Swanley History Group January 2023 10th Anniversary Report
Our members and visitors enjoyed a lively and varied January meeting which marked the 10th Year Anniversary of the formation of Swanley History Group. Our secretary, Ann Hollands, gave an overview of the happenings of SHG over the last ten years, including our venue changes from our first meeting squeezing between the photocopier and book shelves on various types of chairs in Swanley Library to our present comfortable venue at The Alexandra Suite. She mentioned the outings we have enjoyed; our links with other local organisations; the calendars we produced with the support of our benefactor and founder member the late Marilyn Ball and our two tribute books to the fallen in WW1 and WW2 listed on Swanley’s War Memorial. Ann also thanked our current and past committee members and helpers for their efforts and support. Go to our face book page for the full report of Ann’s introduction.
A reprise of our very first presentation ‘Swanley Then and Now’ followed, delivered by Esme Hodge (photo) showing photographs comparing scenes of Swanley in past times to 2013. From The Foden Map of 1788 we could see that only fields and the toll road from Footscray to Wrotham (now the A20) existed. This changed with the coming of the two railway lines. There were several photographs of Swanley Junction Station, which opened in 1862, in the original location with sidings for the unloading of manure from London’s horse drawn traffic, used to feed the surrounding market gardens and nurseries. Photographs of The Station Master’s House and a row of station workers cottages could be seen along unpaved Station Road with the location of an earlier post office still recognisable in the 2013 photograph. The station moved to the current position following a tragic accident in 1936 when a train travelling to Victoria ploughed into a stationery goods wagon. Four passengers sadly died and thirty six were injured. The original Lullingstone Castle Hotel was, as we could see, an imposing building with stabling for several horses behind. Its replacement, called The Mulberry Bush in the 1960’s, is a dull replacement. We enjoyed photographs of the thriving High Street taken in the early 1900’s, including the original Fire Station and of course The Workingmen’s Club, now gone along with The Meeting Point. Other locations shown included Highcroft Cottages and tree lined Beechenlea Lane in 1910, West View Road, the early days of St. George’s Estate on Cannell’s Nursery land and the construction of the roundabouts linking the A20 with Junction 3 of the M25 and ‘The Bridge to Nowhere’. Who remembers Swanley Precinct in 1972 with climbing frames and the totem pole still in situ? Esme said that taking recent photographs are difficult because of the high levels of traffic.
We then had an opportunity to mingle when eating our celebratory cake (made by the wife of Dave, one of our committee members) and looking at notice boards adorned with blown up photographs supplied by committee member Keith and flyers from past meetings and a large selection of archive material.
Christina Tyler Programme Organiser
Photos courtesy of Ann Hollands and Keith Whitmore
Our next meeting is Wednesday 1st February when Mike Brown will tell us about The Real Dad's Army - The Home Front.
Was it really like the TV Programme? We learn the facts.
Everyone welcome Alexandra Suite St Mary's Road Swanley. 7pm for 7.30 pm start.