Leigh and Southend early 1960s

[@rogernorman2621]

Could not believe this! The speed boat shown zooming around is actually me when I was 15 years old! I had just started my apprenticeship in London and was saving up for a car but as that was 2 years away I fancied a boat instead and my Dad lent me the money. It was a little 11ft. Hamlet Light Craft built at Westcliff on Sea . It was powered by a 6 hp Perkins which I later changed to a Bundy Italian outboard of 30 hp. Grossly over powered but a lot of fun. In those days there were very few speed boats around let alone owned by a fifteen year old! I remember not being in great favour with the local yacht clubs for ‘churning’ up their water. I also remember being chased on many occasions by the Southend Council yellow patrol boat which could not keep up with me! I could go under the pier but they had to go around it which enabled me to lead them on a merry old chase. Great times!

[@johncharles6802]

Amazing that you spotted that...

[@keithwelton]

I well remember Old Leigh and Southend Pier, had a couple of trips on the Medway Queen to Herne Bay.

[@tmog1000]

Hey. Thnx for this. Brought back a few memories of the cockle sheds and the Medway Queen. I was hoping that there may be a clip of one of the Eagle steamers but sadly not