Pitsea Market

A bit of nostalgia . Photos from the Pitsea group on FB. Fond memories of this old market when we first moved to Basildon back in the early 50's when the villages such as Pitsea and Vange were still quaint with old houses, shops and some rustic architecture. All since bulldozed to make way for hideous flyovers, housing estates and shopping malls. My favourite stalls on the market were the record stall that sold ex-juke box 45's ( with the centre missing ) all piled in a heap. Three for a shilling or some ridiculous price. Discovered such gems as Gary U.S. Bonds "Quarter To Three" and Lonnie Donegan singles I'd faintly heard on Radio Luxembourg - the only pop station in those days - the BBC was a mostly MOR and classical only station comprising the Home Service and the Light programme. The other stall was dedicated to old comics which were also cheap and plentiful. Alf the Market Man sold bundles of household goods at knock down prices - he had the patter and gathered a big crowd who waved 10 bob notes in the air for his minions to collect and hand out bags of "treasure" which turned out to be brillo pads and bleach etc. Exciting stuff back in the 50s and early 60's ! The market was eventually bulldoezed to make way for a vile road system and the market temporarily housed in some sci-fi like domes seen HERE in this lovely old film.