The first picture shows Orleans Corner. At this time, the wall is still intact and the Coach House has yet to be converted to a home for Frank Ashworth. These days, the house does not look greatly different from the road, but it has lost its turret.

To the left of the Orleans Coach House, my Dad and I are yet to do the brickwork for the lower level of the new house for Gordon Symes. The house has since been much extended. Note the original street lamp to the left of the picture.

In the distance is Garden Cottage, built for the Orleans Gardener. His greenhouses were behind the brick wall between the Coach House and the Cottage. They were replaced with a new house, Kings Hard, in the 1960s and are now being replaced again with a new dwelling.

The second image shows the houseboat Seahorse which looks to be in its original condition. She has since been broken up and cleared away but her ornate bow boards have been lovingly restored by David Green and are on display in our Museum. Her propeller is in the Museum yard.

In this picture, Underwood's Garage sports four petrol pumps giving the choice of four different brands. Left to right we have Power petrol a low octane fuel we used for our cement mixer etc. If put in your car it made the engine 'Pink' when accelerating. Next Shell with ICA (Ignition Control Additive), then BP Super and the last National Benzole which no longer exists. It had started as benzole produced from coal shale but over the years was gradually blended with more petrol.
When I had my first car in 1961 I used to take my parents out for a Sunday afternoon drive. I used to call in, get four gallons and get change from a pound note - and I would be served by an attendant. I was earning about £11 a week as a bricklayer.

Article published in Mersea Life January 2025