Basildon history author hands over £1600 cheque to heritage centre

David Bourner, author of two local history books, handed over a cheque for £1600 to
Basildon Heritage last week. The two books; ‘The Rise and Fall of Laindon High Road’ and
‘How Basildon Was Built’, have both sold extremely well and, according to David, much of
their success was down to Basildon Heritage.

David’s first book tells the story of the Laindon High Road, from its inception in the early 1900s right through to its trading peak in the 1950s and its subsequent battle for survival against the might of the Basildon New Town Developers (and their bulldozers) in the 1960s. It also tells how, out of that struggle, a new shopping centre was created. Then demolished.

His second book (right) explains how Basildon New Town was built. It covers, in detail, the challenges faced, not just by the Corporation, but also, it’s existing and new inhabitants. It explains the key events leading up to 1949, housing construction, the town centre, industry, art, architecture, and people.

Jo Cullen, who helps to run Basildon Heritage, based at the Green Centre, Wat Tyler Park, in
Pitsea, said; “We rely on people’s generosity to keep the centre going so this is a lovely
surprise. We welcome anyone who wants to visit the centre and we have several volunteers
who are always happy to help with research, whether it is for personal use, or for more
general interest”.

The books are available via Basildon Heritage. If anyone is thinking of visiting Basildon
Heritage, it is based at The Green Centre, Wat Tyler Park, Pitsea. Their opening hours are
Saturday 10am to 3pm, Monday 10am to 1pm and Wednesday 10am to 1pm.