I lived at "The Camp", Maidstone Road, Rainham during the late 1940's to the early 1950's.
I was wondering if anyone has any photographs or local history knowledge of the "The Camp". It was located where the modern day Bettescombe Road is now.

My recollections of the place was that during the war it was AA Battery camp. Once hosilities had ceased the camp was evacuated by the army and was given over to housing civilians. Also there was a primary school on the site, which I had attended before going to Orchard St School.

Regards

George

Edited by author 03-20-2006 09:10 AM
can anyone confirm if there was a shop in the 30/40's called 'W. Abnett' near the top of Ivy Street and what it sold. (Believed to be Boot and Shoe repairer). Also believed to have a Barber's one side and an Animal Feed shop the other. (Enquiring for author Alan Major)Does anyone have a Rainham Gazeteer for that period

Does anybody have any information on 'Pump Lane', is this the orginal road name. I am looking for particular information on Charity House. My grand-parents lived there until the late 1960's, and my great grandparents before them.

Does anyone remember the village shop in Wigmore run by Frank Sayers - I think this would have been about the 1920s/30s. Frank was my great grandfather and I'd be really interested in anyone's memories of that time. My great grandmother lived in Hoath Lane until she died aged 101 in the 70s I think. I remember a Chatham, Rochester & Gillingham News photo of her holding a bouquet and showing off her telegram from the Queen on her 100th birthday. My Nan, Maisie Sayers, lived in Cambridge Road. My father Jack was the youngest of 4 children (Ted, Joan, Doris were the others). Mum (Jean nee Devine)& Dad were members of the Wigmore Cycling Club in the late 40s early 50s. Any memories or photos you could share would be really appreciated.

My email address is lindacorby@btopenworld.com

In answer to an earlier message. A book on Upchurch called " Upchurch in old picture postcards " is available from Clemons Newsagents,Oak Lane Upchurch, Rainham Bookshop or email info@upchurchmatters.co.uk for details. See also http://www.upchurchmatters.co.uk

Hi there
has anyone got any photograhic evidence of Sunderland Square which was off of High Dewar Road .I have contacted the civic centre and that has been frustrating.It was built by German pow's from what i have been told.It was a council estate for those who are not familiar with the name and it was sandwiched between London Road and to the back of it Soloman Road .
Any help on photographs or history would be so welcome

kind regards

Mark Hollinsworth

Edited by author 08-20-2006 06:10 PM
Can the current residents of 2A or 4 Roberts Road let me know if the double Anderson shelter is still in situ. It was built to a special specification by my father in 1939 as working for Short Brothers on the Sunderland flying boat and later the Stirling bomber he knew that we would have to stay put. I understand that after the war the council was approched to remove the shelter but declined on the grounds that the effort would be too much with the facilities then at hand.

Hi, I'm trying to trace a friend of my great aunt. Her name is Pamela M Jeff and she used to live in Rainham in Kent. My aunt (Ms Hicks) used to work with her and would love to contact her again. does anyone live near her or know of this lady, she should be in her 80's if so please post a message! Thanks

What happened to the Romans?

We heard them marching outside St Margaret's Church. The previous vicar, Richard Allington-Smith, wrote "Son et Lumiere" which began with the sound of them. Does anyone know what happened to the scripts of that marvellous production? It was held inside the church and included the headless horseman riding round.

wrt to the enquiry by Sidney Tottman (message 28) my parents moved to 2A Roberts Rd on New Years eve 1951. During the time of their residence I did not spend much time there due to being in the RAF. But from memory I am certain that there was no evidence of Anderson shelters in either the garden of 2A or 4, I occasionaly dug much of the garden for Dad while on leave.

Has anyone seen the previous enquiry I made on behalf of my wife Pamela (message 14)? If so we would appreciate a reply.

My grandfather Arthur Jesse Smith often known as A.J owned a grocery shop
on the corner of Station Road and Enfield/Henfield Road No 53 during the early thirties. The shop was called The Station Road Stores.He apparently refurbished both shop fronts. Can anybody tell me what happened to the shop? Was it bombed or demolished to make way for new roads or buildings. I have recently visited the area and I think No.53 is now a mid terrace house.
Any information gratefully received!
Pamela Burnett

Hi all...i lived all of my chidhood in Sunderland Square in Rainham and loved every minute of it.It was just a great place to live.Sadly it is all flattened and has been redeveloped now.Has anyone got or could they advise me where to get some aerial pictures of the area ...i have tried the civic centre and the library but to no avail..Any help would be greatly appreciated.....Mark Hollinsworth

Mark Hollinsworth - try Google Local. Zoom in on the UK, then to Rainham. Use the 'Hybrid' button to get the satellite/map version, and you can zoom right into the housing that is now there. And my first school I ever went to - Meredale Infants!.