FOLLOWING the success of last year’s production “Undiscovered Upminster”, the cameras this year have been trained on Hornchurch. With the help of two local historians, Tony Benton and Richard Moorey, the team have put together a fascinating journey around the town.
The seventy minute film transports the viewer from St Andrews Church on the hill down to the town centre and then up North St and along to the fabulous old Hornchurch country houses of Langtons and Fairkytes. There is an in depth look at the history of the Queens Theatre and Towers Cinema, Emerson Park and the Grey Towers estate . The film also deals with the towns forgotten places such as the Dell and the tanning industry.
Producer Mike Jones said: “I was overwhelmed with the praise for the Upminster project and so it wasn’t a difficult decision to make the Hornchurch film. It has been a massive task and I would like to thank all those people who sent in old photos and film. It has been an eye opener for me and I didn’t realise how much history there is in the town. The Grey Towers story is a good example. I had no idea how big a part it played in the First World War.
It has been a pleasure to work with such knowledgeable people like Richard and Tony and I know that anyone who has ever lived or worked in the town will find this a fascinating record of times gone by. My only regret is how much we had to leave out.
I’m sure this will be a popular purchase for Christmas.
