Model of Sirdar, McAlpines, F.Bannisters, Luton High Street, Nelson Terrace, Mechanical Mokes

This is a model of the Thames Barge 'Sirdar', built by Mr. Wraight, and on display at Rainham Craft Fair which took place at the Co-op in 1957.

The original craft was built by Horace Shrubsall at Ipswich in 1898. Owned by Edward Alfred Hibbs of Brightlingsea, Owen Parry,  then Maurice Gill of London and Rochester Trading Co. Rochester, when the crescent moon was added to her topsail, the mark of her new owners.

Along with 'Veronica' this 53 ton spritsail was one of the fastest when racing under full sail at 14 knots. She took part in barge races until 1963

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Since its conception in Glasgow, 1869, the Sir Robert McAlpine dynasty has provided the Nation with many era-defining constructions such as Glenfinnan Viaduct, Millenium Dome and Eden Project, to name but a few

.From the 1930s they employed large numbers of Irish immigrants who needed work. 

In 1953 the depicted gathering was at Gaumont, Rochester, at a time when the Company was working at the BP Oil Refinery on the Isle of Grain, creating deep underground chambers, roads, railways, bridges and jetties, employing over five hundred workers.

Harsh working conditions and treatment by the management are part of Irish folklore, epitomised by

Dominic Behan, (Irish singer, songwriter, novelist and playwright) when he penned 'McAlpine's Fusilliers' in the 1960s, which described life on the building site for many ex-pat Irishmen, and mentioned the Isle of Grain. The song was made famous by 'The Dubliners.'

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McAlpine%27s_Fusiliers)

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Frank Bannister was an established  motor cycle dealer in 26 Railway Street, Chatham (sited where the Tap n' Tin is now),  and later opened motor car and cycle showrooms, incorporating a petrol station, on New Road, attached to Gibraltar House. These photographs were taken in 1958.

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Built in the 1950s Christchurch Court in Luton High Street, Chatham in 1960.

 Cub Scouts look as though they are on a mission - perhaps it was Bob-a-Job week. 

 Nelson Terrace that ran next to the 'Hen and Chicks' towards the water works. These views are historic, as anyone visiting there today will realise the difference!  Perhaps somebody recognises the children leaning against the pub wall? There was a lot of character there in 1961.

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 Winget  mechanical mokes working hard in the Strood factory.

On the edge of the Medway, the location is familiar to all who know the area. 

 All traces of this former industrial site have been obliterated without sentiment. 

Some of us will make sure future generations are aware of just how important our local industry was to the development of the area, providing employment for so many people, and pride in their manufacturing achievements that were in demand around the world.

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