A2 / Top Road, Gillingham

[LocalLad]

Is this what u mean localad, when u was talking of the tram lines?

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en-GB&q=birling+avenue,+gillingham&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Birling+Ave,+Rainham,+Gillingham+ME8,+United+Kingdom&gl=uk&ei=dGEKTNfWOIiA4QaXu9yOAQ&ved=0CBYQ8gEwAA&ll=51.365431,0.601416&spn=0,0.019205&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=51.365404,0.601541&panoid=pJKomNseNYhDJQ07UhQtpA&cbp=12,134.88,,0,5



thanks Paul

Yes, that's it.

[LocalLad]

I’ve been told that there was a derelict building next to the Ashtree pub  in the late 1950’s, which may have been a Reform School at some time. I worked there with the RE’s in 1944/45 and, apart from our workshop described above, I think the rest of the building was empty.

Thanks Numanfan. So there were 6 shops between the pub and what was a Girls’ Training Home, (at least it proves I wasn’t an inmate ) which is almost certainly where I worked. So much for my recollection of it being next door! So at some time during 1937 and 1944 the school closed (perhaps evacuated) and was requisitioned by the RE’s. There are 10 shops in the present parade, giving adequate space for a ‘large house’ at one end. Being at the far end from the pub also supports my memory of being able to get to the lock-up garages from the house.
Yet another question answered! I expect it’s too much to hope for a photo of that school???

Hi LocalLad,
Even if you don't have a photo, do you recall what the school looked like from the outside? Even though I worked from there, I haven't the faintest notion of that - the foibles of 65 year old memories!

Sorry peterchall I have no recollection of a school, just a parade of old shops.

[afsrochester]

My Father has a Kelly's for 1938. I'll see what it lists. I'll also look through my 1963 copy as well. I certainly remember a greengrocers there in the late '50's.

[JST]

My Father has a Kelly's for 1938. I'll see what it lists. I'll also look through my 1963 copy as well. I certainly remember a greengrocers there in the late '50's.

 

I remember the greengrocers... Tyrer's. I can remember mr Tyrer, a Ronnie Barker-esque gentleman, always jovial and friendly. Used to deliver groceries to my parents, from the cavernous boot of his car. He retired in the mid or late 60s and the shop closed, I think.

[afsrochester]

Hi JST.

I remember exploring the shop when it was empty. That would have been about 64/65 ish. father is currently searching for his 38 Kelly's. More to follow.

[afsrochester]

Nothing listed in the 1963 Kelly's for the Girls Training School.