Kiln Road Surgery
Dr. Doug Acres was born in 1924. His practice in the 1950s was in Kiln Road, Thundersley and he worked along side Dr. Wilks, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Tyndall and Dr. Sutcliffe. Later the practice was to move to Tarpots Corner and then eventually, to Rushbottom Lane.
At this time Doug lived with his wife Joan at ‘Thundersley Lodge’ in Runnymede Chase, where they raised their three children, Mary, Jane and Liz.
Independent Councillor for Castle Point
Doug’s need to help in the community saw him elected as an Independent Councillor in Castle Point, a position that helped him with his campaign for the installation of mains drainage in the Rushbottom Lane area of Tarpots. Also, in his capacity as a Doctor, he was a member of the advisory committee on alcoholism at the Department of Health & Social Security, a position he found very rewarding.
During his lifetime he was awarded the OBE and a CBE for his ‘dedication and hard work earned as an Essex Magistrate’. He was a larger than life, jolly man who would always greet his patients with a firm handshake and a broad smile. He retired from the practice in 1985 but carried on with his works within the community for many years. Sadly, after a long illness Doug died in 2001.
We have been fortunate enough to have been given access to these family photos, together with press cuttings for which we thank Doug’s daughter Mary.
Comments about this page
Add your own comment
In the 1950s my family lived in Waverly Rd. Dr Acres was our G.P. I suffered from tonsillitis and I saw Dr Acres who prescribed bottles of
pink penicillin. I was in bed on one occasion, my mum must have forgotten the Dr. was due to visit. Luckily it was a bungalow so Dr Acres climbed
in the window gave me a once over and left my prescription. My tonsils were removed at Southend hospital.
Dr Tyndall and Mrs Tyndall on the left side of the photo, ”Dr Acres retirement party”
I knew Doug from 1990s as a customer and what a character! I would look forward to visiting, spent more time laughing and drinking tea than servicing his photocopier. A very warm welcoming man with a fantastic sense of humour which I sadly missed, RIP.
I remember Dr Acres very well. He sat on the end of my bed and spoke to me when I had polio in the neck. After a week I recovered from polio and he told my parents that I had fought it off and that I would never get it again. I was under 5 years old and had no idea that I was ill apart from a stiff neck. My parents told me what happened many years later. People in my family were visiting me but I did not understand why. Now I know.
At age 14 Dr Acres was in the school concert audience with my parents watching me do a solo on stage playing the piano accordion which weighs 23lbs. I played, ‘Feed the Birds,’ from the Mary Poppins film with my knees knocking from pressure, but I did it! I forgive you Mr Beddows for not telling me beforehand. God bless you all.
I remember Dr Acres fondly, visiting him with my Mum, Maureen Kemp as a child at the Tarpots surgery and then in my 20’s being supported by Liz Acres, Health visitor, absolutely lovely family. Trudy Glenister nee Kemp.
Doug Acres and his wife lived opposite us in Clarence Road. As a family we already knew him through my Aunt, Maureen Stockwell nee Cooper, who was a friend of his, in the distant past. They were really nice neighbours and always had a friendly, jovial word to say to ‘us kids’.
I was fortunate to be Doug and his brother Reg’s Optician, poetically working in the same building that used to be his surgery. I would always make extra time available as Doug loved to tell a joke or two. Once met, never forgotten.
My mother, Joyce Turner nee Finch knew Doug Acres, and all the family, he was also our doctor for a good few years. A very good doctor, such a gentleman.
I joined Doug as GP partner in 1974. He was a fantastic person, full of energy and extremely friendly. I am grateful to him for all the support he gave me. I am still practising!
Add a comment about this page