Whybridge Tree

A Memory of South Hornchurch.

I hope you can see my entry as the most recent memory is a few years ago. I found this site by accident as I was searching for information regarding Blacksmiths Lane and Whybridge School.
I was born in 1957 and also attended Whybridge as did my two elder sisters. I still have my very first school photograph taken in the school garden at the rear of the caretaker’s house, now long sold off. My Mother, who together with her six elder siblings was born at the Cherry Tree in 1927 also attended Whybridge. I saw one entry above, forgive me but I can’t recall by whom but my sister Janet was also in The Pirates of Penzance school production! All three of us went on to Britons. I remember a lot of the teachers mentioned; Mr Davis, the Whybridge headmaster, the Custards etc.. Mr Godard, the Britons Headteacher and a local Magistrate who caned me on numerous occasions for my misdemeanours. Mr Webb who scared the s**t out of the toughest of boys. Mr Gibbs the ex army Lt Colonel and Service Padre and many more; I can STILL see their faces as though it was yesterday.
I could go on and on with my reminiscences but I will now get to the point of my original search. I have just heard from an old school friend that the large old tree outside of Whybridge School has been cut down. I don’t know when this was but even after all these years I was devastated and I can’t find out why. That tree was established when my mum went to Whybridge. Whybridge will NEVER be the same.
Ed Stride

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