The Stuff We Can't Fit In Somewhere Else in Leigh on Sea, Essex*

The things which can't be categorised

You can tell us more about Leigh on Sea.

• Born in Eastwood during WW2, bombs still going off, anti-aircraft battery 100yds. away firing allnight, no wonder I'm disturbed.Leigh elementary school then Belfairs Sec.Mod.Expelled at 15 for taking most of class swimming out at the Ray during school hours.Hanging around Bell Wharf, first gropings with girls in shelters up above Lady Celeste.Working aboard m.vMerlin with Capt.Eddie, drinking in Smack.Make-out parties at St.Clements rectory (went to school with Mike Head, s0n of Rev.Head)Building instant slum houses for Wiggins.Working on water-slide at Kursaal, selling hot dogs with Rob the bass player from Procul Harem.Shop-lifting & drinking scrumpy with Vic Stanshall of Bonzo Dog.Building bridges in Lancashire,Scotland.Riding Vespa Gs with mods in Brighton. Surfing then running surf shop in Newquay Cornwall.Surfing & working in Durban S.Africa, worked way back on freighter as junior engineer officer, jumped ship in Hull.Train to Chelsea for summer of love, living in S.Kensington.Trip to Canada with Tina, 3000mile bus ride to Vancouver, never left. Now playing stock market & sailing Hobi-cats. Was back in Leigh 2 years ago, the fact that it had not changed much wa great.Would love to spend some time there again. Was sad to see Wesley boy scout troop was defunct.They did a lot for me, a shy,poor kid. Nice to think that the old village has been there since before Domesday Book & it will continue.
• I lived in Leigh from 1958 to 1969.Memories:- the freedom to wander about without being afraid of being attacked , molested etc. Wandering about Leigh marshes for hours.Sailing off the Crooked billet.Going to Westleigh Junior school and its traumas. The sea being frozen over in 1965. I wne tbackm in about 1998 and it was not the place I remember. Gone was the quaintness and charm. Replaced by a Wimpey bar, litter, unfreindly hoteliers and so on. Bring back the old days when you coud go out to "The Ray" for a days swimming and feel safe. Perhaps I am just getting old! Cheers. Nick P.
• Clinical Hypnotherapy helps if you are stressed or suffering panic attacks. It helps with wiehgt-loss and stopping smoking too. Try Alan Crisp Clinical Hypnotherapists at www.hypnoseek.com in Leigh on Sea
• Overall...Its not too bad and def worth a look if youve never been
• Leigh-on-Sea is in the Doomsday book. The town was originally called Leagra
• Really great linen shop called Linen and Lace literally can cater for your every need and are really reasonably priced
• I think you mean Eastwood council estates and yes, they are gross.
• I grew up in Leigh on Sea and moved away to Canada as soon as the opportunity arose. Can't say I miss the place in the slightest. Yeah, the "olde worlde" cocklesheds are nice and Leigh Broadway's unique little shops and those cobbled hills leading down - but that's about all it's got. Oh, and not forgetting the event of the year, that Regatta effort thing with greasy pole and mud wrestling and such like. All I really remember is the posers and people who were so up on themselves with bad attitudes, the yobby Southend United supporter lads, the terrible traffic jams everywhere, the pollution, council estates at West Leigh (?) and the scummy Southend (and East End) overspill.
• Re. The home of Essex Yatch Club "The Bembridge" has been there since the mid-1970's or so. Before that it was a craft called the "Lady Saville". This I know because I used to stagger home as a youth along the path by the boat p*ssed out my tiny mind from 8 pints of Watney's "spesh" sunk in the Smack Inn.
• at the top of Elm road there is the BEST 2nd hand book and record shop its called "records CDs and books" it's a very sweet shop stop off in there to get some cool records dead cheap ie Kraftwerk for just £4
• The Crow Stone I need to know more about this and/or the Port of London. SOunds boring, but it would make my life much easier if I just knew where on the web to find some info, a picture or sumfink…
• Rochford and district Syncronised swimming club is a great place to have a laugh, for girls aged 7-13 at West Leigh School Pool on thursdays 7:30-8:30 come along and find out about us
• Essex is the brunt of too many bad jokes. I'm from Long Island, New York, the real home of big-haired girls (though they're not named Tracey here). Look at all the great things leigh's got going for it. 1) You can see france from the parking lot of the smack. 2) everybody is related--this has got to be the most inbred town in England. My Leigh-born boyfriend's parents are cousins and nobody in the town has detached ear lobes. 3) mmm... those delicious cockles, alive alive-0. 4) St. Clement's--it is really lovely, and the plaque about the little boats is very moving--something I didn't know about 'till I read it. Jeez, it's amazing to picture a flotilla of Long Islanders going to connecticut at night to save Americans soldiers from the Nazi's. Anyway, I think Leigh's great. Now, I want to get to Basildon. I hear it's the best.
• I am writing as the community services officer of Leigh-on-Sea Round Table. January 24th, 1999 we will again be teaming up with the Southend Children’s Community Nursing Team, and will be throwing our 3rd annual Christmas party for the chronically sick and terminally ill children. At the Southend Leisure Centre; an event that has, stuck in the children’s minds for months afterwards and brought them much happiness. The purpose of this party is to give an afternoon of fun for the children, aged between 2 and 16 years, together with their brothers and sisters, who sometimes due to family circumstances are often left feeling a little forgotten. It is also a time for their parents to relax and enjoy their children enjoying themselves and to meet other parents in similar circumstances thus helping them to feel they are not alone. There are approximately 350 children to be catered for. Many of these children make Christmas and our party a milestone to aim for. From past experience, we know this year could be the last some of our children may see. Leigh-on-Sea Round Table now see it as their “crusade” to ensure that each and every child has a wonderful day to remember. As I have said above many of the children talk about the party for months afterwards which makes us feel we have been able to provide a worthwhile service to the community. This party as in previous years will be attended by Martin Day of ESSEX FM together with local and regional press, local MP's. and Dignitaries, and we are hopeful to gain some TV exposure this year. We try to have a variety of activities for the children such as shows from Mr. Blobby, Ronald McDonald, Punch & Judy, magician’s; etc., etc. All of, which have a considerable cost, which needs to be covered, however, as you can see from the featured photographs, the children are enthralled by the entertainment provided. Obviously, this party cannot take place without a great deal of personal and community commitment, and in this respect I am writing to enquire as to whether you are able to assist us in some way either in the form a donation or sponsorship of one of the many activities. Perhaps you may be able to provide an activity of your own, or even some give-aways for the children’s party bags. We would be truly grateful for any contributions received. Yours sincerely, Peter J. Taylor COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICER LEIGH-ON-SEA ROUND TABLE (909) WEB SITE http://www.manton-house.freeserve.co.uk
• Leigh on Sea, being a small village on the Thames Estuary, does have a fair amount of watersports activities. Along the forshore there are two sailing clubs, and a windsurfing club towards Chalkwell station. During the summer months there are plenty of boats and craft out sailing. Most of these boats sail from the "Essex Yacht Club" or from the "Leigh on Sea Sailing Club". Both of these clubs are renowned for their sailing activities and have a long history behind them. The L.S.C's club house is situated in the old railway station (on the London Fenchurch Street line). The station has now moved to the bottom of Belton Way where there is access to "Two Tree Island". The E.Y.C,which is actually situated on "Bembridge", an old pilot ship, has been there sice 1890 and recently celebrated its centenary. From the Leigh on Sea railway station there is access to Two Tree Island. This island has a model flying club and a nature reserve situated on it. From the island there is also access to Benfleet Creek via a long slipway. This area is used a lot by speedboat people, who tend to drive XR3is. The whole area around Leigh on Sea is very attractive in the summer when the tide is in and the boats are out. There is also a small beach area here which is quite pleasant.
• Locate St Clements Church and see the spinster's grave (died aged 114 in the 1600's), then walk down the steep path to the old-town. Walk to Leigh train station and the along Salvation Army land to Hadleigh Castle (quite a trek).

  More debate about the merits of Leigh on Sea in the entry for Southend

• My mother lives there. Been to visit a couple of times. Last time I shared a taxi from Leigh station with an attractive young lady. Got her number but try as I may couldn't get past her father on the phone. That was in '90. Still remember her name Natasha Yarman. Leigh is a depressing place. Isn't it where Ethel from Eastenders went to die? That basically sums it up. It has a couple of oldie worldie pubs worth dropping into but that's basically it. It also has the continuous stench of fish things. Avoid the place...
• I grew up in Leigh-on-Sea and left at 19 back in 77. I still have family in Westcliff-on-Sea, living in a flat right on the seafront. We have been trying to get them to move but they seem to like the place! Is the AcridRat (the Aristocrat) pub still open? I used to be a bar maid there years ago, millions of different real ales at millions of different prices! And non of those itemised till machines either. Another memorable place of my youth was the Thames Estuary Yacht Club, an old boat moored in concrete and great for dances. The condensation used to drip off the ceiling by midnight.
  The town was full of people "going down the market" for "a bargain", I remember feeling that it was the consumer capital of Essex which is going some! I went to Westcliff High School for girls 70-75, and then to Southend Tech from 75-77, roughly the dates are a bit blurred these days. When I go back now I catch myself thinking its quite nice which is very frightening I can tell you!
• I'm an American who first visited Leigh as a 16-year-old high school student visiting my pen pal (a beautiful, brown-haired girl named Penny.) Contrary to what locals might feel about this place (I think my hometown is no big deal just as they do!), I found it a wonderful place with Hadleigh Castle, the Thames Estuary and the convenient access to the trains into London. Since my first visit I've been back twice. The first time in '87 for my pen pal's brother's wedding, and then in '94 for Penny's wedding. I can say this much, all of the people I met in Leigh were friendly and very hospitable. My first visit, in particular, is one of my fondest memories of my teenage years. As far as music and Leigh go, I believe there was a band from that general area called The Records who had a brief stint of success. I happened to hear of them well in advance of my first visit and loved their music. I was quite surprised when I discovered my pen pal's father had been one of their teachers in school. I'm sure this story is boring as hell, but I appreciate the opportunity to reminisce a bit. P.S. To those who are tired of Leigh (as reflected in some of the previous notes) remember, the grass is always greener on the other side. Here in the states, we have our boredoms as well!
• The best thing about Leigh is still being able to appreciate it's lazy atmosphere and sanctity after 19 years of living there. That's what I might say when I'm in a good mood. Lately, every time I walk in to Leigh, the whole fucking place is full of crazies! You can't walk ten paces for fear of being approached by old weirdo women who claim to have known you since birth: they then call you by name, repeat everything weird that has ever happened to you, and generally freak you the fuck out. Apart from this, it's never done me any harm, and it's close to Southend which, apart from the hard-lad population, is a fucking banging place to live in.
• The "Leigh Times" newspaper is one of five fortnightly free papers run by the Leigh Times Newspaper Group in South East Essex. The paper carries a wide variety of local news stories and can be contacted at 34a The Broadway, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England Tel: (01702) 77666. Other papers in the series cover Southend, Rayleigh, Basildon and Canvey Island.
  A columnist for the "Leigh Times" is Ian Yearsley (1965-????), a local historian with a particular interest in Essex. Some of Ian's books are listed below.
  • "The Islands of Essex", July 1994, ISBN 0 86025 508 5, 6.95, published by Ian Henry Publications, 20 Park Drive, Romford, Essex, England, RM1 4LH. Tel: (01708) 749119. There are more islands in Essex than in any other county in England and this 120-page book gives details of the history, geography, human occupation, etc., etc. of over 30 islands - Canvey, Foulness and Mersea being the most well-known. The book includes numerous black and white photographs and is fully indexed.
  • "Dedham, Flatford and East Bergholt - A Pictorial History", September 1996, ISBN 1 86077 010 X, 12.95, published by Phillimore & Co Ltd, Shopwyke Manor Barn, Chichester, West Sussex, England, PO20 6BG, Tel: (01243) 787636; Fax: (01243) 787639. This is one of a series of pictorial histories about places in England. Dedham, Flatford and East Bergholt - on the Essex-Suffolk border - are particularly known for their associations with the artist John Constable (1776-1837). This heavily-illustrated book features 176 "nostalgia" photographs of the three settlements from c.1870-c.1960. A 5,000-word introduction gives background details to the development of the settlements. It is published in hardback format.
  • "Ingatestone & Fryerning", due out 1997, 6.95 approx., published by Ian Henry Publications, 20 Park Drive, Romford, Essex, England, RM1 4LH. Tel: (01708) 749119. A history of the author's home town of Ingatestone (in Essex) and the neighbouring village of Fryerning, with which it has been linked for centuries.
  • Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month Leigh on Sea Leos meet at the Ship Pub at Leigh on Sea. We are a youth organisation who organise alternative discos and events to raise money for charity organisations, anybody is invited 15-28 years of age. For further details contact Chris@moreair.demon.co.uk
  • The best thing is the excellent second hand bookshop in the Broadway - if it's still there. The worst thing is living there - I was very bored from '74 to '78, when I escaped. Too many middle aged, middle class conformists - I'd probably fit in well if I went back now!
  • I haven't noticed many crazy folk about, but maybe that's because I'm one of them. I've lived in and around Leigh for 65 years, and I have been all around the world, including New Zealand, the Far East, America, the Caribbean, Russia and Europe, but I still think Leigh is the best place to settle.
  • Leigh was my home for around five years, and what attracted me was the fact that so much of the riverfront was left unadorned, the place was generally well-kept and well-mannered, and I could live out my accumulated bad karma by travelling on the Fenchurch Street line every day.
  • The bestest of things about Leigh-on-Sea is that my girlfriend lives there, down Leigh Hill, opposite the graveyard, which is a cool place to sit and drink tea and be all mellow. The pubs are quite lively, too, although none of them really match up to my locals, the Fish and the Last Post in my native Sarfend. The worst thing has to be the smell down on the seafront on a warm day; yeurghhh!
  • We have been to Southend in the weekend of may 3 to 5. This was a Laurel and Hardy convention. May 5 we were at the southend pier unveiling the blue plaque. But there was a lady of the Leigh times and she made pictures of us. But we comming from Holland and did'nt see anything of that. Please can you give me the URL or the e-mail address of the Leigh Times. So I can ask for the information. Thanks. Cees Veldmeijer

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  Last updated: 2011-10-02