Rochester, the Red Lion, Star Hill Corner c1955

Milk boy

I was a milk boy for Bourne and Hilliers in the 1970s. I would oftern go to the Red Lion after my rounds on pay day for a pint or two and throw some darts - Tom was the landlord of the Red Lion at that time. Where the police warden stands in this picture now sits a round about. The pub and dairy are now long gone.

THE CASTLE TEA ROOMS

I lived at the Castle Tea Rooms from 1953 untill 1976, my mother and father ran the tea rooms. I would love to hear from anyone who passed over the doorstep to enjoy my mum's scones.

Traffic Jams at Star Hill

I regularly went across this junction on the bus to and from home in Rochester and school at Chatham between 1955 and 1961. The Gaumont cinema was directly across the road from Bourne & Hilliers Dairy. I went to Saturday morning pictures, and ocassionally to the Victor Sylvester Ballroom Dancing classes, also at the cinema. Unlike the photo, Star Hill and the New Road were gridlocked morning and evening for the school run.

M2 Bridge worker in St. Bart's Hospital

I remember being in St. Barts Hospital in 1961 or 1962, aged 11 or twelve, to have my appendix removed. At that time there was a construction worker recovering from a very serious injury received while working on the bridge. His whole arm had been removed, leaving him only his right shoulder.I met him during a mass held in the ward and he was amazingly cheerful and determined to stand and kneel as required by the service.

Rochester Sweeps Festival and Whitethorn Morris

The Rochester Sweeps festival celebrates the traditional May Day holiday that chimney sweeps used to enjoy. It is a glorious mixture of dancing, music and dressing up with visitors from all over Britain bringing their entertainment to Rochester High Street each year.

The festival attracts morris dancers and musicians who are delighted to perform in front of the huge crowds thronging the High Street. Most years the dancers from Whitethorn Morris join in the Rochester Sweeps Festival together with the Whitethorn Band of accordians, melodeons, fiddles and drums. Its a colourful display of red white and blue with lively music and always draws a crowd of onlookers all day long.

Fortunately most  of the dance venues arranged by the Festival organizers are in front of the pubs in the High Street so traditional refreshments are always available!