Nope not sure whether to admit this but I was a Thurstable kid. Left there after A-levels in 1991. I too love the cheap shop and factory shop also quite attached to the crusty loaf (my OH loves the hot sausage rolls) whenever we are back visiting we have to walk to the centre for a little treat. Not sure on the new Tescos though.

Oh I love the sausage rolls from The Crusty Loaf - my mouth is watering now
You must be brave, visiting the W de F school in SWF! Did you wear your pith helmet and carry a gun?

had back-up and a fast car to get away in.

No, some years earlier I'm afraid! Late 70s then went to Col Inst for A levels.

Is the Town Crier still in SWF? Used to go there a lot, and Shaw Farm. Dukes in Chelmsford was the place to be in those days.

I used to work in Dukes - I was a cocktail waitress (made the cocktails - didn't have to wear the bunny tail suit) back in the late eighties when I was saving up to come to Calgary for a year!
Shaw farm is still there - my mum was there at the weekend, apparently the carvery is good!
The Town Crier is still there I think - lots of my mis spent youth was wasted in that pub
Another coinsidence - I went to Col institute to get my NNEB, I was at the Endsleigh annexe, I think they turned that into luxury flats a while back!

I had many a fun night at Dukes in the late 80s - our paths must have crossed!

Did part of an A level at Endsleigh - lunch time drink and sandwich at The Sun followed by lectures once a week. It is now luxury flats, plus a whole row of very attractive (and expensive) town houses. I think the lake is still in there somewhere.

(Sounds like I frequent all the drinking places - not a great drinker, honestly!)

Lara