My Youth in Billericay

Growing up in the 60s & 70s

I was born on Stock Road, near the top of Robin Close, in October 1958. My parents Derrick and Evelyn and my older brother Peter had moved down from Ormskirk in the North West of England in 1956.

We didn’t own car until 1965 (but more of that later) and my mum had to push me to the baby clinic at the top of the High Street. We would often stop off at Speed’s Café on the way and Hilltop Café on the way back, the latter at some time owned by surrogate uncle George and auntie Gladys.

I started at Buttsbury School in 1963 and my first teacher was a lovely lady called Mrs. Bazzonye, which I’ve probably spelt wrong – sorry Miss. The headmaster was Mr Bromhead his son Nigel was in my class and a friend of mine . My other teachers were Mrs Watson (battle axe), Mrs Hall (kindly battle axe), Miss Rose (my first crush), Mrs Needham (firm but fair), Mrs Thane (she improved my reading no end)  and Mr Astle (scary but good). We went on many school trips but the one that sticks in the memory is the Essex show where we saw the White Helmets Display Team and met the Queen Mum. We also went to Colchester Zoo, Colchester Museum, a dairy that stank and a wild fowl reserve.

I enjoyed my time at Buttsbury where I made friends I still have today like Mike Canham and Tony Benson. Other friends include Andy Burton, Keith Bilton, Duncan Hanies, Roddy White and Andy Wilson.

As for dads car, it’s the green Triumph Herald parked outside the church towards the end of the video of the Consecration of Christ Church in Perry Street. Click here to watch the video

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