We are a group of like-minded volunteers who believe that our culture and heritage is central to a sustainable community. We aim to preserve our past for the enjoyment, interest and benefit of future generations of Basildonians. We do this by: Collecting memories from people who have lived in the area for a long time. Collect photographs and other keepsakes to be used at the various exhibitions we hold in libraries and other venues around Basildon. Giving talks to groups interested in their local history. Our Office and on-going displays are at the Green Centre, Wat Tyler Basildon Heritage meet most Mondays and Wednesdays 10am-1pm as well as Saturdays 11am-3:30pm.
I remember Paynters hill shop. In the mid 70s I used to walk over the golf course from Clay Hill Rd on the way back from school. There were relics of a building and a pond in the middle of the course. Would you have any insight into what it was? Thank you.
@@BasildonHeritage Ah. Thank you. I think I have seen pictures of it on your site. Which i have to say is fantastic. It’s funny how memories stay with you. It would have been winter 1974. I distinctly remember walking on the ice of the pond and then on the concrete slab, that still had tiles attached to it. Bitterly cold and in a jumble sale parka that was way too small. Side note in 1982(?) I helped build Wat Tyler park , clearing the shrubs to make what now are the walks. I’ll be back in Basildon in October and look forward to coming past. (Live in Sydney) Thank you for the reply.
@@gaillaffer7579 it would be wonderful to see you and we are always looking to add more memories to our collection so if you would ever like to share more please do get in touch!
A lovely video. Thank you. I grew up in Basildon and remember this tunnel well. Great to find out that it actually has a name! As children we used to use this as a shortcut and it was often flooded with water. No paved footpath then. I remember it having some stepping stones and then a very narrow concrete path. In the spring it was not unusual to find palmate and great crested newts in the tunnel. The fields there at the time were a haven for wildlife. Alas no more. The only buildings in the fields in those days were a few abandoned and derelict plotlands cottages.
Wow I didn’t know that. I lived a stones throw from it from 1973 till 92. Kind of explains why it was always flooding and full of rubble. No paving and It wasn’t lit either, going through at night was always challenging and to be honest a bit scary especially going into the field, again no path or lights till late 80s if I’m remembering correctly. Thank you for the post.
Nice to see that at last the council is taking action to improve the city centre. Eastgate is virtually finished and Westgate is work in progress. Now, if the council can get rid of the unwanted migrants it might become a place worth living in.
I remember going to my nans house in Pitsea about 55 years ago. We lived in Eastham and it was like going to the countryside. She had a small cottage in the middle of a huge garden back then
So much of my formative years has gone. Swimming pool, Woodlands school (original) and youth club, Roundacre, the Barge, the Bull , market ,and others changed beyond recognition. Still have the Owl and Pussycat and Castlemayne, for now. I’m not sure if these tower blocks are a good idea. Could regenerate the town if planned correctly but judging by other projects seems unlikely.
