In August 1954 Shepperton Studios used Conyer as a film location for 'Raising A Riot,' which was a domestic comedy based on the writings of Alfred Toombs, about a Naval Officer who takes his family to his father's newly acquired windmill whilst his wife was visiting a sick parent in Canada. The windmill chosen for the part was at Barham, and a barge owned by Mr and Mrs H. Smith and named 'Saltcote Bell' was also used in the production which was filmed in technicolour.
The photograph shows, left to right, Hugh Perceval (Associate Producer), Ian Dalrymple (Producer), actors Kenneth More and Jan Miller, and Wendy Toye (Director). Also in the cast were Ronald Squire, Shelagh Fraser, Lionel Murton, Michael Bentine and Sam Kydd.
It was apparently obvious that good humour was shared both on and off the set.
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This was a very busy area of Military Road, Chatham as the buses terminated here. The 140 is heading for Burma Way via Luton Arches, Chatham Town Hall and Star Hill.
It looks as though a faulty wheel is getting attention, but the lads are more interested in the photographer. The Paddock Restaurant behind the bus stop was always a welcome haven for weary travellers. This was 1961.
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In 1958 this was the industrial hub of Rochester. It shows the railway system and sidings that served the site. Iron, steel and scrap metal merchants M.Lynch & Son is in the foreground. In Gas House Road behind them was Camwal Ltd; manufacturers of mineral water at Acorn Works. The local office of Courage and Barclay Ltd; brewers, were on Acorn Wharf. The New Medway Steam Packet
Co.Ltd (ship repair yard) was in Acorn Shipyard. The large gasholders claim the corner, belonging to the South Eastern Gasboard. (These were dismantled in recent years to make room for the redevelopment of the whole area, but perhaps the Council should have looked at what enterprising architects in Kings Cross, London have achieved to preserve their historical status. http://gasholderslondon.co.uk/ ).
Travelling east from Gas House Road ran Cory's Road. This was occupied by Gyproc Products.
Cory's Wharf houses the cranes, and one has been rejuvenated and stands proudly erect at the mouth of Blue Boar Creek, as a reminder of the important role they once played here. The Ham River Grit Co. sand merchants occupied Blue Boar Wharf.
The Crown and Quarry cement works of APCM is across the river.
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Civil Defence was formed to instigate assistance to individuals, groups or communities in need of help following natural or man-made events, during war or outside of it.
Methods used encompassed search and rescue, firefighting, first aid, shelter, feeding, communication, nursing, counselling and befriending.
Civil defence volunteering still continues today but under different umbrellas within volunteer groups who undertake work or care within communities.
This was a recruiting display in 1956 held at Sittingbourne Town Hall.
Young people joining Scouts, Guides, Cadet organisations and some youth groups today continue the trend towards help in the community.
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The Honorary Freedom of The Borough was conferred by Gillingham Borough Council to the Royal Engineer Corps. Bomb Disposal on 10th September 1953. It is the highest civic distinction awarded to individuals or collective bodies in recognition of outstanding service or particular civic association, ensuring the honourable perpetuation of their memory within their community. At least two-thirds of the Council must approve the award.
A scroll is presented in a casket, embodying details of the formal Council resolution, embossed with the corporate seal.
They are given permission to march through the Borough with bayonets fixed, drums beating and bands playing. There was contention that Gillingham was chosen for this march and not Brompton, where the barracks were. Loyal locals felt that their area was always overlooked and neglected.
The march went through Crimea Arch to Brompton Road, along Gillingham High Street, Balmoral Road, Duncan Road, Nelson Road, Canterbury Street, Watling Street and Darland Avenue to Gordon Barracks, where the Borough provided tea. Guests at Brompton Barracks enjoyed a reception in the officers' mess.
Twenty officers and five hundred men took part. The local newspaper recorded after the event that 'the ancient mistrusts between the military and the people were yesterday ceremonially buried.'
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