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Panfield memories

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Memories of Essex

Franciscan Convent School

The Convent 1900
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I remember being a pupil from the age of 5 (1930) to the age of 13 at the school run by the Franciscan sisters at this Convent. The original house and grounds were given to the Sisters by a member of the Courtauld family, Madame Edith Arendrup (Edith married a Dane, hence the surname). There were about 80 or 90 pupils. As this was the only Catholic school in the area, children cycled from neighbouring villges to attend. Mother Mary Michael was a great force in the school.
I can also remember that there was a large metal ring let into the wall. I think one member of the Courtauld family used to paint animal pictures and used the ring to tether the animals! I should be delighted to hear from anyone who remembers this Convent when it was run as a school. I can remember the names of Ernest Testi (with whom I used to fight regularly!), Billy Pask, 'Pie Face'... Read more

Marriage

The Convent 1900
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With no Catholic Church in Braintree in 1937, my late parents' wedding took place in November at the Bocking Convent.

Rayne in 1950/1960

I was born in Rayne and in the 1950s.I have fond memories of being able to play various sports in the road at School Road with my brother Peter and friend Richard Dodd, gaining a few more players as word got around! We used to mark the Tennis Court on the road with chalk and played many games, sometimes having to vacate to allow the occasional vehicle to pass. Chief Inspector Baker of Braintree was often passing by in his Ford 10 car with a wry smile on his face. Cricket was also played with an old drum for the stumps, for the game to be disturbed by a vehicle was a bit more involved as the drum had to be moved as well as us! Hopscotch was also marked with chalk and enjoyed by many. I would dare anyone to play on School Road as it is now with speeding traffic. At that time Rayne played football on Drapers field alongside Mill Road in the North Essex League which involved villages from... Read more

Rotten End

Braintree Road 1909
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My parents had a weekend cottage at Rotten End in the 1950s, and I remember walking a footpath to Shalford regularly.
Can anybody tell me if this footpath still exists, or anything about it at all?

many thanks
Ros Stayne

Thorogoods in my Family Tree

Braintree Road 1909
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This is not a memory as such, however I have been researching my husband's family tree. When speaking to elderly family members I have found that his grandmother's family, the Thorogoods, come from Shalford. I would like to know if there are any Thorogoods still in Shalford. We can't wait to find out more about your village and discover my husband's roots.

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