Growing up in Tilbury

1940's to 1970's

School

I attended St. Mary’s Catholic Junior School. (See photo from Elaine Templeman)

I have fond memories of this school. I can still remember most of the names of people in the photograph. I also remember Sister Margaret Mary, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Fisher. And who was the nun who threatened us with  “there will be wigs on the green”?)

I remember Tony Harley, Charlie Lawrence, Chris Blythe, Mickey Spindley, and more.

I am told that I was taken by my parents, (and several thousand other people) to watch Tilbury FC play Notts Co. in the FA Cup, but I can’t claim to remember much about the trip.

I attended Aveley Tech after St. Mary’s, together with several other Tilbury people, including my brother.

Football

Together with some friends, I used to watch Tilbury FC occasionally, and remember having some good times in the main club, and the one under the Stand. It was run by Nobby Ashdown.

I also played local football in the Thurrock Thameside Combination on Saturdays, and also for the Railway Club on Sundays. Basically I was a substitute, but, being Sunday morning football, at least one of the “stars” could not make it due to a little over-indulgence on Saturday, so I became quite a frequent player. The team was managed by Buddy Goyette. What a gentleman. Great memories. The highlight of the season was playing in the cup final against Chadwell Club in Tilbury’s ground.

Social Life

This revolved around the Football Club, the Tute, and the Railway Club. Saturday and Sunday nights were usually at the Tute, where they normally had a group on. Good times. Again, I remember too many people to name here.

I left Tilbury in the 1970’s to work overseas. I still spend most of my time in South East Asia and the Middle East.I retired a few yeas age, but I am still engaged in some consultancy work.

I would be please to hear from anybody who knows me from my time in Tilbury, and who might refresh my memory with happenings and events that I may have forgotten.

 

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  • Hi billy Leggit I remember you well and all the mischief we used to get up to , spent a lot of time playing football as well , hope your ok mate , regards pat Ely

    By Pat Ely (06/12/2021)
  • I was born in dickens Ave in 1959. I went to St Mary’s school where from 1964/1970 and went on to St cedds in South ockenden. Headmaster at St Mary’s, Mr Fitzgerald often gave me 6 of the cane. Then there was sister margeret Mary, who always pulled my sideburns if I didn’t eat my greens(lol). Remember, Patrick Ely, Joe Farr, David and John walker, Maria brand, cathline and Glenda sprigs, Dennis and malcome Morgan. And of course all the Tilbury skins. Moved away from Tilbury in 1974. I am now 60 and a big hammers fan. ⚒️

    By William leggett (16/08/2019)
  • Hi Chris do you remember sister Brendon i think st Francis would be the one you are thinking of about wigs on the green we got sent to her for the cane sometimes and always got four lashes two for being sent there and two for disrupting her class we also went to her for music other teachers I remember was sid side for woodwork Mr harty who was headmaster we had him for science paddy boulger Mrs ocane and I think her sister taught the infants 

    By David Good (07/02/2016)
  • Hi Chris I went to St Mary’s from 1956 till I left in 1960 Charlie Lawrence is my cousin I remember the name Micky spindley i seem to rember a chris vinsent unless i have the vinsent wrong and wonder if it is you 

    By David good (03/02/2016)
  • Cheryl,did you used to live in Crouch Road Chadwell and have a brother Tommy I lived there in the 50s/60s

    By David Seaman (24/01/2016)
  • I spelt my single name wrongly, it should be MERCHANT

    By cheryl spindley nee merchant (20/01/2016)
  • i Chris I have been married to Mick Spindley for the last 48 yrs. Just a bit of information

    By cheryl spindley nee mrtchant (18/01/2016)
  • Pat,

     

    Yes. I remember now. Thanks for that.

     

    Chris Vinson

     

    By Chris Vinson (11/03/2015)
  • Librarian’s name was Miss Bush.

    By Pat Davies nee Beven (10/03/2015)
  • When I was in Junior School at St. Mary’s, I can remember going to Tilbury library after school, I think on Mondays, where one of the librarian women held a “story time” where she read to the children who attended. Does anybody remember this, and what was the librarian’s name?

    Chris Vinson

    By Chris Vinson (11/02/2015)
  • Hallo Duncan. Are you any relation to Donald Grant?

     

    Regards,

     

    Chris Vinson

    By Chris Vinson (10/02/2015)
  • I lived in Milton Gardens off Feenan Highway.  I went  to Palmers Boys College until 1950.  I was one of Alf Orman’s newspaper boys and my round covered much of old Tilbury, down to The Broadway and Dock Road and finished up at the St John’s vicarage.. Perhaps I delivered your papers and the Gazette on Friday.  My brother Geoff sold the Evenng News outside the dock gate above Tilbury Town station.

    By Duncan Grant (06/02/2015)
  • Andy,

    Accepted already.

     

    Chris Vinson

    By Chris Vinson (05/02/2015)
  • Hi Chris have sent friend request on F/B

    By andy reynolds (04/02/2015)
  • Hi Andy,

    Yes, I am on Facebook.

    I live in Dubai most of the time, but also in Indonesia. I am doing some work in both places. 

    When I am in UK, I live in Walton on naze.

     

    Regards,

     

    Chris V

    By Chris Vinson (03/02/2015)
  • Hi Chris where are you living these days? are you on face book?

    By andy reynolds (02/02/2015)
  • Hallo Andy,

    Yes. If my memory serves me corrrectly, I was in the Royal Navy at the time. We went out several times while I was on leave. When I went back from leave, I got a letter saying she was going out with her former boyfriend. Never heard from her again. Any idea who the boyfriend was??????

    By the way, I remember you and your brother Les from the old days. Also, I am still friends with Malcolm Clark, who I believe you used to work with on the Council.

    Hope your are keeping well these days. Good to hear from you.

     

    Regards,

     

    Chris Vinson 

    By Chris Vinson (01/02/2015)
  • Hi Chris, didn’t you used to go out with a girl named Julie Boosey from William st in the 1960s

    By andy reynolds (30/01/2015)

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