History Articles

Thanks to David Alcock who sent a selection of programmes for the Rainham Spectacular fair at Cozenton Park it's possible to get a glimpse into life and the businesses of 1970s Rainham.

1977 was the Queen's Silver Jubilee and the programme had a patriotic Jubilee theme to it with union jack flags adorning the cover. The event took place on Saturday 4th June 1977.

Some of the businesses represented by their adverts in the programme were Sophisti-Cats, Woolcraft, Hayfield Builders, The Old House Restaurant Lower Rainham Road (subsequently The Barn?), Poultons, Greens Garage, Pat and Parkwood Service Station.

The full programme for 1977 can be viewed here

Add new comment

As a fundraiser for the Rainham and Wigmore Community Association an annual pram race was held on Station Road. Thanks to Steve Chinn for these photos from 1981. You can see the Railway Hotel pub in the background of some photos

2 comments

This Rainham Spectacular programme from 1975 was kindly provided by David Alcock

It gives a great glimpse into life in Rainham in 1975 and some of the local businesses around at the time like Autoplant Engineering in Medway Road, Burns Radiio in Woodlands Road, Riverview Service Station on Station Road and FW Simes and Son Ltd on High Street Rainham

Click to view the whole Rainham Spectacular 1975 programme as a PDF

Add new comment

The Rainham Spectacular was a fair that took place during the 1970s and early 1980s in Cozenton Park Rainham to raise funds for the Community Association. The first Rainham Spectacular was in May 1972 when it cost 10p for admission as can be seen in the poster below. Events took place at a similar time each year into the 1980s.

The programme for 1973 included Naval gun teams, miniature train rides, dog show, gymnastic display, vintage cars and sky divers as well as stalls and shows run by over 50 local organisations. By now the cost to enter was 15p (1970s inflation!) and it was estimated that nearly 20,000 people attended and raised £1200 for the community centre.

Rainham spectacular 1981 news clipping thanks to Steve Chinn

Newspaper clipping of Rainham spectacular from 1981