Bob Bowyer's Memories of Love Lane School, Rayleigh
"I attended Love Lane School in Rayleigh from 1955 to 1957/58.
My family had moved out from Highams Park to a new bungalow in
Mortimer Road, Rayleigh. Mortimer Road was unmade and full of potholes. At the end, up by the railway line, was an area where the road widened where the mobile grocer's van, the pig bin man and the ice cream van used to park.
Mr Boddington was the Headteacher and my first class teacher was Miss Goodwin. I can still remember screaming as my mother retreated down the corridor, leaving me in the capable care of Miss Goodwin. Later I was in Mr Edwards' and Mr Lees' classes. The latter, I seem to remember, usually wore a blazer and had a military presence.
I do remember buying "bricks" to build the swimming pool (pieces of card), and there was a "golden brick" if you donated enough. I don't think my parents had enough money to buy one! I moved to Earl's Hall Junior School in Westcliff when I was about 8, so missed the finished creation.
What fascinates me most now, partly because of my involvement in education all my working life, is Thundersley. From the second year, every day we were bussed out to somewhere in Thundersley. I recall the place was rather like a disused army camp (but bear in mind this is the recollection of a six-year old). I would love to know where it was, and the background behind the bussing of students. I assume that the school became overcrowded due to overspill population from London.
I would welcome any information or better still a photograph."