Stanway, Essex

Leadership Course

We completed our Lance Bombadier Leadership training in these barracks, we referred to them as cavalry barracks (they are stables now). I was with 52 Bty 45 Fld Regt RA, stationed at Kirkee Barracks. One of my friends (Arnie Mccallion) was on stable duty but was allergic to horses, the BSM thought he was trying to pull a fast one -... [more]

Donkey & Buskins public house, Layer-de-la-Hay

I was the licensee of the above for an all too brief time and had some regular customers who arrived every week-day evening at opening time and were called "The Club". Among them I remember a Ken & Penny Upton and a retired local Headmaster who was known as "Casey".
Time erodes memory, especially re: names, but I hope someone reads... [more]

So sad

This picture of High Street is very dear to me because it is how I remembered it when I was a boy in the 1940s & 50s. In 1955 I was called up to do my national sevice and was posted abroard, when I returned, to my horror, the church in the foreground had been demolished.  

Happy Summer Days at the Pool

This photo' reminded me of those carefree summer days when we would cycle from Myland to the pool, leave our bikes, unlocked, in a heap outside, pay our 6d and go to the dank, cold, changing room under the bridge.
The girls had to cross the end of the pool by a boardwalk to their changing room on the other side.[more]

Colchester 1960s

Lived Colchester late 1950s to late 1960s. Fond memories of picnics in the castle grounds with my young sister and baby brother. Boats on the lake. Military tattoo. Returned after years away and though there was change, much remained the same - thank goodness.

Colchester

While we were living in Colchester between 1955 and 1958, I was confirmed at this church at Lexden, Colchester. I had little memory of the church, but then while looking through the photos for Colchester I came across this photo much to my delight as this was where I was confirmed. Colchester Castle grounds was a beautiful place to walk through.... [more]

Public House (Coach Stop)

During the 1960s I was a representative for a world known vermouth manufacturer and remember calling regularly on this large pub on the main road to Colchester and the Essex coast. The licensee John, and his wife, Marion, became good friends and I spent many happy hours just talking and joking away the hours. The coaches rolled in and were accommodated... [more]

October Gale

High winds and loud crashing in the middle of the night.
Not long after my divorce, moving back to live with my mother and father.
We were woken by crashing of bricks from the gable end of the house. Both mine and my father's cars had been crushed by the bricks. Looking across to Bradwell from the bedroom window, I could... [more]