Memories of Great Oakley
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Year: 1950
Houghbridge Hall-Gt.oakley
In January 1949, my parents moved into Houghbridge Hall - on the winding country lane mid way between Stones Green and the church at Gt. Oakley. I remained there until called up for National Service in November 1952, and last saw it on my Christmas leave that year during which we attended Christmas Day service in the church. Houghbridge Hall was a huge dwelling on about an acre of land, part of which was apple orchard and many outbuildings where we had about a thousand chickens, geese, turkeys and pigs on open range. We had to turn nearly all of our production of eggs over to the Egg Marketing Board. We bred all our own poultry which included Rhode Island Reds, Sussex and White Leghorns. The geese were Emdens. We were a family of six, so the accomodation was adequate for our needs. All except mother had full time jobs in Colchester too! My two younger brothers were also called up for National Service in 1953, and the remaining family could no longer handle the workload. So, by mid 1953 we vacated the property, my parents moving to West Mersea for three years. I married in 1958 and purchased a house near Maidstone in Kent - later emigrating to Australia with two young daughters in 1967. We've been here ever since! I've often wondered what happened to Houghbridge Hall? Had it not been for National Service taking us three boys away - we had dreams of turning the place into a Country Club! Our neighbours opposite told us that during WW2 Houghbridge Hall and their property were taken over by the government to house US troops. When the water level in their 'lake' suddenly dropped one hot summer, the top of a US three ton army lorry appeared! In Houghbridge Hall we found a boarded up cellar, which when opened revealed a rotting set of wooden steps down to a wine cellar (empty) submerged in three feet of water!! Those very old apple trees in the garden produced the best Russets I've ever tasted. There were also medler & Victoria plum trees. I've never been back to Great Oakley and ofter wonder in my old age how it must have changed over the years. Oh, and one more thing that I clearly remember: A local farmer called Essex whom I had often spoken to, shot himself! I still have a photo I took of Houghbridge Hall in 1950. Can anyone advise me how to add it (upload) to the Gt.Oakley site? If anyone can give me any information on Houghbridge Hall from 1953, I would gladly welcome it. Ian Dixon-Brisbane, Australia. Last edited: 19/03/2008 19:43 by Ian Dixon |
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Fondest Memories Of Gt. Oakley 1938 To 1961
That was when I was born along with a bunch of other kids who grew up with me and with whom I played during the WW2 years and eventually went to C of E school together. Mr Porter was a teacher there, he was still watching for enemy aircraft after it was all over and the boys would tell him "not one of ours sir" and off we would go to the air raid shelter yet again and wait and wait but of course nothing happened. Miss Freshwater was another teacher then off we went to High School after that. Oh yes there was a Miss Brown also who later became Mrs Van Ryswyk. During the war my Dad served in the Army, I didn't really get to know him until I was 7. My Uncle never came back, he is buried in Italy somewhere. My Grandad Clarke was in the ARP and used to check on Mum and I every night when there were air raids. So we had George James Clarke back home eventually but Eric did not return I barely remember him at all. His name is on the War Memorial. Grandad Ambrose Clarke kept the butchers shop going while Dad was away and Mum and I lived in the little old cottage called Sunset right next door to the shop. The grocers shop was opposite selling all the necessaries and we must not forget the sweetie shop down the road opposite Hooks Garage where we bought our Gobstoppers and sticks of barley sugar with our food coupons. That was run by two elderly ladies. I cannot remember their names but the little shop nearest to the War Memorial was run by the Yoodles I believe. The Scots Highland Regiment were camped on land opposite our place and would get us up and about early some mornings with their band of bagpipes and drums all in full dress - a real spectacle and one I shall never forget. Young Jock there used to be a dab hand at mending my big dolly. I often wonder now what the remarks were when he returned to his tent with this large dolly under his arm. Wonder also what happened to Jock and I haven't seen my doll either since I left home in 1960. No room here to carry on with my memories but there are many. I wonder what happened to Sheila Bowers, Pat Balls, Dawn Wrycraft, Barbara Parker, and all the others. I came to New Zealand with my family in 1969 and have missed out on a lot of memory sharing. If any one is interested in catching up with me Downunder my E mail is shirlann @ paradise.net.nz. or 28 Saorsa Village WAIPU Northland NZ. God Bless Beryl Tighe for her attempts at the History of GT Oakley. I am not able to contact her. Maybe soon. Regards Shirley |
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