If I was a stranger, coming to Sittingbourne the first time, I would be less than impressed. However, it means a lot to me personally, so I will try to explain a little of my familial history.
For centuries, circus and show-folk, mostly gypsies, would Winter-over in a field in what is now Milton Regis. There, a huge tent would be erected and the local rector from the Congregational church in Sittingbourne, and a pastor from the Roman Catholic one, would see to all baptisms, confirmations and whatever else was needed for events that had happened out on the road during the previous touring season.
The children would be sent to the local school for the short time they were there, and life carried on
My maternal grandmother was one of these. However, she married a 'Gorger' (not a gypsy), and 'settled'. My grandfather was something of a war hero, apparently, and friendly with the Duke of York, known by his friends as Bertie, (later to be King George VI). This is him on the left, 'Bertie' in the middle, and the owner of the paper mill, Frank Lloyd, on the right, walking discretely a couple of paces behind. Incidentally, Kemsley Paper Mills at one time were the largest in the world
When my mother was ill and I was a child, I was often sent to Sittingbourne to stay with my Grandmother's sister. She was very religious, and attended the Congregational church twice on a Sunday. I was expected to go with her to the morning service, and attend a children's bible class during the service. If I was good (I know. I can be sometimes!), she would then take me to a lovely little bakery and tea rooms, where I could have an orange juice and a cake of my choice (which was nearly always a lovely coffee-flavoured meringue).
So I thought I would make the church and the bakery my starting points.
I walked up to the church, but didn't go in. There was a 'traveller' funeral taking place, of a child. The entire High Street was at a standstill, the coffin was carried in a white hearse pulled by two white horses, followed by a lorry laden with flowers - many of the tributes shaped like little vardo vans made of flowers, several huge black limousines for the family and heaven knows how many other cars following. It was so moving. I waited, head bowed, as they unloaded the coffin, and moved it into the church, before passing the cortege. Yes, Aunt, I still remember the manners you instilled in me.
Next stop was the tea rooms. Now called Barkers, back then it was the Carlton. No coffee meringue this time however, I made do with a savoury pastry, as it was lunchtime.
Sittingbourne is one of those old towns with many alleyways connecting the main streets through the centre. Here, a lot of them have been decorated with murals, often as not depicting the bargemen at work
As well as the murals, there is a lovely statue in the High Street, of a barge master and his dog.
If it's not barges, then it seems to be eateries!
I do wish they wouldn't put things like brass plaques behind glass. It makes them very hard to photograph! Even harder when they don't clean the glass.... However, it seems to mark the building where the East Kent Gazette newspaper was first printed. I believe it lasted until 2011 (156 years). The archives are available though.
The High Street has a couple of beautiful Art Deco buildings, both of which need restoration and protection. The former Odeon is one of their very classic designs, taken over by another company, but now closed.
The other is the also instantly recognisable former Burtons shop. I do so hate to see these glorious buildings so neglected.
At this point, I wanted to move out of the High Street, and head for the Corporation cemetery. No, it's not ghoulish. I have a lot of relatives buried there, and my Aunt and I often used to walk along the Avenue of Remembrance, and lay flowers on a familial grave.
The Avenue (or properly avenues) of Remembrance are beautifully kept and the cemetery is peaceful and quiet. The handsome entrance and chapel are almost opposite the Memorial Hospital.
Above, the gateway and chapel. Below, the Lodge cottage, known as No. 46. In the 1890s, a family called the Kemsleys lived there. Husband George and wife Agnes, 4 daughters and 3 sons. I am related to Agnes, hence my interest. Sadly, all 3 of their sons were killed in action in World War I
Crossing the cemetery to the opposite gate, leads to the Avenue of Remembrance. This holds a variety of trees, each with a plaque stating who it was planted in memory of. The number of trees far exceeded the length of the avenue, so it now has 3 roads leading off at right angles, where the trees continue. I don't know what these trees are, but any tree that has pink leaves in the Spring is fine by me.
Outside the library, stands the War Memorial, and quite splendid it is too.
I found one of my ancestors on it (won't tell you which one)
Also outside the library in the car park, I found this - altogether now 'There'll be bluebirds over, the...........................'
So what have I forgotten? Oh yes, some randomness.
This is a Weeping Ash. I've only seen one other (in Folkestone). Apparently, they're a genetic 'mishap', and therefore can't be replicated. They can't be cloned, can't be grown from seed, can't be propagated. They just happen
Lovely terracotta tile from the Victorian era
Odd-looking turreted house
The Masonic Hall
SITTINGBOURNE & KEMSLEY LIGHT RAILWAY
The Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway in Kent is a 2 ft 6 in narrow gauge heritage railway that operates from Sittingbourne to the banks of The Swale - a distance of just under 2 miles. The route is very unremarkable and utilitarian, but if you combine a ride on it with one of their special 'days' like a vintage car event for example, it's a pleasant way to spend a day.
This unique line was built in 1905 for the transportation of the raw materials required for the manufacture of paper at Kemsley Paper Mills, and, of course, the finished product.
Now, who remembers 'Spangles' sweets? The little square hard candies were individually wrapped in glossy striped paper, a different colour for each flavour.
This paper was made at Kemsley Mill, where, as luck would have it, my Uncle Pip worked. When I went to Grammar School, he supplied me with sheets of this paper to cover my school books - a different colour for each subject!
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