'That's My Boy;' PDSA; Brompton;

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'That's My Boy' was a film which starred Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, released in 1951. It was a comedy, reviewed as one of the funniest films ever, and told the story of a talentless student who is 

pushed into playing football. Amused shoppers look on as a mobile and unique advert is passing the Co-operative Society Ltd. which was at nos; 181-187 High Street Chatham, with the British and Argentine Meat Co. Ltd. butchers next door. Provision Merchants Home and Colonial store was at no; 191.

Just in the picture was J & F lighting and radio dealers, which was on the corner of Fair Row.

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The Peoples Dispensary for Sick Animal (PDSA) was founded in 1917 by Maria Dickin who was moved by the plight of sick animals owned by those unable to afford treatment. The Charity is supported by an impressive list of celebrities, and in 2013 the public voted it the UK's most loved charity.

This surgery was at 121 The Brook, Chatham, and this particular mobile unit was donated by Mrs Ethel Beatrice Dunn as a tribute to her brother Sidney Cecil Foord, 'a lover of animals'. The two of them grew up in Faversham. All mobile units were withdrawn in 1975. This vehicle was captured in 1957. The PDSA is still funded entirely through public donations. Pet owners are required to live within the catchment area of a service and be in receipt of either housing benefit or Council tax benefit to qualify for treatment. The Chatham surgery is now in Union Street.

N.B. The sign in the car park behind reads 'Borough of Chatham, Free Car Park' - ah, the good old                                                                                                                                                     days!!

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A few views of Brompton during 1952 reflect the state of housing at that time as re-development was taking place. A roundabout was created on Dock Road to carry traffic straight through Brompton, and most of the area was flattened to make way for the modern flats and homes seen there today. Such a loss of character, but very commonplace post-war.

Wards Construction are responsible for the building works, and a Priestman digger in use is from Hilton Sarsfield Ltd; plant hire and contractors from East Malling. A Muir Hill dumper is on hand.  The road beside the site is Middle Street and  Dock Road is showing on the first photograph.

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