Hornchurch, Woodhall Parade c.1950

Photo ref: H115011

I have quite vivid memories from the late 1950's of Woodhall Parade or "The End of the Road" as those in Woodhall Crescent called it. Harry Skeeles the cockney greengrocer, always with his hat on and mostly with a fag in the corner of his mouth as well! His wife and later on their two daughters (?) ... and his very old mother, who used to perch on a stool by the till. Burgess the butcher next ...see more

I lived in Glanville Drive for the first part of my life from 1947. Out nearest post office was in Woodhall Parade, just over the railway bridge in Wingletye Lane, One thing that sticks in my mind is that the greengrocers kept a parrot in a cage in the shop. That would breach food hygiene and animal welfare standards nowadays. When I was old enough I used to buy beer and lager from the ...see more

I remember many of the shops, the hairdressers was called Christine's I think. We lived in Benets Road nearby. My dad taught at Suttons in the sixties, he taught English, Mr Walsh.

I can remember most of the shops here. The off-licence, Stowells; where Robert Harlow and his family lived and served. Then Draytons, the sweet shop - Mr Drayton had rather red cheeks! Then there was Lings, the post office and paper shop, run by Mr Landless and family, Roger being the son. Then the family Curtis took over from them, Hilary and Stephen being the children. Then there was Greenstores, Les Appleton ...see more