Rayners In Rainham

A Memory of Rainham.

I moved into Rainham in the very early '60s in fact into Princes Park, then about 4 years later into Ingrebourne Rd then during the early '70s into Rothbury Avenue and later after I got married, into Avelon Rd during the mid '80s before leaving the area altogether.

I remember the little shop called Jacksons on Southend Rd and Kildares down Wennington Rd and the cottages along Bridge Rd. My mum worked for a while at Baby Relax on Wennington rd and my Brothers Chris, Robert & my grandfather worked at Keebles while one of my other brothers worked at Murex. My dad worked at a number of places from Fords to International via DCC, Dagnites and others down Chequers Lane. I myself worked in Ilford & later Barking.

My brother Chris started school in Blacksmiths lane before moving onto the one in Upminster Rd S and then later to Lambs Lane. My other bothers and sister went to Brightside & Chaffords. I went to a school on Dagenham Heathway until the mid 60s before going to Upshire & then later College in Hampshire.

I well remember Park Lane Motors, in Upminster rd, by the "small" park and the Smith family that ran that garage and the Social & Working Mens clubs on the opposite side of the road. The Jumble sales at Wennington Village Hall where all ways a big draw as was the Carnival Parade that left Brettons and ended at Spring Farm Park.

Sonny Graham was the head parkie for awhile, and a family friend, who used to let me & my brothers use the putting green at Spring Park Farm for nothing.