Elm Park

A Memory of Hornchurch.

Reading some memories, I thought I would do, as spent a lot of my teenage years in the Elm Park area. I was one of the first pupils at the newly opened Abbs Cross Technical school in Abbs Cross Lane after passing my 11+ . Sadly I was not a model pupil by any means, after several detentions and truancy, spending days in Harrow Lodge Park, I was then expelled for setting off a firework in the maths teachers cupboard destroying test papers (Mr Wollacott). I was transferred to Aveley Technical School, but spent a lot of time in Elm Park, after joining the Hornchurch Drum and Trumpet Corp as a trumpeter. The discipline did me good. My brother who also joined the band was the manager of the ironmongers called "Goodriches," I think it was Tadworth Parade. I too remember the "Tuck Box" where on band practice nights on a Tuesday, I would purchase a packet of cigarettes from their massive range of ciggies. From pack of 4 dominoes or 5 Weights to cocktail sobranie or for a good cough 'Capstan Full Strength. I will try to write more sometime, but hasten to add...... at 33 years old became a Christian and at 40 became a Pastor and at 74, I retire because of health in a week or so time.
Derek Court. (and if I hurt or upset anyone on the way, including and especially teachers, please forgive me)