AIR AND HAIR

 We now head across country, over the top of Southend, to arrive at the town's airport. It was once the home of an Air Museum, which my late father visited a few times, when he took these photos.

I'm no expert on planes, though I know that the top one was used by the Flying Doctor (presumably Australian), while the other is a German one of WW2 vintage.

This Bristol SUL, ex Western National, was used for staff transport at Southend Airport.

Cnannel Coachways based vehicles at the airport, which were used on the service to Rochford station. 

Back in 1976 the regular performer on these duties was ex Doncaster AEC Reliance/Roe 27, seen at Rochford railway station.

Rochford station in November 2008, on the Shenfield to Southend Victoria line. It is no longer the railhead for Southend Airport, as a new station has been built there.

Just outside the railway station is the goods shed, now converted for other uses, one of which is to house the local CAMRA beer festival.

Recognise anyone?

Rochford is a pleasant market town. Here are a couple of old photos to prove it.

Some of Rochford's bus services are today run by Stephensons.

Haircut sir? John's will do just fine!

Now it's time to hit the hostelries of Rochford. First stop, the Anne Boleyn Hotel, seen a long time ago. It's now a "Hungry Horse".

Next stop, a pub called Blanchfield's, which has now been renamed as the Horse & Groom.

The King's Head, seen as a Shepherd Neame house, now closed.

Another of Rochford's lost pubs, the Old Ship.

So, it's time to move on, to Hawkwell. Are you following all this on a map? Here we have a fine boozer, the White Hart, where we'll finish this particular post.

Good night!