My life on Canvey 1948 to 1970 by Eddie Terry
CANVEY AS I REMEMBER IT - EPISODE Ten

"The reason why we went off the Island for our clobber was because there was no decent men’s outfitters on the Island the only one being Rogers (who I think was located near Cockle Jacks) who stocked things like flannel jackets and formal shirts and catered for the conservative type of clientele so we bought our accessories in Southend and our 'Whistles' from Maxie."

Southend-on-Sea

"Then a good thing happened on the Island, about the mid fifties a new men’s outfitters moved on the Island namely Alf Harley and Sons (I think they also had a shop in London) they had some good and in fashion clothes so we bought most of our gear at Alf’s, whose shop was located in Furtherwick Road between Lionel Road and Vaagen Road, (I think) but still bought our suits from Maxie."

Terry P & "Stiff Collar" George

"The suits used to cost 25 guineas and the Crombie overcoats 21 Guineas and considering we were earning about 7 quid a week they were very expensive. When I tell my sons and grandsons that I spent 3 and a half weeks full wages buying a suit they did not believe me and thought I was a few sandwiches short of a picnic."

Reggie S, Dave S, Chris H, Jackie W, George B, Dave H, Gilly, Vic P & Tony M

"One big difference I notice now is the style of walking, we walked with a spring in our step, backs upright, (this could have been due to our National Service training) even the odd skip and jump but the present day youth seem to drag their feet along and look towards the ground, (maybe that,s because of all the piercings they have in their heads and it's weighing them down LOL)"

Canvey Sea Front