Gravesend Shops Etc

A Memory of Gravesend.

Does anyone remember Papas Icecream where they opened the front window of their house to serve the most delicious ice-cream. I know it was a road off Queen Street near the market. What lovely markets Gravesend used to have to. Strongy as we called him used to balance whole tea services on a tray held aloft which mesmerised us as young children. I know you could get fresh fish in the inner market and we spent hours browsing the stalls. We lived in Bligh Road and nearby was a large recreation ground where the Forrests Fairground people used to winter. Their caravans were wonderful places and such nice people. I also recall May Days on the prom where we children used to dance around the maypole and made plaits with the streamers. The greasy pole was also a big event. Pity the May Day event can`t be revived. There used to be races on the river and afterwards we would go home where tea would consist of a large bowl of shrimps and bread and butter. Pity the May Day event can`t be revived.