Ardleigh Green, Harwood Avenue c.1955

Photo ref: A301009

I went to Ardleigh Green school from 1955 to 1961. The photograph stirs up many memories, such as playing with other kids on the old fallen tree on the then waste ground in Cecil Avenue and iced buns from the bakery opposite the school. Mr Kipps was the milkman with his United Dairies horse and cart. There was a knife sharpener who sometimes came round knocking on doors for trade. I enjoyed the school ...see more

I went to Ardleigh Green School for 7 years and knew most of the shops. Starting in Squirrels Heath Lane there was Langs (Newsagents), Smys (wool), chemists, Greens Stores, a butchers, shoe repairers, the Fish Shop (lovely chips), greengrocers, Sunshines sweets (lovely 3d ice lollies) delamares grocers, a café (never went in) and a bakers on the corner (best Chelsea buns ever). Opposite was the Spencers ...see more

My Dad owned the sweet shop in Ardleigh Green, (it's just out of shot on the left of this picture) initially we lived above the shop, later we lived towards the A127 further up Ardleigh green Road. I went to Ardleigh Green School and have so many happy memories of growing up in the area. Climbing trees, football until it was nearly dark, and riding my bike up and down the parade.

I started at the infant school (my name was Kirby) in 1950. Miss Bush was the head teacher. Later, in the junior school, the head was Mr E. Price-Reece and my teacher in classes 3 and 4 was Mr Luckock. My best friend was Janet Haeger. I wonder where she is now.....