The Railway, Pitsea

I used to work here in 1973/4 behind the bar. The Bignell family ran the place then. Joe Bignell, an ex policeman ran the place fairly well, despite the frequent fights and energetic clientele! It was my first proper bar job and I enjoyed it alot, it was always packed at weekends during the summer, with coaches stopping, getting drunk on their way to Southend-on-Sea. I think we were one of the few pubs to take coach loads of trippers from the A13. I worked with "Rob" (from Newcastle) and a tall Welsh guy, amongst others. Everybody was part-time. The Bignell family also worked behind the bars. Where are they Now? Does anybody know what happened to the Bignells after they left the pub ? I recall Joe Bignell's wife dieing suddenly from a heart attack.

6 Feb 2008 18:12