Cobblers to a man

Philip Chamberlain, with the white jacket outside his boot and shoe shop in the High St.Now a private residence called Chamberlains. He made a lot of deck shoes for the racing crews who sailed from Wivenhoe.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

Clean water at last.

Wivenhoe water Tower, opened in 1902, this picture was taken around 1910 as there appears to have only a track leading to it. This photo. was probably taken from the back of the Horse and Groom pub.
Before this ,water was used from the brook at the bottom of brook St.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.
Kindly donated by Sue Oliver.

We had some skilled shipwrights in those days.

Minesweeper J.537 being launched at Wivenhoe Shipyard in 1942, complete with the Wivenhoe Home Guard.
these Minesweepers were referred to as "Micky Mouse Ships," they were short boats or Ameland Class vessels, being 105 feet long. 16 of these boats were built at Wivenhoe between the 1939/45 period. These boats were constructed of timber, which was thought to be safer against magnetic mines.
 The engine on these boats was a single 500hp diesel ans a single prop shaft, speed was 11 knots.
They had a complement of 20.

We built some great boats here.

Motor Minesweeper,M1118. M.M.S. Carlton launched 1954 at the Wivenhoe Shipyard, she was one of the 3 ton class minesweepers built there, so called because they were named after towns and villages that ended in TON ie Carlhampton, Carlton, Wiston.

Wivenhoe Memories collection

Brave Boys.

Motor Torpedo Boat, 233 built by berthon Boat Co. Lymington. this is the Vosper 72-type class.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

jam and jellies.

I think this is V.E. day party in Alma st. as Dean's Antiques is not yet in the building at the head of Alma St.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

A great photograph.

A moody atmosphere at Brightlingsea , at the start of the herring season, date unknown. Notice the fisherman bottom left of pic. smoking a clay pipe.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

Cedric was a jolly sort of chap.

Cedric's Garage in the Avenue. Cedric Peck is seen on the right with glasses and a beret.
Cedric's opened in the late 1920's.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

Sorry about the quality.

A Rather battered photo of the bridge over the river Colne between Rowhedge and Wivenhoe.
It was situated in front of the Albion pub, down river from the ferry hard. It was used by troops at Cherry tree camp Blackheath on the Mersea Road, for quick access to the railway at Wivenhoe. Built for the first world war. The centre section worked on a cantilever system to allow barge traffic through to the Hythe.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

Well i had to try.

Night time in Wivenhoe. I took this photo. some time in the 1980's  to see if i could work out time and exposure with a roll film camera, i nearly got it right.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

John Stewart.

"Evening all"

The local police house at the top of the High St. next to the Hairdresser's. It was no 14, but i think they have been re-numbered since this photo. was taken. The Police sign can just be seen over the door. Sgt. Fred Reid or Reed was stationed there at the turn of the Century.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

"Health and Safety would have a field day"

A turn of the century photo. looking up to Alma Street. the general store was run by George Flux and the Butchers by Mr. Dobson.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

Sprats galore

The North Sea Canning factory, Date around the late 1950's. Over the factory door can been seen English Brisling, a marketing title for Sprats.
On the left hand boat is Guy Downing and Lewis Wasp, Director. On the other boat is Ernie Vince.
The two boats were owned by the Canners,one called Fisher Girl and the other Essex Girl.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

Ah!! my primary school days.

Wivenhoe primary School, opened in 1891 in Philip Road. It was designed by Mr. Dupont who also designed the Wivenhoe dry dock in Forrestt's ship building yard.

The original plans were drawn up by Mr. Start,and then, because  the tenders were all to high, more plans were drawn up. Eventually Mr. Dupont's were accepted.( The Story of Wivenhoe ,Nicholas Butler , page 179.)

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

He looks a proper old salt.

It's not wivenhoe ,but i do like it , this is Bob Howe the Brightlingsea Ferry man.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

You couldn't afford a car in them days.

This was Alma Street in the 50's when nobody owned a car,. at the top of the Street can be seen Margery Dean's antiques, which was originally the Swedenborg Chapel, and just below on the right hand side is the three story building which was the Colchester clothing factory, now flats.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

Happy days in 1953.

This is the 1953 street party in Alma street, in those days you could leave your front door open all day and not worry, it was a lovely place to live. I remember all those folk in the photograph.

Wivenhoe memories collection. Left click on picture for super size.

They would have no problem filling it these days.

The Cage on Anchor hill, this was used for locking up drunks and vagrants up until the beginning of the 1900's, when it fell into disrepair, there were also stocks and a pillory. Behind it can be seen the tall outline of the Bull public house.

Wivenhoe memories collection.
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Think of this great house when you are walking up the playing field.

A view of Wivenhoe hall circa 1927.  The house is south facing down what is now the playing field.

Source is unknown as someone bought it into my exhibition, please see my copyright link on the right hand side of the home page.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

Makes you feel thirsty

It was Christmas time at the station pub, i think in the 70's.Ron...... in foreground, Colin Andrews behind the bar,chap in blue jumper not sure.
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Hello John Martin Newell here. Only just seen this. I think that this shot was the late 70s. The chap in the foreground, whose name I've forgotten,has been around for years, but he's actually a Cornishman as I remember. Isn't that Colin Andrews, behind him, who took over the pub in erm '79-ish? This is the puzzling bit...I'd swear that the next figue was Vic Pilkington from the Rose and Crown (blue jumper) in the more distant background. But if it is, what's he doing in the Station? The pub was still two separate bars then. divided my a small corridor for the off-sales. In the back bar, 'the bogie bar' was a juke box which still gave you three songs for a shilling right up until the late 70s. It still had old 1960s Rolling Stones hits on it! on Makes you feel thirsty

I remember this shop. it was an aladins cave when i was a wee lad

A photograph of the grocers shop near to the junction with Station Rd.. The photo. was taken in 1894,
it is now the Hairdresser's.  i remember in the 1950's it was Mr. Ravens grocery shop. He keep sugar,flour and tapioca in sacks on the floor, butter was in square blocks on the counter, the cheese was cut from a large round cheese with a wire and the bacon and ham on a revolving slicer. Currants and sugar were packed in little blue bags.
 Before the Ravens , the shop had been owned by Mr.Jimmy Moore and his brother.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

Sally, thanks for the comments , i think Arthur Daniells butchers shop was opposite your Grandads shop next to the Greyhound pub, thats where my Mum bought her Brawn, uhkk!

The only boy daft enough to pose in the snow

Queens road at the junction with Park rd..this photo was taken circa 1896.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

Coronation 1902.

This is the Coronation celebrations at Wivenhoe.  The King was Edward V11, and the date is 1902.

The name on the Grosvenor is Harry Bow, The landlord.

Wivenhoe memories collection

"I have been chased over that bridge by the train".

Alresford iron swing bridge, completed in 1895. The center section swung open to allow sailing barges up to Alresford Sand works jetty,which is still there.

Wivenhoe Memories  Collection

If i missed the school bus i had to use this train.

An old" J " Class Loco on the Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea run, Bill Sadler who runs the secondhand shop in station Rd. used to be Fireman on these Loco's.
I was told that a commuter coming home from london to Brightlingsea, fell asleep and when the train slowed down to go over the iron bridge at Alresford Creek, he thought he had arrived at Brightlingsea. He opened the door to step out in the dark and fell headlong into the creek, he was rescued and lived to tell the tale.

Wivenhoe Memories collection

I bet he is a proud old salt.

Wivenhoe Family photo. taken 1895,somewhere down the bottom end of the Village.  He looks to be an old Fisherman with his Grandchildren.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

Wivenhoe Entertainers

This theatrical group was called the Wivenhoe Players more information to follow.
Peter Nessling from Australia, says some of the artists were Bessie Wyatt, Eliza Parker, Rosina Polley and Ernest Mays. Thanks Peter.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

All, good old Wivenhoe boys.

Wivenhoe Fire Station crew outside the old fire station in Brook Street ,opposite the old Brewery Tavern Pub. This photo was taken in the 1960's.  this old Dennis fire engine had a separate tender hooked on the back.

The engine never stopped to pick up the crew ,you just jumped off your bike and let it go ,then run after the engine and hopped on the back. very often you would find a bike which had crashed into someones' front garden. "Happy day's". I remember when the siren went off our old dog would howl like an old coyote as we lived quite near in Anglesea road.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

"Looks like the inside of my house"

A Wivenhoe gentleman, relaxing in his chair at Wivenhoe . This photo. was taken circa 1894.

#Wivenhoe Memories collection.

I had one of those bike when i worked for the co-op Butchers East St.

This image shows Edward Harvey with his Co-op trade bike outside the store in the Avenue,
Wivenhoe. I am sure his name was Edward, but if i have that wrong please let me know.

Wivenhoe memories collection

Don't stand there taking my photo. buy something

Mr Micheal Butt with his greengrocers cart in Rectory Road in the 1930's.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

What a Motley crew

A 1980's Wivenhoe Carnival float.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

This is what happens if you point your camera into the sun.

A view of the High St. taken 1898, check out the old original church yard gates, which were later replaced.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.
Left click on image for super size.

Hope the weather stay's fine

One of the first Omnibuses to include Wivenhoe on their routes, seen outside the gate house of Wivenhoe hall opposite the Co-op. The Bus is the Silver Queen, and the date is around 1920-1930.

Note the solid tyres.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

I remember having my haircut there in the 1950's

Tilford Glozier's shop in the High St. It is now the Estate Agents.
Tilford glozier is on the right, his Son is in the shop doorway.

I remembe often sitting on the front counter with a lollipop while my dad, Toni Durrell (Jacko) had his haircut - happy days. Susan Critchley

Wivenhoe memories collection.

Cedric's Garage.

Wivenhoe High St., Showing the gate house to Wivenhoe Hall. After the Hall burnt down in 1927 the gate house was used as a cafe by Cedric's Garage.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

"Blood Alley" or Slaughter House Lane.

A nice photograph of the view down Blythe lane, or as we new it "Blood Alley". The cottages with the long front gardens have been pulled down and replaced by flats.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

I've had a few pints in there

The Black Buoy Pub, this has been here since the 1700's, originally called the "Black Boy".

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

The De vere's of the Manor of Wivenhoe.

Thomas Westeley, Chaplin to the Countess of Oxford who died in 1535. i took this photo in Wivenhoe church, it is located in the sanctuary. The Countess is buried in Wivenhoe church, Essex, England.

Photo. John Stewart.
Wivenhoe Memories collection.

Ship's of wood and Men of iron.

Swedish square riggers, loading ballast at the ballast quay on the Fingringhoe shore, now the site of the WW2 pillbox, opposite Cook's Shipyard housing complex The ships bought timber to Wivenhoe, and for the return voyage to Copenhagen, they needed ballast to trim the ship for sailing.
There is in Copenhagen Harbour an island made of all the ballast these ships unloaded there, when they took on a new cargo.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

Zebu Express.

The Zebu Express about to go on trials.It was then Chartered to Northlink in 2005 to carry livestock from Orkney and Shetland to the Scottish mainland. The 2,374 grt. vessel was built at James W Cook's yard in 1984 for the Dutch Company Vroom BV and was broken up at Gadani Beach Breakers yard in Dec.2006

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

I like the car.

An old Edwardian Photo of Wivenhoe Quay.

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

A traditional boat builder.

The Colne Marine and Yacht Company. Founded in 1952 by Mr. Guy Harding. He built some boats in the old Rosabelle stores just along the Quay. With the coming of fibre glass his building of wooden boats finished, and the firm closed in the mid 1990's.

Before The Colne Marine and Yacht Company came into being, it was called the V.-G. Company. (E.G.Vince.- Ger. Gifford.) 

Wivenhoe Memories collection.

See all of Wivenhoe's history in one venue.

Time for a plug. If you have never been to my Wivenhoe Memories exhibition before this is what you have missed.  Normally every August bank holiday, but next year there will be another date in April, to be announced, but the August event will be held as usual. Venue William Loveless hall High Street Wivenhoe.

Wivenhoe Port.

Wivenhoe Port in the 1980's. I think this boat was unloading soya meal, i worked on some of these boats, repairing the hold floors after they dropped the grab to hard on the bottom.

Wivenhoe memories collection.

I remember they had an upper gallery in that chapel

Picture taken outside the Congregational Chapel in West Street, sometime in the 1950's

Wivenhoe memories collection.

What a sporty lot.

Wivenhoe Primary School, Girls Games 1954-55.

Primary School Teachers, Philip Road.

Wivenhoe School Teachers. Top row l-r. Mr. Grundy,  Mr.Scott.
                                              Second row, Mrs munson Miss Grasby,.........
                                           Third row, Mrs Dann ........

 The gentleman at the back right is Mr.Lewis and not Mr. Scott. Mr. Scott followed Mis Smith as headteacher. Mr. Lewis became headteacher of Kingsford Junior School next to Shrub End Sports Field.

Information, Tony Forsgate .Thanks very much.

Mrs Munson was my first teacher, lovely old lady. Philip Braithwaite , Ostend , Belgium

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Wivenhoe memories collection.

A photo shoot in the school orchard.

Another picture of the Philip road school, i am not sure of the date.

Taken in the orchard adjoining the school playground on the occasion of Miss Smith's retirement.
Information, Tony Forsgate.  Many thanks.

We were a happy lot.

A class photo taken around the late 1950's, the class master is Mr. Grundy.
The photo was taken at the Philip Rd. School.

Wivenhoe Memories collection