Memories of Billericay
From an Expat in the Netherlands
By Pieter Shaw
I came across this site completely by chance today and have enjoyed reading many of the contributions. I was born in Billericay and lived on the corner of Mill Road next to the King’s Head pub.
I have memories of South Green School, not particularly happy ones and then on to Billericay Comprehensive as it then was. My time there was not particularly inspiring either apart from the music department of which I have many happy memories. My love of music and music making stays with me to this day.
I left senior school in 1975 and went on the retake my A levels at Chelmsford technical college and then got a place at the University of Portsmouth to read pharmacy. I graduated in 1980 and then registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society as a pharmacist in 1981. Much of my career was based at Whipps Cross Hospital in London E11 where I eventually ended up as chief pharmacist. Following post grad study I gained a position as a part time fellow and reader in Pharmacology and Therapeutics at London University and also at the Rijksuniverstiteit Groningen in the Netherlands.
I moved to the Netherlands many years ago and now live in a leafy town in the centre of the country, in many ways similar to Billericay! I retired in 2018, It’s possible to retire a bit earlier here compared to the UK, I will be 66 in September. I now have the time to enjoy the things that I didn’t have the time to do whilst working.
My mum is still alive and lives in the same house where I grew up so I visit her quite regularly and a walk around the neighbourhood always provokes memories of my childhood. My last visit involved a walk along Coxes Farm Road and Outwood Farm Road leading on to South Green, goodness, many things have changed but reassuringly, quite a few have not. Billericay itself is busy and seems to be nothing but coffee shops these days! A far cry from the Billericay I remember from my early years.
I suspect that the folks I knew have left the area but if anyone does remember me then do get in touch, it would be great to hear from you.
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I actually started my studies in 1980, and am 62 this year, so a small difference in age.
Sadly, Terry died from kidney problems in 2021. Kevin and Elaine both remember you well and your house on the corner (“Slices Gate”?)
I’m sure your mother must be the only remaining resident from that time. I’m still in contact with Irene, who lived next to the Carter’s old house. She still keeps me updated on people and places we used to know.
I have been out of the UK for many years now, firstly in Spain, then Mexico, and then back to Barcelona Spain, where I’ve been living for over 20 years now.
Still have memories of those days in South Green, not always very fond, but definitely some pleasurable ones.
Hi Stephen, I do indeed remember you very well, I even remember catching a glimpse of you in Portsmouth when we were both studying there. You were a year or so behind me if I recall correctly.
I knew that you parents had passed away as has Rene Hoskins.
My sister Katie now lives in Manchester but we are in regular contact. I remember both Elaine and Kevin but perhaps one of my earliest recollections was of your older brother Terry.
My mum is still living in Mill Road so I do come over to see her regularly. I do wonder if mum is the oldest resident in the street!
I gather from your message that you don’t live in Billericay anymore. Thanks for getting in touch.
Hi Pieter, I remember you well. I even have a photograph with you after having organised a fancy dress competition in the early 70’s, and there was even a story in the local newspaper about it as money was collected for the blind association if I recall correctly.
I lived next door to the Eric and Rene Hoskins with my siblings Kevin and Elaine, and hung around with the Phillips, Lemons, Adrian Sheath, plus the Hoskins nieces.
Looks like you had a similar educational path as me. I stayed on at Billericay secondary school to finish lower 6th, after which I went to Chelmsford college for two years, and then to the University of Portsmouth (studied civil engineering).
Both my parents died in 2019 at the age of 98, so I used to visit Billericay a lot, but have no real need to go back. I still enjoy a pint in the King’s Head opposite your house when I do go back.
I remember your parents well, and your sister Katy, not sure if you remember me though as it was eons ago.
Hi Andrew, I remember you too. We were at junior school together. If I remember correctly you had an older brother. I think you lived at the top end of Ganels Road. If I recall correctly there were several other classmates who were your neighbours, I think John Elms and Sonia Patrick and also two sisters, Christine and Jennifer Flack? I suspect these people have all moved away. Back in the late 90s I did occasionally stand in as the pharmacist at the chemist’s on South Green which is now Day Lewis? Quite a few of the regular patients were familiar to me.
Thanks for the comment and I hope you are keeping well.
I remember you Peter, I lived in Ganels Road and still do. I have not moved away at all and have seen many changes in the area not many for the better, regrettable. There are not many old faces left in the area now sadly.
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