Memories of Bishop Lane in the Early Years by David Wood

Before being constructed the area now known as Bishop Lane and the old people’s bungalows adjacent to it was nothing more than an overgrown wasteland with the recreation ground on one side and a rough dirt track known by locals as ‘The Donkey Path’ running down the other side. A row of old dwellings named Gore Bank Cottages (originally known as Seager’s Cottages, constructed in 1882) stretched along Chaffes Lane to the recreation ground on the same side. These were demolished to make way for Bishop Lane and the new houses.

Constructed in 1964/65 during a period of new housing expansion in the village, Bishop Lane which has twenty three houses and is named after well-known Upchurch organiser and parish councillor Cecil Bishop, came into existence and has flourished with a close knit community.

Two main types of houses were constructed on the site, with either two or three bedrooms. An outhouse is attached to the side of each house. Initially, the houses were council properties but most of these were sold off and became privately owned.

Some of the early residents were well known in the village because of their involvement in different organisations or clubs. Alan Bissell who lived with his wife Phyllis at number 21 had served in the Gordon Highlanders during World War Two and gained fame as a goalkeeper with Upchurch Football Club during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Jim Martin who worked as a Redlands lorry driver became a very successful bowler with Lower Halstow Cricket Club during the 1960s and Doug Sellen who lived with his wife Gladys at number 7 became a leading darts player for The Crown in the local darts league. Dave Bronger who lived with his mother at number 9 performed as a well-known local football referee, while his mother Annie, a very talkative and jolly woman, belonged to several village organisations which included the WRVS, the Darby & Joan Club and The Women’s Institute. She also served on the Carnival Committee and regularly appeared on carnival floats and in the carnival fancy dress parade. She also did seasonal work on local farms. As her elder son John said, “Mum was in everything.”

Annie Bronger and former brickfield worker Charlie Clark were two well-known characters at Bishop Lane in the early days. These are sadly long gone but Neville and Betty Wildish, Joan Bunting and Janet Gilbert are some of the original residents still living in the lane. Janet Gilbert says,

“The relationship between the residents has always been very good, particularly in the early days when everyone knew each other. We were like one big family. We looked after each other’s children. Many of the children played on the recreation ground and I used to go fruit picking with Iris Martin, Joan Bunting and Pat Friend. Residents designed and entered a decorated float in the village carnival. I remember we did St Trinian’s one year. A lot of younger people have moved in but Bishop Lane is still a very quiet and friendly place to live.”

Bishop Lane continues to thrive with its community of long term and more recent residents.

About David

David Wood was born, raised and still lives in Upchurch today. He is able to write from personal experience about village life and the changes that have taken place over the years, making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and detailed historical study of the village.

David's book, ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David at: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters.

Price £12 + £3.50 postage and packing.

David Wood

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