Nostalgic memories of Chatham's local history
Share your own memories of Chatham 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 11 - 20 of 24 in total
I moved to Dale End, Chatham, in 1961 at the age of 11. I went to Highfield secondary school until 1964. I would like to chat with anyone who lived in Dale End or attended Highfields during that period.
I was to march that day as well. My friend and I both went to the dockyard that morning. My friend's name was Peter Jerard, we were told we could not march because our new suit had not come in and we were not allowed to march in our old clothes. The night before I had gone to the cadets swimming baths in the dockyard with some of my friends who I was going to march with. The next day, when ...see more
I am trying to find out about number 12 Canterbury Street, Gillingham, Kent. It was at the High Street end - a small alleyway led to a couple of small houses behind the shops. There was a toy shop called Bakers opposite St Marks Church. The houses were demolished in the 60's but there is now a gate where the alley is. My grandparents lived here, Walter and Rose Jarvis. They had 2 children, Tom and Dorothey. They ...see more
Born and bred in Grove Road off Luton Road, went to the schools of All Saints and Fort Luton. I found Chatham to be a friendly town with memories of seeing Arther English at the Empire, seaside at the Strand, being a 19th Medway west boy scout, looking forwards to Navy Days each year, using the brown and green Chatham buses and a High Street that was second to none in its length, variety of shops and ease of getting ...see more
My first week away from home was in August 1964, when I was 9 years old. It was at Buckmore Park Scouts camp, Chatham. I belonged to the 22nd Sea Scout group, Wathamstow, east London. I think from memory, I had £3 to spend for the week.
We ate in a large, round roofed, corrugated hut at the camp. I loved the rope slide which went across a field. There was a big camp fire on the edge of the woods ...see more
I remember when I was about 14 being a choir boy in St Mary's Church. This would be 1953. We used to receive two shillings and sixpence for weddings, some of us belonged to another church further down the road toward Chatham and we would do two weddings on some Saturdays.
In my late teens I used to go to the dances in the town hall at the bottom of the hill.
Oh the joys .... went here with my brother and the 2 boys from next door. Trying (as usual) to be 'part of the gang' I was persuaded to jump of the spring board ~ problem, I couldn't actually swim at the time! Came up just under the board thrashing around, but with a little bit of encouragement from the rest of them at the steps to my left ~ I doggy paddled my way over and climbed out. Never looked back from ...see more
Was anyone involved in the terrible accident that took place on 3rd December 1951, when Royal Naval Cadets were mowed down by a bus? Over 20 cadets died, mainly on the back row, they were new recruits who never had their full uniforms, only their hats. Me and my brother were new recruits but could not make the march that day. I never went back to the cadets after that, I was so upset.
Chatham was a great place to meet and have fun in the 2960s. We used to catch a 146 from Cookham Wood on a Friday evening and head for the Central Riverside. Once there we would boogy to all the local bands that played there. Orange Teacup, The Fringe. Even Chicory Tip ('Son of my Father') played there. We used to frequent the Pembroke Club, another dance venue in the Dockyard. The Prince of Wales, The George, ...see more
I was wondering if anyone knows anything or has any photos of members of the Tidman family? They originally came from the Cage Lane area of Chatham.