Rocheway College's Uncertain Past and Future

On 9th November 1959 MP for Essex, South East - Bernard Braine -stood up in the House of Commons and spoke about the "the serious lack of provision for secondary education in Rochford; and, secondly, the inadequacy of present proposals to remedy that situation in the future". (At the time, with a far smaller population than now, MPs' constituencies covered far greater areas - the future Sir Bernard Braine's stretching to Thundersley).

In Rochford the problem was due to the massive post war population explosion, it had doubled since 1945. At the time, Rochford's primary Secondary School was at what is now the Adult Education Centre in Rocheway and it had run out of space. The result was that around 600 children were being taught in the local British Legion Hall, The Congregation Church (which he described as a "slum school out of Dickens") and other temporary accommodation.  

The existing situation was made worse for the existing school, Bernard Braine explained, by the expanding Southend Airport; "every fifteen minutes of the school's working day an aircraft takes off or comes in directly over the school building, making teaching difficult and sometimes intolerable for both staff and pupils. I know this myself, because I have attempted to speak in the school at such a time with aircraft overhead."

He explained that the situation was likely to worsen due to the proposed increase in airport movements.  

A year earlier an extension to the school had been proposed to deal with the situation.  However, the Ministry of Transport decided that, with Southend Airport's intended expansion, it was inappropriate to site any expansion directly beneath the take off and landing path.

Bernard Braine's appeal to the Commons, therefore, was for a brand new school to cope with the existing and projected new numbers for the District.

Mr Kenneth Thompson, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education, responded that the build of what is now known as Greensward Academy was underway and, additionally, referred to the future King Edmund school by saying that "The local education authority is trying at the present time to complete negotiations for the acquisition of the Oxford Road site to which my hon. Friend referred. Negotiations are almost completed. There are only one or two minor details to finalise and that school will be in the building programme for 1960–61". And so it was. Parliament keeping its word...

In recent years, the old School has continued to play its role in the centre of the community as a centre for Adult Education, a Nursery school and HQ for a local football club.  Now, all that is under threat as Essex County Council has given notice that it is centralising Rochford area Adult Education provision to Rayleigh.  

As the future for the College hangs in the balance, while Essex CC and Rochford DC establish whether the College can still play a role serving Rochford, Mini Marvels, the pre-school nursery, and others, are considering their options.  It is surely ironic that the expensive and controversial Disability Essex Centre next door may have been an ideal tenant and precious green belt need not have been sacrificed.  The worst case scenario is that no further use is found and this attractive and historic building is put up for Auction by Essex County Council as an Asset no longer required.  But that is not the case as I write, discussions to secure its future continue, so let's hope for the best and watch this space!

UPDATE 22nd May 2014

The Centre will still have a role to play until, at least, the end of the year as "Mini Marvels" has secured an extension on its lease until that time.

UPDATE 29th February 2016

Rochford District Council are holding discussions about the future use of this site.  Unfortunately no information is likely to be made public until, or if, a planning application is formally made.

Managing Rochford's retail offering

It's sadly unrealistic to have expected that Rochford would have escaped the effects of economic stagnation. Like many other shopping centres across the country, the scars of a downturn in retail spending are all too evident.

Walking along many of the empty and boarded up shop fronts of West Street can make you feel wistful of "better times" in years gone by, but some retailers have struggled to earn a living in Rochford for many years.

What's to be done?

Planning permission has recently been granted to convert one of the former shops in West Street back to residential use. Perhaps this is part of an acceptance that there are too many shops for modern day Rochford and the retail space needs to shrink? A smaller and leaner offering, more closely focused around the Square may give shopkeepers a better chance to trade profitably and may in the longer term attract more visitors. How so? Less empty units and a closer match between supply and demand may reduce the risk of every spare unit being replaced by yet another charity shop, and will create a more attractive and diverse shopping and leisure environment. Already we are seeing the growth of the food and dining scene in Rochford. A new Italian restaurant opens at the bottom of West Street shortly and plans appear to be afoot to see the Conservative Club ("The Old Ship") reopen as a restaurant shortly.

I don't want to be too downbeat however. Living in Rochford, you have the luxury of still being able to buy most of what you need, and more, on your doorstep. There is often a queue outside the independent Butchers. There are gift shops, two Bakers, several places to grab a cup of tea and a piece of cake, two supermarkets, Newsagents, Chemist, several Beauticians and Hair Dressers, a dry cleaners, a Jewellers, a shop catering for those keen "divers" out there, and numerous others. (I haven't even mentioned the many pubs - another post) So, if you're reading this and thinking about whether to pay a visit or not, let me reassure you, you will not be disappointed. I just want it to be even better than it already is!

In the meantime, I wonder if some imagination could be used with the empty shops. Could, for example, the Council and the Landlords get together and arrange for some form of local artwork to be displayed. It's a scheme that's working well in many another areas.

When I walk down West Street, I want to marvel at the beautiful, historic architecture, not feel sad about yet another boarded up or grilled window, shielding broken glass.

Cherry Tree remains the perfect destination

A year ago Rochford was covered in snow, and The Cherry Tree was the perfect refuge against the winter elements, the ideal destination for a superb meal in warm, historic and friendly surroundings. This year, no snow, but "The Cherry Tree" continues in much the same tradition under new owners Amanda and Dan.

That said, it was explained to me that plans to broaden The Cherry Tree's appeal are afoot. More to follow in this regard, but anyone who is looking for the quintessential English Inn serving extremely high quality food in a comfortable environment will find the answer here.

Click on the title for a copy of their Christmas menu. They also have an a la carte menu and a decent wine list and are now open all day.

Contact number is 01702 544426.

Musings December 2011

Rochford looks set to begin 2012 by building on its burgeoning reputation as South East Essex's new dining and drinking destination.

"Alessandro's" at 64/66 West Street (previously "Arthy's") has applied for a drinks licence and looks set to open as an Italian wine bar/restaurant in January. More details to follow.

In the past six months or so we've seen The Rose Garden Restaurant open above The Miley in Union Lane, followed a month ago by Rochford's first bistro pub, The Grey Goose, and the latest venture,"Baroques" at the bottom of West Street looks virtually ready to open.

This boost to Rochford's night economy will be welcome by many, although there will be concerns about whether there is enough "money to go round" and the impact on Rochford's more established boozers. Judging by the sudden increase in parked up cars along East Street near The Grey Goose, it seems people are driving in from the surrounding area, which can only be good news.

Finally, Coombes Farm or "Land South of Stambridge Road" is currently all quiet. As I write, no planning application has been submitted but when it is, activity will commence. It's obvious the strength of feeling towards this housing scheme remains as strong as before so Iceni can rest assured that Rochford is ready and prepared!

Baroque - Another new bar. Discussion

I'd be interested in comments on the prospect of another Bar opening next month.

You may have noticed the rapid transformation of the old car showroom at the bottom of West Street into "Baroque" a bar/club that surely will be targeting the younger generation who have have, up to now, generally headed straight into Southend or Leigh for their entertainment.

They plan to open before christmas and are interviewing for new staff on Thursday, 24th November.

Will the Bar enrich Rochford's night economy? Provide an alternative from the existing pubs? Or do you think it may spread Rochford's already strained spending power too thinly? Or if you have any other comments, it would be good to get a healthy debate going.

Rochford's stylish new venue

We popped in to Rochford's newest drinking and eating venue last night and were very impressed. A modern, stylish bar with pleasant, smiling staff, and a restaurant area to the rear and on the first floor. The menu, with a daily specials board, offered a truly lip smacking range of European dishes covering all tastes.

The Owners explained that tea and coffee will always be readily available, a lunch menu will complement the evening menu, in all ensuring a busy destination throughout the day.

This really raises the "bar" for the Rochford area, and will definitely be a shot in the arm for the local economy. Whilst it's a venue in itself, I can also see the local Indian and Chinese Restaurants benefiting as visitors will choose "The Grey Goose" as the perfect Rendezvous point.

Their website (click on the title of this post to link) includes details of their lunch and dinner menu.

Rochford Square - traffic flow measures

Essex County Council has authorised a swap in exit and entry points to the Square to improve traffic flow in West Street. The measure will be accompanied by a beefing up of the "No Stopping Zones". Presumably, the aim is to reduce the frequent queuing of traffic, waiting for a parking space in the Square. Currently traffic is often blocked or restricted, in particular buses entering the Square, sometimes to such an extent that traffic flow along South/North and East Streets is affected.

Wasn't this the previous arrangement for entering and leaving the Square?

Anything that helps the situation must be welcome I guess, but if the present arrangement had simply been enforced, surely we wouldn't need any changes?

East Community Forum 18th October

I attended the first re-formatted Community Forum this week, an opportunity for Residents to learn more about what is happening in their area and meet their Councillors. There was also representation from local PCTs (primary care trusts) and the Police. Whilst the theme of the evening was "budgets" and the Leader of the Council, Terry Cutmore, invited questions from the audience on any aspects of the Council's spending plans, he also made it clear that questions on any subject were welcome.

In their previous incarnation, the Community Forums were arranged formally, such that the Councillors sat behind a row of tables, and questions ideally needed to be submitted prior to the meeting.

Whilst "special guest" attendees from the PCTs, and the Police, joined the Leader and Chief Executive of the Council at the top table, the local District and Parish Councillors sat with the residents. More importantly, questions could be raised at the meeting, and the intention was to answer them, as far as possible, there and then.

Funnily enough, no questions were raised about the Council's budgets. I guess, unsurprisingly, no one has studied the budgets in detail or no one present was affected by the consequences of some of the cut backs. Maybe when the West Community Forum takes place, residents from Great Wakering may have a thing or two to say about the closure of the Sports Centre for example.

Policing, however, was a popular subject.

Questions were raised about anti social behaviour in Hockley, in particular the nuisance caused by members of one family. It was interesting to note that the Police appeared to be well aware of the situation and visited the family daily to "harrass" them, at the same time gathering evidence. The Hockley Councillor advised that an eviction order was imminent.

Parking issues also caused the temperature in the room to rise significantly, in particular selfish parking where pavements are partially blocked. The Police advised that they generally only got involved if the offender's parking was dangerous, the vehicle potentially blocking ambulance access or parking on a blind corner. Otherwise, it is usually a Council matter.

In Rochford, concerns were raised by the imminent departure of a popular PC, Stuart Goldsack, who has helped reduce incidents of anti social behaviour in the Square by positively engaging with the youngsters responsible. We were told that Stuart's replacement has already been appointed by a volunteer for the role, and we were assured he was of a similar calibre.

Moving away from Policing, Tracey Chapman, Essex County Council Head of Transport, responded to a question on pot holes. She explained that they are graded according to severity, the most serious gaining the most urgent attention whilst those causing the least problems may be left until their condition deteriorated to the next grade level.

Representatives from the PCTs had a fairly quiet night. Questions were raised about Southend Hospital's new electronic "check in" system and we were assured that improvements had already taken place plus more staff had been made available to offer help.

I asked about an increase in noise and pollution from Purdeys Industrial Estate. Litter covers the footpath from Watts Lane to Stambridge Mill, apparently straying over from Purdeys. The noise levels seem to have increased recently, from a number of sources. The Council's paid Chief Excutive, Paul Warren, said he would investigate.

No questions were asked about the Council's plans for the future - its core strategy, improvements (or changes depending on how you see it) to the Square, Southend Airport, etc. Still, there will be an opportunity at the next Forum in the New Year.

Finally, news of the forum was delivered to every household in the District through the "Rochford Matters" newspaper. Further, it has been highlighted on the Council's website. I found it to be a very interesting event, and something I understand the Council is not required to hold.

So sad then that only approx 12 residents turned up on the night.

Do we not care about our District?

Rose Garden Restaurant - Fine Dining comes to Rochford

Sumptuous food, fine wine, super surroundings - not normally a description you would instantly associate with Rochford's dining options. But for those of us who feel that our area has been left off the food map, a new arrival may just be the emphatic answer to our prayers. Although The Rose Garden, located above "The Miley" in Union Lane (click on title of post for link to website) is not strictly a new restuarant, rather it has relocated from Hockley after protracted planning battles. Still Hockley's loss is our gain. I'm told that it wasn't unusual to have to book 3 months' ahead at times to secure a table and after visiting last night, I can see why.
The menu (accessible from their website) provides a choice of European dishes, including Vegetarian. We opted for Beef Wellington and Monkfish. Quite simply, it was one of the best meals we have enjoyed in Rochford, and sadly left us too sated to enjoy the famous dessert menu.
Sunday lunches are also likely to prove successful, along with a monthly "Curry" night.
Whilst located above a popular local Bar, you could easily imagine you were somewhere else with the modern dining furniture and white painted brick walls, and soft relaxing music playing in the background.
This is going to be a very popular Restaurant, and we'll defnitely be returning shortly.

Opportunities for Rochford?

The big question is, will the substantial increase in noise that the Airport will undoubtedly cause to many residents in Rochford be worth it? Whilst many, myself included, will relish the prospect of being a few minutes way from boarding a plane to sunnier climes, I suspect many more will never use the airport and/or despair of the thought of the prospect of twenty first century passenger aircraft shattering the relative peace over the mediaeval heart of Rochford.

Over the past year or so a number of businesses have closed up in Rochford. First it was the two estate agents in West Street and then in the past few months we have lost a shoe shop, an art and photography business, and a bookshop. Whilst it is only fair to note that some new businesses have opened, they are sadly outnumbered by the shuttered windows. The pub trade is also suffering, with the Kings Head and the Rose and Crown on the market, though both are still trading.

Perhaps what is happening in Rochford is only a reflection of what is happening nationally. Wilkins Kennedy, the Accountancy Firm reported this week that retail insolvencies had jumped by 25% after all.

But if people are travelling to and from Southend Airport, will they be tempted to spend some time, and more importantly, money, in Rochford?

There are some interesting shops, there are a few places to eat, and there is even a small hotel. Rochford, generally, is an architectural gem of a small town, mostly easy on the eye and a pleasant surprise for many visitors. It wouldn't take much to start putting the town seriously on the map.

This Blog is pleased to note that entrepeneurs are already recognizing that Rochford does indeed present an opportunity. A new Restaurant "The Rose Garden" opened upstairs in "The Miley" this week, and we can expect the "New Ship" to reopen shortly as a restaurant/bar after an extensive refurbishment project nears completion and this building on East Street is returned to its former glory.

Whilst retaining its identity, Rochford easily has the ability to offer visitors a place where they genuinely wish to stay a while and spend time and money, perhaps even to stay for an evening through a modest expansion of the night time economy.

Good luck to the new Businesses, we wish you every success, and look forward to other positive new developments.