Irene Bailey (nee Woodhouse) writes...
"Although I left Canvey 50 years ago when I married, whenever
we travel that way, I still feel that I am going home. Seeing the newspaper
cutting photograph of Stanley Edwards and his dog Rufus, brought back
so many memories. Stanley's dad Arthur was a fireman and the family
lived opposite us in Meynell Avenue. Arthur had been called out that
evening but managed to get word back to his wife Ivy telling her to
get herself and the four children to other family of theirs in our road.
This wasn't possible as the sea was already coming down our road, but
Ivy, Norma, Mavis, Sonia, Stanley and the dog were able to get to us.
Luckily, the attic of our bungalow had been made into a bedroom, where
my two brothers slept, so we were all able to get into that room.
It was so frightening looking down into the hallway and wondering when
or if the water was going to stop rising. When we looked out of the
bedroom window, there was no garden, just the sea.
We were so fortunate that the tide eventually turned and the next morning
we were all taken by rowing boat to the top of Meynell Avenue and transferred
onto army lorries for the drive off Canvey and to safety.
One of the ladies that died that night was Gertrude Williams who was
our pianist, when I attended "Georgette's Juveniles" dancing
school. She was a lovely lady.
Stan Edwards (seen in clipping) replies... "Hello Irene.
I had an e-mail from Carol a short time ago saying that a press cutting
from the Floods gave my correct name as Stanley. The one I have states
that I am Shirley!!! and her dog Rufus. Mum told me many years ago that
the reporter got my name mixed up with my cousin Shirley (CAROL YOU
CANT TAKE THE MICK ANY MORE IT'S OUT IN THE
OPEN FOR EVERYBODY TO READ), anyway I do read these pages from time
to time and saw the pictures Dave has posted of the floods (Keep up
the good work Dave and Geoff) and then read your item regarding the
night of the floods. As you say it brings back memories not that I remember
much I was only four years old at the time, but I remember being woken
up and hearing the water I remember being carried over the road over
a shoulder I know not
who's and as we left the house, the record played floating with a list
to one side I think it sank, the water looked so dark and cold, I dont
seem to remember anything about being in your attic Irene, My next memory
was being pushed through the water in a pram and seening dead goldfish
float passed, I think we then went to a school in Benfleet and from
there to relatives in London for a while.
I don't remember going back to No 7 Meynell, I think it was condemed
after the floods we moved into the council estate near Jones Stores,
West Crescent at first, then into North Ave where I spent most of my
youth untill I was 16 and all my elder sisters had moved on we moved
to Tilberg Road behined the Council Offices. I later joined the Police
and one of your brothers was a Sergeant I believe. I dont remember Madam
Blackford myself but my siter Norma who would have been 16 at the time
of the floods tells some funny stories, like she used to replace our
milk with bottles of stout with a note saying they were for the airman,
or she use to leave boots on the doorstep to be cleaned.
Anyway cant rattle on forever work is calling. All the very best to
all who read these pages..... Stan Edwards.
P.S..
Does anybody out there know that the picture in the paper was painted,
I assume by a well known artist of the time, my dad, myself and Rufus
attended a gallery in London and photos were taken of the event the
picture was then hung in a gallery. I would like to find the painting
but to date all efforts have proved negative.
Can anybody out there help??????????" - email the site please
