South Woodham Ferrers
I have been a wedding photographer for 15 years, and this page shares a little about the town I grew up in and still call home.
My family moved here in 1983, during a marketing campaign aimed at attracting young families to this ‘new town’, which was planned and built in line with the Essex Design Guide. I even own a copy of the council guidebook, published in the 1970s, detailing the town’s planning and building timeline.
South Woodham Ferrers even had its own theme tune and advert.
In this photograph from 1986 (I believe), you can see me eating candy floss while walking home from a rainy May Day fête in Saltcoats Park with my mum and sister.
The South Woodham Ferrers Advert
Part of the aforementioned marketing campaign was this advert from 1981. A competition involving Tony Blackburn was held in July 1980 to choose this song by Right Man. Back in 2012, I was being interviewed on BBC Essex radio, and because I come from South Woodham, they played a clip of this song. I was aware that an advert existed, but I needed to see it! So, I contacted the Essex Record Office, and they kindly uploaded it to YouTube. And here it is!
Growing up here, and because of the interesting history surrounding South Woodham Ferrers’ town planning, I’ve ended up collecting all sorts of marketing and planning material from that time. From the 1981 Ford catalogue, which was photographed in the town centre, to the 1976 Essex County Council book South Woodham Ferrers: A New Country Town by the River Crouch. I really love the drawings and fonts used in this book.
Clements Green Creek
Clements Green Creek, off the River Crouch at Marsh Farm Country Park, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest located in South Woodham Ferrers.
J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth in Essex
The town planners of South Woodham Ferrers, seeking inspiration beyond the 1973 Essex Design Guide, turned to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien for naming the streets.
Something I have always wondered about, especially as my eldest son has a degree in linguistics, is why the people of South Woodham pronounce Celeborn incorrectly! It’s supposed to be a hard ‘k’ sound.
Celeborn Street
Celeborn Street will lead you up The Withywindle.
Gandalf’s Ride
Take a walk down Gandalf’s Ride and you could end up down Hobbiton Hill.
Spar
Will always be Mister Gees to me.
Sainsbury’s South Woodham Ferrers
After decades of Asda’s retail domination a competitor finally opened in November 2019.
KFC
King Edwards Road
The River Crouch
Inchbonnie Road
The view of the corner of Gandalf’s Ride from Inchbonnie road.
Hullbridge Road
South Woodham is renowned as a new town, yet a few older buildings have endured the test of time. Among these is the house along Hullbridge Road, once home to a small shop known as Orchard Stores. George, who resided in the shop during his childhood in World War II, has shared his story, which you can read here on the BBC website.
South Woodham Ferrers Railway Station
The South Woodham Ferrers Railway Station, opened in 1889 by the Great Eastern Railway Company, underwent a few name changes. Initially named Woodham Ferris station, it was later known as Woodham Ferrers, and eventually, in 2007, the ‘South’ was added to its name.
The view down the track toward Wickford is one direction, while the other leads to Southminster. Before 1939, passengers could also board trains to Maldon from this station.
King Edward’s Road
Probably my favorite road in town, it’s one of the older streets. However it didn’t exist when the station was named Woodham Ferris. It began as a grass track earlier in the 20th century, and in the ’60s and ’70s, new homes started to appear. It was eventually surfaced and became a proper road in 1978. The formal inception of the new town plans began in 1975.
Hullbridge Road
Near the station. To the right is Champions Way, and behind this car, you can spot the flats at The Cedars. I have a particular interest in the architectural plans for these flats, which were designed in 1976. The typography used in these plans is something I am a bit of a fan of.
The Essex Countryside
Looking out towards Woodham Ferrers (top Woodham) from Radar Hill.
Radar Hill
Bushy Hill, which we all call Radar Hill, is a notable landmark in South Woodham. The hill gained its nickname due to its prominent radar testing site, which was operated by various Marconi companies over the years. It played a significant role in radar technology development, with companies like Alenia Marconi Systems and later BAE Systems using it to advance radar systems, including some for military applications. We’d often see Chinooks flying to and from the site. The hill’s history with Marconi dates back to the mid-20th century, with the company’s involvement in radar research and development. And when our TV sets struggled to get a good signal and clear picture, the radars up the hill were usually blamed!
Millie celebrating at her wedding reception on a vineyard overlooking South Woodham Ferrers
South Woodham Ferrers Wedding Photographer
If you’ve landed on this page in search of a wedding photographer in South Woodham Ferrers, you’re in the right place!
The best starting point is my home page, where you can learn about my documentary style and how I approach wedding photography candidly. This will help you determine if my style suits your personalities and how you want your day captured.
I have been a professional full-time wedding photographer for 14 years and have lived in South Woodham for 40.
Latchingdon Wedding
Pip and Polly held their wedding reception in a marquee, with views of the River Crouch.
Stow Maries Wedding
Anna in the sunlight after marrying James in the The Church of St Mary & St Margaret.
South Woodham Ferrers Wedding Suppliers
Bellissima Weddings – Bridal Shop
First up, we have Bellissima Weddings, who have been helping brides say yes to the dress for over two decades! Laura and her loyal team go above and beyond for every bride that walks through their door. They stock bridal gowns from many designers, including Eliza Jane Howell, Justin Alexander, Maggie Sottero, and many more.
Here are a few pictures from a Bellissima photoshoot at the local Althorne wedding venue, High House. Amelia, the manager, was our model for the day. As I specialise in a documentary style of wedding photography, my favourites from the shoot tend to be the more genuine moments—such as during the preparations when Amelia sat on the bench to chat with the handyman!
Where to find Bellissima Weddings:
22 Market Square
South Woodham Ferrers
CM3 5XA
High House Wedding Venue
One of the closest wedding venues to South Woodham Ferrers, High House in Althorne is a picturesque location set in six acres of landscaped gardens. This stunning venue features a rustic barn, a thatched gazebo, pool, and its own vineyard, along with luxury accommodations, a beautiful Monet-style bridge, and exclusive use for weddings.
Philip Smith Visuals – Wedding Videographer
Next up, we have Phil of Philip Smith Visuals, who, like myself, grew up here in South Woodham, and we attended the same secondary school (he was a couple of years below me). Our paths crossed later on due to a shared love of music, and eventually, in the realm of capturing weddings!
We have worked together at many weddings over the years, and he’s an absolute delight to work alongside.
High House
Valentine Cuisine
Bancrofts Road
South Woodham Ferrers
CM3 5UG
Delicate Daisy – Essex Floral Specialists
And finally, we have everything you need for your wedding flowers right here in town at Delicate Daisy, just a stone’s throw from Asda.
I’ve been fortunate to receive their bouquets as gifts on my birthday the past few years. Here is a photo of a beautiful arrangement they kindly created for me to decorate my table at the Alpheton Hall Barns open day last autumn.
Stow Maries Garden Wedding
Yes, this is the venue for a wedding reception located right on the border of South Woodham Ferrers and Stow Maries, offering a beautiful garden wedding in the month of September.
The Brownstock Festival
Once upon a time there was a music festival on the border of South Woodham Ferrers and Stow Maries.
Some amazing acts came to our little corner of Essex— Grandmaster Flash, Kelis, and The Darkness to name just a few.
I had the pleasure of photographing the festival for many years. Many happy memories.
Further Information on
South Woodham Ferrers & Photography
The South Woodham Ferrers Builders & Developers
Northern Housing Area
Hey and Croft: Brent Avenue, Redshank Crescent, and Dunlin Close
Wards Construction: Eastern end of Brent Avenue
Reason Homes: Hamberts Road (western end), Freemantle Close, and Barton Close
Wards Construction: Hamberts Road and Paston Close
Trio Homes: Hamberts Road/Chadwick Road and Hawthorn Walk
Broseley Homes: Hamberts Road, Bankside Close, and Hawkwood Close
Wimpey Homes: Hamberts Road and Glendale
Town Centre Housing Area
Trio Homes: Northern end of Inchbonnie Road and junction of Clements Green Lane
P.W. Howard (Developments): Development of cottages in Tutors Way
Hubert C. Leach Ltd: Inchbonnie Road, Roding Leigh, and Crouch Beck
Broseley Homes: Inchbonnie Road, Leighlands Road, Colne Close, Akenfield Close, and Harvest Close
D.L. & P. Luck Ltd: Ferrers Road, Inchbonnie Road, Abbotsleigh Road, and Holbrook Close
Wimpey Homes: Clements Green Lane and Tutors Way
Fenn Farm
Endersby Properties Limited: Fennfields Road and Meadow Mews
Broseley Homes: Continuation of Fennfields Road and Cornfields
Phase II Housing Area
Strongworld Ltd: Hallowell Down and Berry Vale
Bovis Homes: Inchbonnie Road, Hallowell Down, and Melville Heath
D.F.W. Golding: Broughton Road (southern side) and Inchbonnie Road
D.L. & P. Luck: Inchbonnie Road, Finchland View, Lettons Chase, and Ashmans Row
Bovis Homes: Broughton Road (southern side)
Hanningfield Investments: Inchbonnie Road, Ferrers Road, and Marsh Farm Road
Bovis Homes: Albert Road
D.F.W. Golding: Albert Road and Ferrers Road
Comben Homes: Albert Road and Ferrers Road
Countryside Properties: Ferrers Road and Inchbonnie Road (West)
Bovis Homes: Inchbonnie Road (West)
Hanningfield Investments: Inchbonnie Road (West)
Strongworld Ltd: Hullbridge Road (South)
Reason Homes: Inchbonnie Road (West)
P.W. Howard Developments: Off Inchbonnie Road (West)
Southern Housing Area
Masonic Housing Association & Co-Op Housing Society: Ferrers Road/Benbow Drive junction and Nelson Place
Reason Homes: Ferrers Road, Benbow Drive, Cornish Grave, Keats Square, and Blake Court
Wimpey Homes: Ferrers Road, Thornborough Avenue, Spencer Court, and Culver Rise
Hey and Croft: Creekview Road, Cornwallis Drive, and Troubridge Close
Broseley Homes: Creekview Road, Bickerton Point, and Beatty Rise
Rollings Construction: Junction of Creekview Road and Collingwood Road (northern side)
Hanningfield Investments: Collingwood Road (north and southern side)
Halrod Developments: Collingwood Road and Creekview Road junction (southern side)
Halrod Developments: Collingwood Road (overlooking school playing fields)
D.F.W. Golding: Collingwood Road, Anson Close, and Merton Place
Chelmsford Developments: Collingwood Road and Eliot Close
W. Smith Developments: Junction of Creekview Road and Broughton Road (northern side)
Comben Homes: Broughton Road (northern side) and Windward Way
Bovis Homes: Broughton Road (southern side), Leeward Road, Becket Way, and Clevis Drive
Bovis Homes: Broughton Road (southern side), Carron Mead, and The Bight
E.J. Taylor & Sons: Broughton Road (northern side), two dwellings adjoining Abbey Homesteads
Hammond & Miles: Broughton Road (northern side), backing onto school playing fields
Abbey Homesteads: Broughton Road (northern side), and Blackwood Chine
Countryside Properties: Inchbonnie Road, Hallowell Down, and Melville Heath
The River Crouch
This is the list of developers as of 1984. Many more streets and homes have been built since then. When researching this list, I was delighted to find the Facebook group for former employees at Broseley Estates Ltd. They have uploaded some of the brochures used to advertise their homes in South Woodham Ferrers back in the ’80s!
Also while doing my research I discovered that the architect who designed all the homes down my road, then known as Area ‘O’, also designed George Harrison’s garage at Kinfauns.