George Jackson, The Florist.

A Memory of Tilbury.

My Grandad was George (scissors) Jackson. He was a very well known and respected member of the Tilbury community. He ran his florist business from home in Auckland Close, serving many Tilbury families with cheap bouquets, funeral wreaths etc. I remember going to Covent Garden, London on the first morning train out of Tilbury with my nan, Rene, to buy flowers and calling into 'Elvins' shop in Dock Rd on the way back for a few rashers of bacon for my grandad's breakfast! On a Saturday night, when all Grandad's work was put away for the weekend, my nan and me would take bottles back to the 'Diamond Jubilee' off licence on the corner of Montreal Rd. Nan would get a bottle of beer for grandad, a cherry B or a babycham for herself and a bottle of pop and a chocolate bar for me!!! My grandad died in 1979. On the day of his funeral, the flag outside the 'Tute' working mans club (where he had been a life long member) was flown at half mast and his friends all formed a guard of honour outside as the funeral courtege passed. It was very moving to see how well thought of my grandad was. I am now wondering if by chance anyone remembers having flowers made by my grandad??