New Airline Arrives - Southend Airport saw in the New Year with a new airline moving in, British Island Airways. The firm took over operations from British Air Ferries. A Memorable Nig Bloody Kids - A new film started production in Southend, the working title Red Saturday, changed to Bloody Kids. The film industry under the direction of Stephen Frears descended on the town. The story follows a day in the life of two young kids who run riot in the town pulling pranks that invariably backfire. One of the kids played by newcomer Peter Clarke was plucked from a Southend children's home to play one of the leads. Interestingly a key adult lead was to be played by the much loved Richard Beckinsale (left) who put in 3 days filming when he passed away due to a massive heart attack at the very young age of 31 Essex House Occupied - One of the tallest office blocks near the centre of town, Essex House finally found an occupier this year, two year's after completion. To the rescue came credit card company Access to take over this huge block that looks down on the junction between Southchurch Road and Southchurch Avenue. Access has already established its headqaurters in Priory Crescent. The Famous Potatoes Formed - One of Southend's noted lo
| A Year of Strikes - 1979 will be remembered by many for the number of strikes endureed by all, whether caused through the binmen or any other nationalised industry. Rubbish bags piled up outside the Eastern Avenue rubbish depot as residents become tired of rotting food building up outside their properties.
Rubble All Around - The old tram sheds (some 78 years old) in London Road along with the Eastern Electricity Headquarters were reduced to rubble in 1979, in there place was planned one of the largest Texas DIY stores in the country, planning to be open the following year. General Election 3rd May 1979 Southend West Majority
McAdden Dies - Southend East's MP died while in office in 1979. Stephen McAdden had served the seat since 1950 as a conservative. His death led to the election of Teddy Taylor. The Last Carvair - An aircraft that became a symbol for Southend Airport, the Carvair, made a final farewell in 1979 as the last aircraft of its kind left the airport. The Carvair had served its time, for some 22 years, and was originally desinged for purpose by the famous airline entrepreneur Freddie Laker. It became famous as a car ferry to Europe, but also more generally as a freight craft. The last plane, called Plain Jane. of its type at the airport was finally sold to the US, Gone due to the expensive running costs, of this petrol driven machine. |