I Was There!

A Memory of Sheerness.

I was/am the lad on the right! I discovered this picture a few years back in a superb Frith's book on Kent. Alongside me is my mate Ray. I think the year is more like 1957 or it could the summer of 1956. It was during those lovely days when kids spent whole days out of the house and generally unsupervised. Ray and I and other gang members spent loads of time up on the seafront and beach at a time when Sheerness was a most popular seaside location - especially for Londoners. When not on the beach you could find us in the fair - our mini Alton Towers! It seemed that the seafront was only half the height it is today, serious floods in the 1950s and again in the 1970s caused the seafront to be built up as a massive flood defence.

We also played forever on the canal bank (nearer to our homes) and honed our football skills. In those days summers were always hot and the holidays seemed to last forever. In the winter we prayed for the fog to role in off the sea - then we would be sent home early from school (both my junior - Delemark - and senior -Technical - schools were close by to the beach).

When I first opened the book I knew immediately it was us - Ray (we are still in touch) was later able to confirm my thoughts. I was thrilled as after all these years (I left the island and Sheerness in 1967) I still have a soft spot for the place.