Painting.

A Memory of South Benfleet.

I have a small picture hanging on my wall, which is a print of a painting by my late father Harry Russell. It depicts the view shown in the picture, but from an era slightly before. Not a lot different.

I can remember the cockle shed that was there, and who can remember the orchard behind the pub, the Hoy and Helmet?? We used to climb over the wall from the graveyard and pinch carrots of all things. I vividly remember clambering back over the wall and down onto a headstone, a firm hand gripped my leg and a voice roared 'what are up to then'? To my horror it was the local bobby, Sgt Wally. Who remembers him?
I also recall going with my friend Maureen Cunningham's brother 21st birthday party in the upstairs room of the pub, I think he was called Mick.