Nostalgic memories of Gillingham's local history
Share your own memories of Gillingham and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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Displaying Memories 21 - 30 of 56 in total
I lived in Copenhagen Road from 1955 when I was 8 I went to Napier Road School and then Upbury Manor. My best friend was Dorothy Pout. Hard to believe that was 59 years ago. We had great fun down the Strand. On the Lines, being able to play football and cricket in the street - can't do that now. I haven't been back for years. Can remember going to Mudges in Canterbury Street, also to the grocery shop with my mum. I used to work in ...see more
I have clear memories of cycling along the path which followed the river towards Sharps Green and even on one occasion camping in the promontory. The photograph entitled Picnic at Sharps Green is just how I remember it. Now in my eighties, i do also remember walking along the same track but very much changed. Now living in Australia, I have to ask "Whatever happened to all the orchards which used to line the Lower Rainham Road?". A very sad loss I must say.
The Embassy in Green Street was formerly called the Odeon. Other cinemas in Gillingham at that time were the Plaza in Duncan Road (on the site of what is now Aldi's) and the Grand on the corner of Skinner Street and Jeffery Street. The Grand closed sometime in the 1960's I think after part of the ceiling collapsed during the Saturday morning kids' pictures. Other cinemas near to Gillingham were the Royal in ...see more
I have told you of my memories of the Gillingham bus distaster 4th Dec 1951 when me, Bob Dunford and my school friend Peter Gerard could not march with the Royal Marine Cadets because our suits never came in and all our friends died.
Well just think of this. My brother, John George Dunford was in the Naval Cadets in July 1929 when they had the Gillingham Park Disaster when all ...see more
My name is Bob Dunford born 1937. The Dock Road tragedy is the worst memory of them all. The night before went swimming with all my mates in the naval cadets. Next day, I and my friend Peter Gerard went down to get our suits to march that day, but our suits were not in and we were told to go home. We went to the pictures instead and came home to our house where my mother, father ...see more
shops going down towards the high street
I vaguely remember the bad winter when snow was still laying in June, black snow where people had thrown ash onto paths and roads. There were holes cut into the banks of snow so people could cross the roads. Then in the early 50's, the weekly trip with barrow to the gasworks in Pier Road for a load of coke 'cos we couldn't afford coal. Saturday morning pictures at the Grand or Odeon cinema's I recall getting day ...see more
I am now residing in the USA but I have fond memories of Gllingham 1972-1974 It was peaceful then and a reat environment for my children. Darling banks, the lines and the strand. My children remember it also with fond memories.
We moved to Lyminge Close, Twydall in 1960 from our wartime built pre-fab in Wigmore when I was 15 months old. Pictured are the 'modern' post war shops but there was also an older red-brick parade opposite. Out of shot on the right of the picture was 'Perks' a dry goods grocers where Mum would buy flour, rice - all sold loose from large wooden bins and served in paper cones expertly folded up from sheets on the counter by ...see more
