Nostalgic memories of South Ockendon's local history

Share your own memories of South Ockendon and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 77 in total

We moved to the prefabs in South Road, South Ockendon in 1949 From London, my sister and I started school in the village school the headmaster was Mr Impy after that we went to the new school which was called Mardyke School I only remember the name of one teacher which was miss Wright she was the PE teacher and had long red fingernails, my sister passed the 11 plus but there was only one place at the local ...see more
I went to Mardyke school in the early 50’s and I recall that we went abroad to Belgium and Holland. My recollection is a teacher called Mr Childs and there was speculation that one of the children developed some form of polio. Also we used to live at 208 South Road South Ockendon. Keith
Hi my name is Peter McGuire and i went to Lennard's from 1960 to 1965 My class was in upper 4A in the science lab at the back of the school. The teacher was Farrier (not sure of spelling) who left us in our year of GCE's . It may seem strange but he was always smoking during our science classes . We had 2 english teachers a MIss Smith and a Mrs . Smithh, completely different style of teaching. Mrs. Smlith more into ...see more
I went t to Lennard's school from 1960-1965'and was in Upper A classes. I was house captain of Williams in my last year and a prefect It seems to have changed house name as well school name after 1971. Head master was Mr Wilkins,( used crutches) sports teachers Cheshire ., Walters and Mahoney My class was the science lab. Now live on Phillip Island Australia.(home of the penguins) I remember, Phillip Cooke, Brian ...see more
My family moved to South Ockendon in 1953, into a new house at 164 Daiglen Drive, on the housing estate just outside the village. We shopped in the village and my father took the train from there every day to his work in London. I went to Palmers School for Girls in Grays, taking the bus every day, but the rest of my life was spent with friends who lived nearby, either on the estate or, like Anita and ...see more
My name is Jean WHILEY, previously Clark, I lived in Cherwell Grove on the Belhus Estate with my 2 brothers, Jim and Dave and my Mum and Dad. I went to the Huts school for a short time before going to Somers Heath and then onto Culverhouse Girls from 1962 to 1966. I have such happy memories of growing up in South Ockendon, couldn’t of had a better childhood anywhere. I married Ken WHILEY back in 1969, anyone remember any of us.
My Name was Diana Pearce and my sister was Carole Pearce. My parents moved to South Ockendon just before I was born in 1948. I was born in a prefab on Foxglove crescent, whilst Belhus estate was being built. We moved from the prefab to 140 Broxburn drive in a banjo as we called it, today it would be a cul-de-sac! I lived there until I was 19 when I left to get married and live in Rainham. I ...see more
Hi I was born in Orsett Cottage Hospital in 1955 and I lived with my parents at my grandparent's house - Quince Tree House on South Road. until we moved to Hillingdon, Middlesex when I was 2. My grandparents names were Edith and Fred Bushell. I have memories of walking with my grandad to the village store in South Ockendon. Unfortunately I can't recall any names but my grandad ...see more
We were the Brooker family and lived in Anton rd from the early 50s . our next door neighbours were the Harringtons. Myself and 2 of my sisters went to Lennards. I was there from 1960 until 1966. I married in 1969 and became a Savage. I have happy childhood memories of living in ockendon on the "estate" not the "village". I now live in Dorset. Hello to anybody who knows me Sue savage nee brooker
I started school at Benyons infants in 1959. Mrs Taylor was the headmistress. Then progressed to the juniors. Some of the teachers I remember. Mrs Beaver, Mrs Parks, Mr Heath and the head master Mr Impey. After Benyon, I decided I had enough of Girls, and went to Culverhouse Boys. Realised my mistake about 2 years later. I was born in Mollands lane, but later moved to Nursery close. We would play in the ...see more