Blackmore: BBC Essex in Blackmore Ten Years Ago

Ten years ago today (on Friday 10 March 2000) BBC Essex broadcast its afternoon show live from the Blackmore Sports and Social Club as part of a series on village life in the county entitled ‘Village Voices’. The radio station talked to many living here – some of whom are no longer with us. Canon Ivy Crawford spoke about the history of the church (as it was known then) and others were interviewed regarding the Village Hall and the social scene. Mention was made of the facilities at the Sports and Social Club and, particularly, the decline in use of the squash courts, which were in 2009 converted into the new Youth Centre. During the live sequence one elderly lifetime resident described the plot land dwellings built in Hook End during the 1930s as “shacks” to the slight indignation of some of the audience present. Her Essex accent was clearly heard across the airwaves. The landlord and landlady of the Leather Bottle were interviewed and the reporter was shown around the local veterinary practice, House and Jackson. Mrs Joan Hobbs, a parish and district councillor for a number of years told her story of the day she received her MBE from The Queen. In the closing sequence the Blackmore Players sang extracts from their recent production ‘Me and My Girl’. The biennial Village Fayre raised £24000 in 1999. Donkey Derby’s were remembered as was the ancient art of wheat whopping. Beer was £1.50 a pint at the Sports and Social Club bar! Some things change. Some things don’t. To listen again to the recording made on cassette tape was an insight into social life ten years ago.