which was in 1960.
Every Sunday we would get the bus (dad didn't drive then) to Leigh. We'd walk from where the cockle sheds were (dad always had some or whelks maybe but I wouldn't try them!) along the front to Southend Pier. We'd walk down the pier then ride back on the train - thankfully! We always had an icecream cone and sometimes used to eat at a little Italian style cafe not far off the prom. I also recall the big cafe on the front near the peir where they displayed all the food cooked in the windows. Sausages spring to mind, can't remember what else but I can smell the onions even now!
As for the Kursal, we used to visit there regularly. The ride that sticks in my mind is the Caterpillar - air used to blow up and blow your skirt up, very rude to us young girls! I also recall what I think was called The Wall of Death where they'd ride round and round on motorbikes - you used to be able to stand at the top and look down. Very scary!
One Christmas there was a concert there for local schools to take part in. I was in our choir and we sang 'Little Drummer Boy' - my mum went out and bought the single, used to reduce her to tears. It was off course released again fairly recently and what memories it bought back to me! It was terrifying to stand on that big stage and sing!
We returned to Kent after about 2 years - I was very sad to leave Belfairs High School as I'd made some very good friends there. We very seldom returned as there was no bridge/tunnel to go from one county to the other.
I returned with my husband and son some years ago and we were very impressed at how clean the town was. We played crazy golf on the front.
Shirley Chamberlain (nee Wright)