Memories of Gillingham

Jezreels Tower

I was born within walking distance of the Jezreels Tower which dominated the skyline & was always a source of fascination for growing children. As there was little traffic in those days we were allowed to play in the streets and wander at will. Whenever possible we would make our way up Canterbury Street to the ruins of the tower and dare each other to explore around it. I remember an old gentleman in a long sweeping coat and wide-brimmed hat who was regularly to be seen around Gillingham. He had the distinctive beard and long pigtail of hair hanging down his back - he was one of the last of the Jezreelite sect still living in the area. The boys used to make fun of him, but were all secretly a bit scared. It was a sad day in the 1960's when the tower was pulled down. I had moved away from the area by then & always knew I was coming home when the tower loomed into sight. I felt that Gillingham had lost something special when it had gone.

My short life in Gillingham, Kent

I was born in a naval nursing home called "Canada House" on the 18th November 1954. I was the first child and boy - I was spoilt. I went to school at Byron Road Infants school until I was 6 then we moved to Swalecliffe in Kent. I was 5 years old and both my mother and grandmother took me to play and have a picnic on the "Darland Banks". We walked from the "Jezerals" along the top road, and up to the "banks". I was very excited I seem to remember.
We belonged to Green Street Tabernacle Baptist Church, we attended Church regularly. I remember being a bridesmaid to my mother's friend Doreen. My paternal grandma lived in Richmond Road along with my aunt, and I spent lots of happy times there. My aunt taking me to the Strand to swim and to the pictures to see Bambi. In 1959 my Sister was born in Canada House, and one year later another sister arrived. In 1963 we moved to Swalecliffe in Kent.