[merc]

In 1916 a small museum opened beneath the bandstand which rehoused some exhibits from a private museum in Medway Road. There also used to be a large aviary in the park, which had many exotic birds.

[Chatham_Girl85]

According to the book Old Gillingham by Philip MacDougall (ISBN - 0948193 328) first published in 1987, it has a photo of the bandstand and the author states that there was a refreshment room underneath.

Hope that helps

[merc]

Early 80's

[merc]

I have fond memories of the park to Leofwine 

I think the Lodge is still undergoing building work at the moment. I remember drawing it once when i was at Byron Road Junior School.

[Leofwine]

An old postcard of Gillingham Park, early 20th Century. I think this is the old Keepers Lodge by the gate in Canterbury Street.



I used to go to the park with my grandparents when I was very young, but my memories of it are hazy at best.  But the general feeling associated with the memories are good ones.

(Larger versions: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22124479@N03/4752473692/in/set-72157624283300565/)

[The Rook]

This is me in said park in 1975/76?

[MedwayDweller]

Just recall seeing an American custom car exhibition probably around '77. Was some amazing paint jobs there and seemed all the more impressive to a 10 year old.

[merc]

I remember the blue sailing ship climbing frame, that me and my mates used to climb over the top. Also the two concrete pipes you could climb inside nearby.

I went to several fairs and other events there too. One of them had a motor-cycle display team.

[MedwayDweller]

My memories of the park date back to the mid 70's, I remember riding my bike with stabilisers around the curving paths and under the rose covered trellis work which formed a kind of tunnel. This would have been the part close to Pembroke House running parallel with Oxford Road where the swings and slide were. Apart from the main gates in Park Avenue, Oxford Road and Canterbury Street there is/were a couple of smaller entrances. One was on the
corner of Park Avenue and Oxford Road, and also you could walk through the Municipal Buildings car park and go through a small gate there.

Does anyone remember the little kiosk that was sited near that gate close to the Municipal Buildings? It sold things like ice cream and soft drinks, it was gone by the late 70's. Not sure if it was demolished or burnt down but would love to hear from others who remember it also.