FROM pie and mash to Pearly Queens, Essex culture took centre stage at Basildon train station’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Dozens of residents packed the station’s main entrance yesterday as Basildon councillors, businesses and Basildon and Billericay MP Richard Holden joined the c2c event.
Attendees were treated to pie and mash from Basildon business, Robins Pie and Mash, homemade cupcakes from Basildon’s Cake Obsession and Pearlie-performed East End songs.
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Basildon Railway Station was opened in 1974 to serve the growing population of the new town.
Brenda and John Ruffy had been at the station on it’s opening day 50 years ago, and were also present at yesterday’s anniversary celebration.
The couple, who have been married for 56 years, were delighted to have stumbled unknowingly into the event, and said that a lot had changed about Basildon since they first visited the station.
John, 76, said: “It’s still a lovely place where everyone minds their own business and gets along with each other, but the town looks very different now.”
The couple clearly remember the station’s opening, with Brenda, 74, recalling a chance encounter with the station’s architect.
She said: “We were heading down to Southend for day when it opened and got chatting with another gentleman.
“He turned out to be the architect of the whole station.”
Yesterday’s event was also attended by Labour’s Deputy Mayor of Basildon Victoria Joseph, who said: “For generations, the station has brought our community closer, strengthened our economy and progress for Basildon.”
As part of his campaign to get protected status for traditional pie and mash, Conservative MP for Basildon and Billericay Richard Holden also joined the station’s 50th anniversary celebration.
He appeared alongside staff from Robins as he spoke about the importance of preserving and showcasing the unique culture of the town.
He said: “This is of course about celebrating c2c and the links they provide, but it’s also about celebrating Basildon.”
The MP, who won his seat in July’s General Election, added: “Basildon’s a pretty good town and place to live and I think it’s important that we celebrate all of that.”
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