Talk of the Towns - Braintree

[@ivangilbert5991]

My earliest memories of Braintree were living next door to the Swan Hotel on Bank Street. The shops underneath our dwelling were Smith's fish and chip shop, Rosemary Cafe, and the tobacconist who sold the most delectable chocolate peppermint creams. The building we called home was demolished mid-fifties to make way for a big ugly 50's brick building, which I suppose is still there. Thankfully I didn't see it, only photographs, as we left Braintree for New Zealand in 1953, where I still live. Can't speak for Braintree of today, but post-war Braintree has a big place in my heart, especially the surrounding woodlands, also now gone. (Wendy Gilbert nee Smith, Ivan is my husband).

[@steveshydroponics]

Back in 1979 when my wife and I first moved to Braintree all the way from Canada we fell in love with the place. The biggest shop apart from Tesco was Woolies. Back then most of the small shops still existed and the atmosphere during market day was amazing. We used to get into town very early just as most traders were opening their doors. Do you recall the days when Bowtell's was still trading...the smell of roasting coffee beans spreading through the center of the town?

[@ajadrew]

Hi Dave! And I used to come to your house in Blackmore End To see you & Carol...;-)))

[@rosalindannwebb685]

I used to live in Braintree back in the early nortys I used to work as a volunteer at pound end mill at prospects it was a nice little community I remember the bus station and the marvellous library being there Freeport being a nice place to shop when mum and dad were both alive back in the day. My brother still lives there now. My sister lives in Leighton buzzard I live in Clacton on sea one brother lives in bishops stortford my eldest brother lives in South Wales. Have a nice day all. I recommend Braintree as a place to visit . Free port and the town being very pleasant there’s phillers and pasha there nice cafes for a meal. And there’s plenty of restaurants at Freeport near the cinema and swimming pool.

[@kingpriapatius5832]

Beautiful town and people.

[@JohnJackson-px5vv]

Thanks cate 👍

[@JohnJackson-px5vv]

Can anyone remember Hedley Victor Norfolk's record shop opposite the old post office...is it still there?

[@ajadrew]

It's not there & I don't remember it so that's over 30 yrs ago I think?

[@catem3102]

I remember it John. Don't think it's been there since the early to mid 70s.

[@redrebel4540]

Lived in Braintree since 1988.Its changed a lot an none of it for the better!

[@thebigredwagon]

Lol it’s true.

[@gh-vi9tk]

Was lovely in the 70's but started going downhill in the mid to late 80's. The town has been ruined. I must say though, most of my happy and sad memories were made there.

[@Kafna]

Cool

[@km4944]

They would be a bit more happy with the shops if they went to a place called Freeport ?

[@crliewtsn]

Was thinking that lol