Cock & Blackbirds

The history of this once public house appears to very sketchy, but I have so
far managed to put together the following facts by asking local people
of what they can tell me. If you have any other information then please let
me know.

The earliest date that we can trace of a reference to the Cock &
Blackbirds is 1762 in a will that states that Thomas Pain is the Inn holder.

Then on the 14 September 1765 - Petty sessions held for hiring and
retaining servants. A hearty welcome from their humble servant Mary
Pain. N B. Dinner was at 'one of the clock'.

Other information passed to me is that the brews sold there were local ales such as 'Wards' of Foxearth, Fremlins and Ind Coop.

During the W.W.II the Americans were frequent visitors from neighbouring airfields such as Ridgewell on their bikes, and on occasions it was difficult to get in the door. Sources tell me it was not just the beer they came for but the local lassies who were keen to try out the new nylon stockings brought over by the Americans.

Not only did it provide ales for social drinking, but out the back was the main water supply via a hand pump for the surrounding houses in Bulmer Street.

OUR LOCAL (1962/3c)

© Ruby Rowe 2003

I felt I really had to write
About the Pub I know,
About the folks who go in there,
Who plough, who sow, who mow.

Their walks of life, they vary much
Some come from London Town,
Some come from "walks" much nearer home,
Just cast your eyes around.

The Landlord, he's a decent chap,
And Kath, she takes some beating
A welcome's always on the mat
It's just the place for meeting.

For "wit" you really have to meet
The dear old Radley brothers,
The blackbirds wouldn't be the same
Without these two and others.

Dear old Basil plays his cards
With Pod, his wife and Harry,
With other folks who give "advice"
While others "fetch and carry".

The local taxi man is there
He's always on the dot,
He'll never ever let you down
And he loves his old pint pot.

Albert Rowe he'll turn up
And Chris with Pa-in-law,
Uncle Jim and "Curly" Day
Who'll tell you tale's galore

"The arm of the law" is prominent too,
He'll keep them all in trim,
Mr Gooday, Claude and "Wag"
And sometimes you'll see "Slim"

George Rose is a firm old regular too,
With "Wicky", Frank and John,
Ralph Coe, Dick Weavers, Gordon Rowe
Oh how I could go on.

Taking each and everyone
They're not a bad old lot,
Your time's well spent you will agree
Just see if it is not.

They don't possess an A.1. Choir,
Please don't think that they're not "vocal",
Why don't you come and see for yourself,
You're welcome at OUR LOCAL.

The following is a list of the names referred to in the above poem
Kath & Vic.	Were the landlords
Radley Brothers	Tom & Ted
Basil	Basil Coe who lived in Smeetham Hall Lane
Pod & his wife	Charles and Gladyis Martin
Harry	Harry Winch who lived on Church Meadow
Chris.	Chris. Felton who lived in Smeetham Hall Lane
Pa-in-law	Mr. Fisher who lived in Bulmer Street
Uncle Jim	Jim Rowe who lived in Tintops in Bulmer Street
'Curly' Day	Arthur Day who lived at Hilltop Farm Upper Houses
Mr. Gooday	Stan Gooday
Claude	Claude Hubbard who lived in Smeetham Hall Lane
Wag	Charlie Winch, the son of Harry Winch
Slim	Graham
Wicky	Jack Hunt