AF 11-1973 Scan text

Action Forum - November 1973 Number 53

 

Text below from scanned copy of Action Forum November 1973 for searches

AN INDEPENDENT MONTHLY FOR RESIDENTS OF RAINHAM AND WIGMORE 

 

Rainham Firemen

The sound of Rainham Fire Station's siren, announcing that within 5 minutes the fire engine and its crew of part-time firemen will be on its way to another incident, will soon be heard no more. No call for alarm however, it vviv.,ust mark another technological advance in the eftlir(. J provide an even better service than before, and the dedicated volunteers will continue to answer any call at any hour of the day. The present siren and house bell system is to be replaced by new pocket alerters, miniature radio receivers which start to`bleep' when the transmitter at the fire station sends out the appropriate signal.

The call of the siren, some 160 times each year, is
probably the only reminder most of Rainham residents
have of their own fire service. One day a new fire station
is to be built on the old car park site by the Railway
Station, but at present, situated in Webster Road, the
old station is off the beaten track for most of those

Rainham fire Station

people who may one day have need of the service it has to offer. With the passing of the siren, even this reminder will go, but hopefully the men will not be forgotten until that fateful day when the house is

ablaze, the river is flooding or even the cat is stuck up a tree, all situations that they are trained and ready to deal with at a moments notice.

The 14 firemen, including 2 Leading Firemen, and one wholetime Leading Fireman on loan from the Brigade to make up crews during the day, are led by Sub Officer Arthur Cooper, The team includes 8 quali­fied drivers and several men who have undergone special training to use breathing apparatus. They meet once a week on 'Tuesday evening for a training session or to clean and check the engine and equipment. Other training sessions, pump competitions, or full

time courses are attended by the men at weekends and during their holidays and spare time. Their keen­ness and proficiency is shown by the fact that on a recent full-time training course organised for members of all Kent's 44 retained fire stations, 4 of the 8 attending were from Rainham; and the Purus Verno (Truly Clean) Shield presented to a station for not losing a single mark in any routine checks on the station, engine and equipment has been awarded to

Rainham for the last 2 years. Earlier this year they were awarded the title of "Brainiest Brigade in Kent" when they won the County Fire Brigade Quiz.

A fire brigade can really do very little without an engine and here Rainham also has a 'shining' example. Its' equipment includes 2 extending ladders, a roof ladder, almost 2,000 feet of hose in 75 feet reels,

2 - 180 feet hoses ready for use, 2 sets of breathing apparatus, hydraulic apparatus for assistance at road accidents, First Aid equipment and cutters. With 400 gallons of water, heated in water to ensure it does not freeze in the hoses, 20 gallons of foam compound, and 22 gallons of petrol plus 4 gallons in a reserve tank, the

Continued on Page 2,

 

       
       

DIALLCAB 35155

Now at 88b Station Road.

 

Next                  DECEMBER 8th

Copy 19th Nov., Small Ads. 30th Nov. Editorial: Mrs. Barbara Mackay Miller,

5 Meresborough Cotts., Tel: 31307.

Mrs. Gina Snelling, 331 Beechings Way,

Tel: 32301

Advertising: Hamish Mackay Miller,

5 Meresborough Cotts. Tel: 31307.
Distribution: Jim Reid, 44 Beverley Close,

Tel: 360041.

Editorial

Thank you very much for the letters you are sending. We are pleased to print your views on topics of local interest although this does not necessarily indicate agreement with the sentiments expressed. However, all members of the Council receive a copy of Action Forum so it may be that public opinion in some

measure could reach them this way.

The southern relief road is said to be awaited by Rainham residents with patience but judging from the battles our neighbouring authorities are having to secure a place on the Department of the Environment's

Principal Roads Programme, it would seem most unlike­ly that the Rainham scheme only very recently submit­ted to the Department will even receive consideration for years, let alone inclusion in THE programme. How many years has Rochester been struggling to clear its ancient and historically valuable High Street of traffic, for instance?

A scheme like the channel tunnel, which means carving up the countryside on a massive scale regard­less of principles of conservation and heritage will no doubt surge ahead. Is it that these developments (Maplin is another one) are of such enormous propor­tions that nobody is powerful enough to resist them.

A general election is certainly not the answer as "they", whatever their politics, are usually well committed

to such projects.

If you complain you are labelled troublemaker but surely there are things which ought to be pushed a bit —look at the distress being caused to the elderly people because of the delay in building that brand new road from the Gas Works in Gillingham to Gads Hill. Was it finished by mid-October in accordance with the con­tract? By the way, when will the Black Lion Pool be open? It didn't quite make the summer — oh, I see, —it's December now!

But it's not all moans and groans — look at the story of Toc H and read about the work for good which is being continued even today. The organisation always seemed to have an air of mystery and the article is most enlightening. The aims and objects of the Dickens Fellowship are worthy of note too. Nor need we be left out — there is almost bound to be somebody near us a bit lonely or misunderstood who would appreciate a friendly word, deed or bit of support now and then.

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YOUR GARDEN THIS MONTH FLOWER GARDEN

  1. Plant tulips and hyacinths.
  2. Lift dahlias blackened by frost and store.
  3. Rose Trees, fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs may be planted now.

VEGETABLE GARDEN

  1. Celery and parsnips will now be ready for the kitchen.
  2. Protect the curds of late cauliflowers by bending over the large outer leaves.
  3. Draw soil up to give extra support to brussel sprouts.
  4. Continue to dig ground as it becomes vacant.

ADAM

Just a minute...

BUS SERVICES — Christmas Holidays — The Toss( Clerk submitted a letter from the Traffic Manager, The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd., stating that in future bus services would be suspended on Boxing Day in addition to Christmas Day.

RECOMMENDED — The matter be referred to the General Purposes and Omnibus Fares Sub-Committee for consideration.

Distribution

We understand that one or two areas are not receiving Action Forum regularly. If you have a friend or relative in one of these areas we would be grcatful if Jim Reid, 44 Beverley Close. Med: 360041 could be informed (we would be even more greatful if at the same time you can supply the name of someone willing to distri­bute in that area).

We urgently need distributors for:—

MAIDSTONE ROAD (above Herbert Road). Part of LONSDALF DRIVE

The WIGMORE AREA.

Volunteers please to the above address.

RAINHAM FIREMEN cont.

engine is ready for action 24 hours a day. By law i( must be on the road, with a crew of between 3 and

6 men, within 5 minutes of any call, but the men pride themselves on seldom taking more than 3 minutes. Most often the problem is which men are to be left behind, not whether enough will arrive in time, and

an apparently complicated scheme exists to give everyone their fair share of `turn-outs'.

Your firemen deserve recognition and support from you for the very good work they do — could

you support them at competitions? They have an open day on the first Saturday in April — if you're interested in their work they'd be only too delighted to talk to you and show you the engine and its very sophisticated apparatus.

 

Correspondence

RAINHAM RELIEF ROAD

Dear Editor,

Rainham residents are patiently awaiting news that the southern relief road has been allocated a place in the Department of the Environment Principal Roads programme. Apparently quite separately Gillingham Council has been planning to install linked traffic lights on the A2 at the junctions with Maidstone Road, Orchard Street and Station Road. The cost has now escalated from the original £9,630 to £23,725.

Consider the situation when the relief road has been constructed as shown on the Rainham District Centre Plan. Through traffic will use the relief roads.

d Street will be cut by the southern relief road. It is'proposed to reserve the High Street from Orchard Street to Ivy Street for predominantly pedestrian use. The three sets of traffic lights would no longer be

required!

The main reason for escalation in the cost of the traffic lights is the fact that they have to be linked by electric cables — more excavations in the High Street!

Provided that the southern relief road can be put in hand in the not too distant future I consider that we can do without the luxury of three sets of traffic lights and save the ratepayers' money. I therefore urge the residents of Rainham to request the Council to:—

  1. Cancel the traffic light scheme in its present form.
  2. Construct a temporary roundabout at the A2/ Maidstone Road junction.
  3. Install traffic lights at the Station Road Junction only.
  4. Urge the Department of the Environment to announce the start date for the relief road and its final route so that residents of Thames Avenue may know how their property will be affected.

A roundabout at the Alf Maidstone Road junction would assist in the flow of traffic into and out of the Maidstone Road and could be constructed quite cht Motorists wishing to gain access on to the A2 fn.* oe Orchard Street area could use Arthur Road, Herbert Road, Broadview Avenue or Thames Avenue to gain access to the Maidstone Road and then join the A2 via the roundabout.

Yours sincerely, K. V. Morris,

"Constantia",

156 Harvey Road, Rainham.

 

RAINHAM LIBRARY

Dear Editor,

The article "999 — Police" is of general interest and the implications of the Rainham Police station building being temporarily closed affect all residents in, and visitors to, this part of the borough.

One consideration which was not mentioned is that Rainham Library is sited alongside Rainham Police station. The provision of the indexed map in

Birling Avenue is helpful, but the map is standard issue for the area and not easily consulted. particularly

after dark. May 1, therefore, through the columns of Action Forum draw attention to the fact that the library has up-to-date maps of the borough. There are telephone directories for the whole county, coach and train timetables, maps and directories for neigh­bouring areas of Kent. All, and more, are readily accessible to the public. The information service available is not, however, being used to the greatest possible extent.

All queries, other than purely police business, can be handled at the Enquiries Desk in the library.

Jill Blackwood, Branch Librarian, Rainham Library, Birling Avenue, Gillingham, ME8 7LR.

PARKWOOD SHOPPING CENTRE

Dear Editor,

1 recently had the misfortune to visit what I suppose is now known as the cyclists shopping preceinct at Parkwood.

I have not been there for some months and I was shocked at the deterioration. The once rather pleasant pink and light grey paving is now a sort of dingy smudge liberally spattered with revolting stains from dropped shopping.

To say I was knee deep in litter would be an exaggeration, but there was a lot of paper blowing around and empty cartons and cans in the vicinity. The two litter bins had been levered off the wall to which they had been securely fastened and their contents scattered.

One of the four trees planted when the Centre was built is smashed off at ground level. All the seats have been broken in some way and the chestnut paling fence is smashed to the ground. The whole area gave a good impression of the worst aspects of the Gobi desert with little grass in sight.

I think the final straw was the number of cars parked almost blocking the access roads to the car park although this was almost empty!

Yours despondently, C. Strong,

76 Bettescombe Road.

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Diary '73

Keeper: Christine Smith,

31 Brockenhurst Close,

Tel: 33098

No charge made for Diary entries.

November 7th Rainham (Kent) Horticultural Society, meeting 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm. Mr. F. Rose - Colour Slides of 1972 Show, Orchard Street School, Rainham.

November 7th - 8th Gillingham (Wigmore) Scout Group, XMAS BAZAAR. 7.00 pm, Edwards Close, Wigmore.

November 7th - Berengrave Park Ladies Club, BRING AND BUY. 8.00 pm, Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, Rainham.

November 8th - Rainham Evening Townswomen's
Guild. 7.15 pm. at Methodist Church Hall,

it lion Road, Rainham. Annual General Meeting.

Notri-inber 10th - Rainham (Kent) Horticultural Society "8110W DAY", Community Centre, Station Road, Rainham.

November 12th - Rainham Methodist Young Wives Group 8.00 pm, TOY PARTY. Toys will be on sale during the evening.

November 13th - Rainham Evening Townswomen's Guild. Annual Dinner and visit to Marlowe Theatre Canterbury.

November 14th - Rainham Floral Art Group, DEMONSTRATION. Mrs. I. West, CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, 7.15 pm St. Margarets Hall, Orchard Street, Rainham.

November 14th - Parkwood P.A. Coffee Evening, 8.00 pm.

November 14th Berengrave Park Ladies Club, Unmarried Mother and her Child.

November 17th - TOY TOWN CHRISTMAS BAZAAR,
1973, at the Community Centre, Drewery Drive,
Wigmore. Doors open at 2.30 pm, proceeds in aid

of the Church Building Fund.

November 19th - Rainham Methodist Church Young Wives Group, 8.00 pm. A film and talk on Christian Aid given by Mr. L. Boulton.

NV-Aber 21st - Berengrave Park Ladies Club, _YPNOT1ST" Mr. Matthews.

November 22nd - 23rd - 24th - Orchard Players present two 1 Act plays. The Dear Departed. Temptation sordid, venture rewarded. 8.00 pm. St. Margarets I lull, Orchard Street, Rainham.

November 24th - Parkwood School Parent Association. CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 2.30 pm.

November 24th - JUMBLE SALE held by 4th Gilling­ham Supporters Association (Sea Scouts) St

St. Margarets Hall, Orchard Street, Rainham, 2.30 pm. Admission 3p.

November 24th - Rainham Methodist Church, CHRISTMAS FAYRE, 2.00 pm (entrance in Wakeley Road). Admission by programme obtainable

from Church Organisation Members or at the door, 3p.

November 24th - Rainham Secondary Girls School, CHRISTMAS FAYRE, 2.00 pm.

November 25th - 10.30 am, Bredhurst Bell : 10 mile walk via Thurnharn, led by Reg Child (bring lunch).

November 26th - Rainham Methodist Church Young Wives Group, 8.00 pm. Ideas for Children's Parties. Please bring your tried and tested ideas for the amusement of small children.

November 28th - Berengrave Park Ladies Club,
Retail Credit Federation talk, 8.00 pm.

December 1st - Parkwood School DANCE. Allan

Ryder Band, 8.00 pm - 12.00. Tickets 40p.
December 3rd - Rainham Methodist Church Young

Wives Group, CHRISTMAS DINNER.

December 5th - Rainham (Kent) Horticultural Society.

Christmas get-together, Orchard Street, Rainham. December 5th - Berengrave Park Ladies Club, Miss

Constance Allan. (STAGE MAKEUP).

December 8th - 8th Gillingham (Wigmore) Scout Group JUMBLE SALE, 2.30 pm. Edwards Close, Wigmore.

December 8th - United Reformed Church, High St.,
Rainham. CHRISTMAS BAZAAR, 2.30 pm.

INTERNATIONAL TABLE TENNIS
ENGLAND v RUSSIA at the Campus School.

Mon. 10th December, 1973 at 7.30 pm. Admission by ticket £1, under 17 60 p. From Don Obray, 72 Taverners Road.

December 10th - Rainham Methodist Church Young

Wives Group, 8.00 pm. Talk on First Aid. December 12th - Rainham (Kent) Floral Art Group.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and slides of

1973 SHOW.

December 12th - Berengrave Park Ladies Club, "CHRISTMAS DINNER".

December 13th - Rainham Evening Townswomen's Guild. 7.15 pm, Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, Rainham. John Grooms Home for the disabled, showing Handicrafts made by the disabled for sale.

December 21st - Rainham Secondary Boy's School, CHRISTMAS DANCE, 8.00 pm - 12.00. in the School Hall, Allan Ryder Band. Licenced bar. Tickets 75p including refreshments.

Rainham and Wigmore bridge Club at Rainham Adult Centre, Derwent Way. Duplicate Bridge. 7.30 pm, every Monday excluding Bank Holidays. New members welcome.

1st Friday in every month - LOCOMOTIVE CLUB of GREAT BRITAIN. Kent Branch Meetings at Methodist Church Hall, Trafalgar Street, Gillingham.

5

 

Dear Member,

The Council of the Trust is opposed to the present proposition of a Channel Tunnel. i have been asked to explain, very briefly, the main reasons why.

The proposals envisage a special train, using very large rolling stock, running through the tunnel with the main loading and unloading area at Cheriton

ll        11, Remember that continental trains cannot

us        z tracks — the bridges and tunnels are too Iow,

the up/down tracks too close. The economics of the scheme depend on catching the vast proportion of the holiday car traffic. One cannot see that the convenience of door-to-door freight lorries will significantly give way to the rigisity of the rail system.

All this means that road traffic of all types will be funnelled more and more into Kent.

All this traffic will need servicing. Inevitably caravan parks, motor parks, lorry parks, overnight facilities on an unprecedented scale must follow. The promoters envisage 4,000 vehicles per hour each way in the early 1980's. Delay in the tunnel for only a few hours will cause chaos in Kent from Ashford to Folkestone, unless extensive provision is made.

The tunnel will act as a tremendous magnet for services, retail, distributive and export industry. The French recognise this. The Pas de Calais

desperately needs industrial expansion; it is what we call a "development area". Comparable activity will be inevitable in Kent, A broad strip of develop-

ment perhaps 10 miles wide, each side of the M20 from Folkestone to London, must surely follow. The first signs of this are already there. A massive swathe of total destruction of some of our most valuable cor-vside.

Ministry has never denied this will be so, No report on the environmental effects of the tunnel and its consequences to Kent has been prepared. and none is expected.

Economically, and regionally, industry will be attracted more and more away from the north — where we are struggling to keep it — down to the south-east, which is overcrowded already.

So much of Kent has been spoilt already over the years, by lack of planning controls, hasty expedients and arrogant destruction of the environment, that we cannot afford to lose any more of our countryside, except for the most urgent need of immediate national emergency. The tunnel falls far short of this require­ment.

Please use your influence to persuade other people to resist this tunnel: write to your member of parlia­ment, to the local and national newspapers.

Your:i

Hector Wilks,

Chairman.

3 Medina Avenue, Whitstable, Kent.

Editor: This letter has been distributed to members of The Kent Trust for Nature Conservation, we reproduce it with the permission of Mr. Wilks as we consider it of interest to people living in this area.

Old Newspapers

PLAY YOUR PART IN COMBATING WORLD PAPER SHORTAGES AND HELP THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AT THE SAME TIME.

Please bring your old newspapers, magazines etc., in securely tied bundles, to Station Oasts the third Saturday every month 9.30 -12.30, 17th November, 15th December etc. If this is not convenient they may be left at Station Oasts most Sunday mornings or at the present Community Centre most weekday evenings when they arc open.

More details from Reg. Field, 166 Wakeley Road. Tel: 36227

T.S. &P D. Grinstead

114 Wakeley Road, Otterharri Park Rainham          Medway 361537

YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT
& TOBACCONIST

A Wide Selection of Toys
Greetings Cards & Stationery.

Main AI RF1X Agents

 

The Dickens Fellowship

The Dickens Fellowship is a literary society founded in 1902, with Branches in many towns in England,

in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S.A., Holland, and in many other parts of the world, The Headquarters of the Fellowship is the Dickens House, 48 Doughty Street. London Wel N 2LG. The official magazine of

the Fellowship is entitled the Dickensian and is published three times year. and has been in continuous publication since 1905.

The aims and objects of the Fellowship are:-

  • To knit together in a common bond of friend­ship lovers of that great master of humour and pathos, Charles Dickens.
  • To spread the love of humanity which is the key­note of all his work.

.10 To take such measures as may be expedient to remedy those existing social evils, the amelioration of which would have appealed so strongly to the

heart of Charles Dickens, and to help in every possible direction in the cause of the poor and oppressed,

(d) To assist in the preservation and purchase of build-

ings and objects associated with his name or mentioned in his works.

Membership of the Fellowship which is conducted on the broadest social lines is open to all. The general management is vested in a Council which includes the Honarary Secretary or other representative of each Branch, and meets in London twice a year. The broad policy of the Fellowship is governed by an Annual Conference. All members are entitled to attend.

The annual subscription for Headquarters membership is £4. This includes the supply to each member of a copy of each issue of The Dickensian. An attractive programme of Lectures and Recitals is arranged during the Winter months, and pilgrimages are made to

places connected with Dickens in the summer. The Dickens f louse where Charles Dickens lived from March 1837 until the end of 1839 is now a Dickens Museum and Library. The Suzannet Rooms in the house which contain a very valuable collection of

Lnsia were opened in 1972. Many thousands of viS..r.R.Irs, a number from overseas, visit the house each year and it provides amenities for innumerable students who wish to make a study of Dickensian subjects. Dickens finished Pickwick Papers and wrote Oliver Twist and Nicholas NickeIby while living here.

The Branches of the Fellowship are self-governing and fix their own subscriptions. In our county of Kent there are branches at Broadstairs, Deal and Rochester, and on the other side of the Thames estuary there is a branch at Southend. The Rochester Branch meets at Eastgate House with the kind per­mission of the City Council, at 7.30 pm on the third Thursday of each month from September to May inclusive. Its Annual General Meeting followed by a

 

8

9

 

What is hoc T-1 ?

The movement of TOC H, which enjoys Royal Patronage, was the realisation of a dream in the mind of a young C of h clergyman, the Reverend Phillip 'Tubby' Clayton, during the first World War.

Serving as an army chaplain, he soon realized the complete lack of basic amenities when the serving men were sent to base-camps for resting, after prolonged action. With very little practical assistance from the Authorities, lie and a small group of friends managed to take over a dilapidated house in the small Belgian town of Poperinge, This house, was renovated and made fairly comfortable for the war-

weary soldiers enjoying, a brief spell from the trenches. It is interesting to note that this same house has survived two major world wars and still stands today.

(Tit ;Ries were made available for using this house as air ,teen, library and quiet room, for writing letters home, recreational room and even a small chapel where a man could quietly find spiritual guidance.

This house was named "TALBOT HOUSE" after the death, in action, of 'Tubby's' great friend

Lt. Gilbert Talbot, killed at Ypres in 1915. This was soon abbreviated to the now world famous "TOC H" — the Army Signallers 'jargon' for Talbot House.

Many thousands of men enjoyed their brief stay there between long spells of discomfort in the trenches and found it an oasis of rest amidst the turmoil of

wat.

When armistice came and the 'homecoming for heroes' did not materialise, many of the returning soldiers, disillusioned and depressed with the state of the Country decided to try and recapture some of their camraderie of their long war years and the spirit of friendship that had prevailed at Talbot House. Consequently in the early twenties, under the guidance of Tubby Clayton, with the help of many prominent

people, Toe I-I was revived and has grown and prospered over the past fifty years into an international Organisation.

What does TOC H do? Members believe that we are all p,74 on this earth to help each other in a practical wai,            1 especially to help the 'underdog'. TOC El was
one of the first organisations to work among the Leper Colonies and we have founded and built a hospital in

South Africa among the coloured population to combat tuberculosis and when a patient has sufficiently recovered his health lie is given the necessary tools,

seed and training to cultivate his land efficiently.

TOC H has provided holidays for the underprivi­leged and handicapped children and even tuaght Asian immigrants to play Bingo! Wherever help is needed, throughout the Country you will almost certainly find a TOC H branch of men, women, or both trying to help.

From this catalogue of help do not think that
TOC II is composed of a group of folk with lots of

 

money to give away. Our members come front all walks of life and no-one is refused membership because he cannot find the modest weekly subscription we make to our 'family purse'.

Our funds are raised the hard way — through the
usual spate of jumble sales, fetes and social occasions.

At present, we in the Wiginore and Rainham branch are busily trying to achieve a target of £300 with the intention of purchasing some equipment for the new day-centre for the elderly at Woodlands Road,

Contrary to popular belief TOC H is not an ex­servicemarls organisation and any man or woman over the age of sixteen, whatever their race or religion is eligible for membership. There is no mystery in TOC Our symbol, a small lamp, is designed on one of those found in the catacombs in Rome and used by early Christians, who, at that period in Roman history were imprisoned for their beliefs.

At the opening of each Branch meeting the room is
darkened, the lamp lit and a member says a short prayer.

If this brief resume of TOC H ideals appeals to you why not come along to any of our weekly meetings at 25, Wigmore Road every Wednesday at 8 pm or

better still form your own branch locally. Our secretary, Colin Ward of 24 Beacon Close Rainham will be pleased to advise you. Pick up the phone now, and dial 360619.

Stan Oughton,

Wigmore & Rainharn TOC H.

 

Behinci A.F.

CAROL AND R11; HIGGS

In September 1969, seven months after the first issue of Action Forum we read as a front page headline `Does Action Forum have a Future'.tollowed by an explanation that unless more volunteer manpower was forthcoming by the next month that would be the last Al'. as the Editor was on the point of leaving Rainharn to live in London. We decided to attend the meeting. held at Macklands, and were immediately involved(

Carol began to tramp the streets in search of would-be advertisers and, together with Myra Lester, also set and pasted up the adverts. A year later Action Forum had become a Limited Company and the proud owner of its own printing machine. At First we printed

tselves in a shop in the High Street but later becL...e the shop was not an economic proposition the machine was moved to our garage. Here with the help of Peter Gardiner and a couple, of others we printed in the evening and at weekends 10,500 copies of Action Forum, 2 pages at a time. This meant for an eight page issue, the standard at that time, 42,000 passes through the machine. Even then it was not ready for distribution as each sheet had to be folded and one inserted within the other! Quite a mamoth task but very worthwhile.

Gradually as tradespeople came to know us, advertising became easier but after three years Carol had to give up because of home commitments.

Reg has been involved in most aspects of A.F. at one time or another. lie still does all the invoicirw and accounts and together with our children still has an area around our home for distribution.

In retrospect 1 dont think we would have missed our experiences with Action Forum and can honestly say we have enjoyed our years of involvement.

Carol and Reg Higgs.

 

DOUBLE GLAZING

ALL TYPES                                                       ALL PRICES

WINDOWS MODERNISED, D.I.Y. OR INSTALLED,
SLIDING PATIO DOORS
GLASS CUT WHILE YOU WAIT OR DELIVERED

MEDWAY GLASS CENTRE

9, ivy Street, Rainharrt — Medway 362270

MAXIMUM FITTING CHARGE £5
WITH THIS COPY OF ACTION FORUM

Offer closes 37st January

 

Small Ads

Copy date:        30th November

Published:              8tli December

Commercial:      20p per line

Private 10p per line

Please contact IL Mackay Miller 5 Meresborough Colts.

Tel: 31307

OUTWORK SEWING

Machinists required for work at home on children's shorts & trews etc. Also for plain nylon work. Factory experience essential. Must be able to copy samples. Apply, letter only, Medway Outwork, 229 Canter-but 'Teet,

ASET

RENT A BAIRD

RENT AT BURNS

Central heating Materials at REDUCED prices. Boilers, Radiators, Pumps, Cylinders, Pipe and Fittings.

Ring Medway 35 256 or

361527 (Eves.)

SABA one of Europe's leading makers in radio, colour & Hi-Fl equipment. Demonstrations available. BURNS RADIO LTD. (off A2 at Gillingham Golf Course) 96 Woodlands Road. Medway 52858.

Central Heating Installations. Oil, Gas or Solid Fuel. I st Class Workmanship. Contact:-Temperate Heating Ltd,

Bredhurst. Medway 35256 or 361527 (evenings).

SIlc I. PAPER and (washed) mil oottic tops wanted for GUIDE DOGS FOR THE

BLIND. Please contact area collector, Mrs Francine White,

86 Beverley Close. Med: 361227.

 

WINNING TICKETS, Win a Watch competition with Crown plus 2 gloss purchased at The Colour Shop, Rainham. No. 232 claimed by Mr. Mortimer, 8 Sunderland Square. Rainham. No, 243 not yet claimed. If not claimed by 1st December, 1973 the watch will be donated to "Age Concern"

to be used as a raffle prize in their Christmas draw.

TILE COLOUR SHOP, 143/ 145 High Street, Rainham has a new and large selection of, floor standard and table lamps, also lampshades and childrens lamp shades. Select

at leisure, Customers Car Park at rear and Provident vou­chers and cheques, and Access cheques accepted. Green Shield Stamps with all cash purchases.

NEW SEASONS, ready pasted vinyls, also ready pasted wall­papers, and new wallpapers now in stock at THE COLOUR SHOP, 143/145 High Street, Rainham. Customers Car Park at Rear and Green Shield Stamps with all cash put purchases.

Special offer on Cartons Brilliant White gloss, under­coat and emulsion whilst stocks last at THE COLOUR SHOP, 143/145 High Street, Rainham.

RUGS from £1.00 each, also many better quality rugs in all sizes and shapes at THE COLOUR SHOP, 143/145 High Street, Rainham.

LINO in stock at 45p sqy square yard, vynal floor coverings available in few days, large selection at THE COLOUR SHOP, 1431145 High Street, Rainham.

 

LOST — FROM WINDERMERE DRIVE, SMALL T/SIIELL FEMALE CAT. MAY BE

WEARING BLACK COLLAR. REWARD OFFERED.

TEL. MEDWAY 33014

MOPED, RALEIGH AUTO­MATIC. Little used through illnessE25. Med: 31578.

EDWARDS CLOSE PLAY­GROUP Scout Hall,

Mornings each weekday 9 am —12 noon.

Afternoons Tuesday & Thursday 1 pm — 3.15. Enquiries to

Mrs. Hall, 36 Nursery Road. Rainham. Tel: 362765.

MATURE HOUSEWIFE

REQUIRES PART TIME

WORK. Shorthand, Typing, Beekeeping, VAT. Tel: 364530,

RAWCA 200 Club Winners. Members No. 18 & 153, Mr. E. C, Allen and Dr. Sumner each Won L20.

FOR CARPET SHAMPOOING ON SITE, floor cleaning,

sanding, sealing, polishing etc., home, office, factory etc, we use modern cleaning equip­ment. ALL SEASONS CLEAN­ING SERVICES, 10 Ely Close, Rainham. Tel: 35920.

SIR GERALD NABARRO MP PORTRAIT OF A POLITICIAN Paperback editors available at £1 from 20, Pump Lane,

Med: 31539 or Med: 31307. Sir Gerald is donating 50p for every copy sold to the

Community Centre.

AN INTERESTING PRESENT: "Bricks & Brickies" is the story of Eastwoods the Brickmakers and their sailing barges. Several well known Rainham families are featured. Over 50 photos. Price £1 (+10p p&p) from the author Frank Willmott, 7 Wakely Road.

YOUNG COUPLE URGENTLY REQUIRE FLAT IN MEDWAY AREA. Phone Med: 33452 after 6 pm.

15

 

Clifford Miller Ltd.

INSURANCE BROKERS AND CONSULTANTS

Satisfied Clients have helped us become successful Brokers providing a County Wide Service on all aspects of Insurance.

70 HIGH STREET, RAINHAM
(Corner of Orchard Street)

Telephone: MEDWAY 360248 (3 lines) and 35555

AN INDEPENDENT MONTHLY FOR RESIDENTS OF RAINHAM AND WIGMORE■ NUMBER

 

Rainham Firemen

The sound of Rainham Fire Station's siren, announcing that within 5 minutes the fire engine and its crew of part-time firemen will be on its way to another incident, will soon be heard no more. No call for alarm however, it vviv.,ust mark another technological advance in the eftlir(. J provide an even better service than before, and the dedicated volunteers will continue to answer any call at any hour of the day. The present siren and house bell system is to be replaced by new pocket alerters, miniature radio receivers which start to`bleep' when the transmitter at the fire station sends out the appropriate signal.

The call of the siren, some 160 times each year, is
probably the only reminder most of Rainham residents
have of their own fire service. One day a new fire station
is to be built on the old car park site by the Railway
Station, but at present, situated in Webster Road, the
old station is off the beaten track for most of those

Rainham fire Station

people who may one day have need of the service it has to offer. With the passing of the siren, even this reminder will go, but hopefully the men will not be forgotten until that fateful day when the house is

ablaze, the river is flooding or even the cat is stuck up a tree, all situations that they are trained and ready to deal with at a moments notice.

The 14 firemen, including 2 Leading Firemen, and one wholetime Leading Fireman on loan from the Brigade to make up crews during the day, are led by Sub Officer Arthur Cooper, The team includes 8 quali­fied drivers and several men who have undergone special training to use breathing apparatus. They meet once a week on 'Tuesday evening for a training session or to clean and check the engine and equipment. Other training sessions, pump competitions, or full

time courses are attended by the men at weekends and during their holidays and spare time. Their keen­ness and proficiency is shown by the fact that on a recent full-time training course organised for members of all Kent's 44 retained fire stations, 4 of the 8 attending were from Rainham; and the Purus Verno (Truly Clean) Shield presented to a station for not losing a single mark in any routine checks on the station, engine and equipment has been awarded to

Rainham for the last 2 years. Earlier this year they were awarded the title of "Brainiest Brigade in Kent" when they won the County Fire Brigade Quiz.

A fire brigade can really do very little without an engine and here Rainham also has a 'shining' example. Its' equipment includes 2 extending ladders, a roof ladder, almost 2,000 feet of hose in 75 feet reels,

2 - 180 feet hoses ready for use, 2 sets of breathing apparatus, hydraulic apparatus for assistance at road accidents, First Aid equipment and cutters. With 400 gallons of water, heated in water to ensure it does not freeze in the hoses, 20 gallons of foam compound, and 22 gallons of petrol plus 4 gallons in a reserve tank, the

Continued on Page 2,

 

       
       

DIALLCAB 35155

Now at 88b Station Road.

 

Next                  DECEMBER 8th

Copy 19th Nov., Small Ads. 30th Nov. Editorial: Mrs. Barbara Mackay Miller,

5 Meresborough Cotts., Tel: 31307.

Mrs. Gina Snelling, 331 Beechings Way,

Tel: 32301

Advertising: Hamish Mackay Miller,

5 Meresborough Cotts. Tel: 31307.
Distribution: Jim Reid, 44 Beverley Close,

Tel: 360041.

Editorial

Thank you very much for the letters you are sending. We are pleased to print your views on topics of local interest although this does not necessarily indicate agreement with the sentiments expressed. However, all members of the Council receive a copy of Action Forum so it may be that public opinion in some

measure could reach them this way.

The southern relief road is said to be awaited by Rainham residents with patience but judging from the battles our neighbouring authorities are having to secure a place on the Department of the Environment's

Principal Roads Programme, it would seem most unlike­ly that the Rainham scheme only very recently submit­ted to the Department will even receive consideration for years, let alone inclusion in THE programme. How many years has Rochester been struggling to clear its ancient and historically valuable High Street of traffic, for instance?

A scheme like the channel tunnel, which means carving up the countryside on a massive scale regard­less of principles of conservation and heritage will no doubt surge ahead. Is it that these developments (Maplin is another one) are of such enormous propor­tions that nobody is powerful enough to resist them.

A general election is certainly not the answer as "they", whatever their politics, are usually well committed

to such projects.

If you complain you are labelled troublemaker but surely there are things which ought to be pushed a bit —look at the distress being caused to the elderly people because of the delay in building that brand new road from the Gas Works in Gillingham to Gads Hill. Was it finished by mid-October in accordance with the con­tract? By the way, when will the Black Lion Pool be open? It didn't quite make the summer — oh, I see, —it's December now!

But it's not all moans and groans — look at the story of Toc H and read about the work for good which is being continued even today. The organisation always seemed to have an air of mystery and the article is most enlightening. The aims and objects of the Dickens Fellowship are worthy of note too. Nor need we be left out — there is almost bound to be somebody near us a bit lonely or misunderstood who would appreciate a friendly word, deed or bit of support now and then.

2

 

YOUR GARDEN THIS MONTH FLOWER GARDEN

  1. Plant tulips and hyacinths.
  2. Lift dahlias blackened by frost and store.
  3. Rose Trees, fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs may be planted now.

VEGETABLE GARDEN

  1. Celery and parsnips will now be ready for the kitchen.
  2. Protect the curds of late cauliflowers by bending over the large outer leaves.
  3. Draw soil up to give extra support to brussel sprouts.
  4. Continue to dig ground as it becomes vacant.

ADAM

Just a minute...

BUS SERVICES — Christmas Holidays — The Toss( Clerk submitted a letter from the Traffic Manager, The Maidstone & District Motor Services Ltd., stating that in future bus services would be suspended on Boxing Day in addition to Christmas Day.

RECOMMENDED — The matter be referred to the General Purposes and Omnibus Fares Sub-Committee for consideration.

Distribution

We understand that one or two areas are not receiving Action Forum regularly. If you have a friend or relative in one of these areas we would be grcatful if Jim Reid, 44 Beverley Close. Med: 360041 could be informed (we would be even more greatful if at the same time you can supply the name of someone willing to distri­bute in that area).

We urgently need distributors for:—

MAIDSTONE ROAD (above Herbert Road). Part of LONSDALF DRIVE

The WIGMORE AREA.

Volunteers please to the above address.

RAINHAM FIREMEN cont.

engine is ready for action 24 hours a day. By law i( must be on the road, with a crew of between 3 and

6 men, within 5 minutes of any call, but the men pride themselves on seldom taking more than 3 minutes. Most often the problem is which men are to be left behind, not whether enough will arrive in time, and

an apparently complicated scheme exists to give everyone their fair share of `turn-outs'.

Your firemen deserve recognition and support from you for the very good work they do — could

you support them at competitions? They have an open day on the first Saturday in April — if you're interested in their work they'd be only too delighted to talk to you and show you the engine and its very sophisticated apparatus.

 

Correspondence

RAINHAM RELIEF ROAD

Dear Editor,

Rainham residents are patiently awaiting news that the southern relief road has been allocated a place in the Department of the Environment Principal Roads programme. Apparently quite separately Gillingham Council has been planning to install linked traffic lights on the A2 at the junctions with Maidstone Road, Orchard Street and Station Road. The cost has now escalated from the original £9,630 to £23,725.

Consider the situation when the relief road has been constructed as shown on the Rainham District Centre Plan. Through traffic will use the relief roads.

d Street will be cut by the southern relief road. It is'proposed to reserve the High Street from Orchard Street to Ivy Street for predominantly pedestrian use. The three sets of traffic lights would no longer be

required!

The main reason for escalation in the cost of the traffic lights is the fact that they have to be linked by electric cables — more excavations in the High Street!

Provided that the southern relief road can be put in hand in the not too distant future I consider that we can do without the luxury of three sets of traffic lights and save the ratepayers' money. I therefore urge the residents of Rainham to request the Council to:—

  1. Cancel the traffic light scheme in its present form.
  2. Construct a temporary roundabout at the A2/ Maidstone Road junction.
  3. Install traffic lights at the Station Road Junction only.
  4. Urge the Department of the Environment to announce the start date for the relief road and its final route so that residents of Thames Avenue may know how their property will be affected.

A roundabout at the Alf Maidstone Road junction would assist in the flow of traffic into and out of the Maidstone Road and could be constructed quite cht Motorists wishing to gain access on to the A2 fn.* oe Orchard Street area could use Arthur Road, Herbert Road, Broadview Avenue or Thames Avenue to gain access to the Maidstone Road and then join the A2 via the roundabout.

Yours sincerely, K. V. Morris,

"Constantia",

156 Harvey Road, Rainham.

 

RAINHAM LIBRARY

Dear Editor,

The article "999 — Police" is of general interest and the implications of the Rainham Police station building being temporarily closed affect all residents in, and visitors to, this part of the borough.

One consideration which was not mentioned is that Rainham Library is sited alongside Rainham Police station. The provision of the indexed map in

Birling Avenue is helpful, but the map is standard issue for the area and not easily consulted. particularly

after dark. May 1, therefore, through the columns of Action Forum draw attention to the fact that the library has up-to-date maps of the borough. There are telephone directories for the whole county, coach and train timetables, maps and directories for neigh­bouring areas of Kent. All, and more, are readily accessible to the public. The information service available is not, however, being used to the greatest possible extent.

All queries, other than purely police business, can be handled at the Enquiries Desk in the library.

Jill Blackwood, Branch Librarian, Rainham Library, Birling Avenue, Gillingham, ME8 7LR.

PARKWOOD SHOPPING CENTRE

Dear Editor,

1 recently had the misfortune to visit what I suppose is now known as the cyclists shopping preceinct at Parkwood.

I have not been there for some months and I was shocked at the deterioration. The once rather pleasant pink and light grey paving is now a sort of dingy smudge liberally spattered with revolting stains from dropped shopping.

To say I was knee deep in litter would be an exaggeration, but there was a lot of paper blowing around and empty cartons and cans in the vicinity. The two litter bins had been levered off the wall to which they had been securely fastened and their contents scattered.

One of the four trees planted when the Centre was built is smashed off at ground level. All the seats have been broken in some way and the chestnut paling fence is smashed to the ground. The whole area gave a good impression of the worst aspects of the Gobi desert with little grass in sight.

I think the final straw was the number of cars parked almost blocking the access roads to the car park although this was almost empty!

Yours despondently, C. Strong,

76 Bettescombe Road.

3

 

Diary '73

Keeper: Christine Smith,

31 Brockenhurst Close,

Tel: 33098

No charge made for Diary entries.

November 7th Rainham (Kent) Horticultural Society, meeting 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm. Mr. F. Rose - Colour Slides of 1972 Show, Orchard Street School, Rainham.

November 7th - 8th Gillingham (Wigmore) Scout Group, XMAS BAZAAR. 7.00 pm, Edwards Close, Wigmore.

November 7th - Berengrave Park Ladies Club, BRING AND BUY. 8.00 pm, Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, Rainham.

November 8th - Rainham Evening Townswomen's
Guild. 7.15 pm. at Methodist Church Hall,

it lion Road, Rainham. Annual General Meeting.

Notri-inber 10th - Rainham (Kent) Horticultural Society "8110W DAY", Community Centre, Station Road, Rainham.

November 12th - Rainham Methodist Young Wives Group 8.00 pm, TOY PARTY. Toys will be on sale during the evening.

November 13th - Rainham Evening Townswomen's Guild. Annual Dinner and visit to Marlowe Theatre Canterbury.

November 14th - Rainham Floral Art Group, DEMONSTRATION. Mrs. I. West, CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, 7.15 pm St. Margarets Hall, Orchard Street, Rainham.

November 14th - Parkwood P.A. Coffee Evening, 8.00 pm.

November 14th Berengrave Park Ladies Club, Unmarried Mother and her Child.

November 17th - TOY TOWN CHRISTMAS BAZAAR,
1973, at the Community Centre, Drewery Drive,
Wigmore. Doors open at 2.30 pm, proceeds in aid

of the Church Building Fund.

November 19th - Rainham Methodist Church Young Wives Group, 8.00 pm. A film and talk on Christian Aid given by Mr. L. Boulton.

NV-Aber 21st - Berengrave Park Ladies Club, _YPNOT1ST" Mr. Matthews.

November 22nd - 23rd - 24th - Orchard Players present two 1 Act plays. The Dear Departed. Temptation sordid, venture rewarded. 8.00 pm. St. Margarets I lull, Orchard Street, Rainham.

November 24th - Parkwood School Parent Association. CHRISTMAS BAZAAR 2.30 pm.

November 24th - JUMBLE SALE held by 4th Gilling­ham Supporters Association (Sea Scouts) St

St. Margarets Hall, Orchard Street, Rainham, 2.30 pm. Admission 3p.

November 24th - Rainham Methodist Church, CHRISTMAS FAYRE, 2.00 pm (entrance in Wakeley Road). Admission by programme obtainable

from Church Organisation Members or at the door, 3p.

November 24th - Rainham Secondary Girls School, CHRISTMAS FAYRE, 2.00 pm.

November 25th - 10.30 am, Bredhurst Bell : 10 mile walk via Thurnharn, led by Reg Child (bring lunch).

November 26th - Rainham Methodist Church Young Wives Group, 8.00 pm. Ideas for Children's Parties. Please bring your tried and tested ideas for the amusement of small children.

November 28th - Berengrave Park Ladies Club,
Retail Credit Federation talk, 8.00 pm.

December 1st - Parkwood School DANCE. Allan

Ryder Band, 8.00 pm - 12.00. Tickets 40p.
December 3rd - Rainham Methodist Church Young

Wives Group, CHRISTMAS DINNER.

December 5th - Rainham (Kent) Horticultural Society.

Christmas get-together, Orchard Street, Rainham. December 5th - Berengrave Park Ladies Club, Miss

Constance Allan. (STAGE MAKEUP).

December 8th - 8th Gillingham (Wigmore) Scout Group JUMBLE SALE, 2.30 pm. Edwards Close, Wigmore.

December 8th - United Reformed Church, High St.,
Rainham. CHRISTMAS BAZAAR, 2.30 pm.

INTERNATIONAL TABLE TENNIS
ENGLAND v RUSSIA at the Campus School.

Mon. 10th December, 1973 at 7.30 pm. Admission by ticket £1, under 17 60 p. From Don Obray, 72 Taverners Road.

December 10th - Rainham Methodist Church Young

Wives Group, 8.00 pm. Talk on First Aid. December 12th - Rainham (Kent) Floral Art Group.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING and slides of

1973 SHOW.

December 12th - Berengrave Park Ladies Club, "CHRISTMAS DINNER".

December 13th - Rainham Evening Townswomen's Guild. 7.15 pm, Methodist Church Hall, Station Road, Rainham. John Grooms Home for the disabled, showing Handicrafts made by the disabled for sale.

December 21st - Rainham Secondary Boy's School, CHRISTMAS DANCE, 8.00 pm - 12.00. in the School Hall, Allan Ryder Band. Licenced bar. Tickets 75p including refreshments.

Rainham and Wigmore bridge Club at Rainham Adult Centre, Derwent Way. Duplicate Bridge. 7.30 pm, every Monday excluding Bank Holidays. New members welcome.

1st Friday in every month - LOCOMOTIVE CLUB of GREAT BRITAIN. Kent Branch Meetings at Methodist Church Hall, Trafalgar Street, Gillingham.

5

 

Dear Member,

The Council of the Trust is opposed to the present proposition of a Channel Tunnel. i have been asked to explain, very briefly, the main reasons why.

The proposals envisage a special train, using very large rolling stock, running through the tunnel with the main loading and unloading area at Cheriton

ll        11, Remember that continental trains cannot

us        z tracks — the bridges and tunnels are too Iow,

the up/down tracks too close. The economics of the scheme depend on catching the vast proportion of the holiday car traffic. One cannot see that the convenience of door-to-door freight lorries will significantly give way to the rigisity of the rail system.

All this means that road traffic of all types will be funnelled more and more into Kent.

All this traffic will need servicing. Inevitably caravan parks, motor parks, lorry parks, overnight facilities on an unprecedented scale must follow. The promoters envisage 4,000 vehicles per hour each way in the early 1980's. Delay in the tunnel for only a few hours will cause chaos in Kent from Ashford to Folkestone, unless extensive provision is made.

The tunnel will act as a tremendous magnet for services, retail, distributive and export industry. The French recognise this. The Pas de Calais

desperately needs industrial expansion; it is what we call a "development area". Comparable activity will be inevitable in Kent, A broad strip of develop-

ment perhaps 10 miles wide, each side of the M20 from Folkestone to London, must surely follow. The first signs of this are already there. A massive swathe of total destruction of some of our most valuable cor-vside.

Ministry has never denied this will be so, No report on the environmental effects of the tunnel and its consequences to Kent has been prepared. and none is expected.

Economically, and regionally, industry will be attracted more and more away from the north — where we are struggling to keep it — down to the south-east, which is overcrowded already.

So much of Kent has been spoilt already over the years, by lack of planning controls, hasty expedients and arrogant destruction of the environment, that we cannot afford to lose any more of our countryside, except for the most urgent need of immediate national emergency. The tunnel falls far short of this require­ment.

Please use your influence to persuade other people to resist this tunnel: write to your member of parlia­ment, to the local and national newspapers.

Your:i

Hector Wilks,

Chairman.

3 Medina Avenue, Whitstable, Kent.

Editor: This letter has been distributed to members of The Kent Trust for Nature Conservation, we reproduce it with the permission of Mr. Wilks as we consider it of interest to people living in this area.

Old Newspapers

PLAY YOUR PART IN COMBATING WORLD PAPER SHORTAGES AND HELP THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AT THE SAME TIME.

Please bring your old newspapers, magazines etc., in securely tied bundles, to Station Oasts the third Saturday every month 9.30 -12.30, 17th November, 15th December etc. If this is not convenient they may be left at Station Oasts most Sunday mornings or at the present Community Centre most weekday evenings when they arc open.

More details from Reg. Field, 166 Wakeley Road. Tel: 36227

T.S. &P D. Grinstead

114 Wakeley Road, Otterharri Park Rainham          Medway 361537

YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT
& TOBACCONIST

A Wide Selection of Toys
Greetings Cards & Stationery.

Main AI RF1X Agents

 

The Dickens Fellowship

The Dickens Fellowship is a literary society founded in 1902, with Branches in many towns in England,

in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S.A., Holland, and in many other parts of the world, The Headquarters of the Fellowship is the Dickens House, 48 Doughty Street. London Wel N 2LG. The official magazine of

the Fellowship is entitled the Dickensian and is published three times year. and has been in continuous publication since 1905.

The aims and objects of the Fellowship are:-

  • To knit together in a common bond of friend­ship lovers of that great master of humour and pathos, Charles Dickens.
  • To spread the love of humanity which is the key­note of all his work.

.10 To take such measures as may be expedient to remedy those existing social evils, the amelioration of which would have appealed so strongly to the

heart of Charles Dickens, and to help in every possible direction in the cause of the poor and oppressed,

(d) To assist in the preservation and purchase of build-

ings and objects associated with his name or mentioned in his works.

Membership of the Fellowship which is conducted on the broadest social lines is open to all. The general management is vested in a Council which includes the Honarary Secretary or other representative of each Branch, and meets in London twice a year. The broad policy of the Fellowship is governed by an Annual Conference. All members are entitled to attend.

The annual subscription for Headquarters membership is £4. This includes the supply to each member of a copy of each issue of The Dickensian. An attractive programme of Lectures and Recitals is arranged during the Winter months, and pilgrimages are made to

places connected with Dickens in the summer. The Dickens f louse where Charles Dickens lived from March 1837 until the end of 1839 is now a Dickens Museum and Library. The Suzannet Rooms in the house which contain a very valuable collection of

Lnsia were opened in 1972. Many thousands of viS..r.R.Irs, a number from overseas, visit the house each year and it provides amenities for innumerable students who wish to make a study of Dickensian subjects. Dickens finished Pickwick Papers and wrote Oliver Twist and Nicholas NickeIby while living here.

The Branches of the Fellowship are self-governing and fix their own subscriptions. In our county of Kent there are branches at Broadstairs, Deal and Rochester, and on the other side of the Thames estuary there is a branch at Southend. The Rochester Branch meets at Eastgate House with the kind per­mission of the City Council, at 7.30 pm on the third Thursday of each month from September to May inclusive. Its Annual General Meeting followed by a

 

8

9

 

What is hoc T-1 ?

The movement of TOC H, which enjoys Royal Patronage, was the realisation of a dream in the mind of a young C of h clergyman, the Reverend Phillip 'Tubby' Clayton, during the first World War.

Serving as an army chaplain, he soon realized the complete lack of basic amenities when the serving men were sent to base-camps for resting, after prolonged action. With very little practical assistance from the Authorities, lie and a small group of friends managed to take over a dilapidated house in the small Belgian town of Poperinge, This house, was renovated and made fairly comfortable for the war-

weary soldiers enjoying, a brief spell from the trenches. It is interesting to note that this same house has survived two major world wars and still stands today.

(Tit ;Ries were made available for using this house as air ,teen, library and quiet room, for writing letters home, recreational room and even a small chapel where a man could quietly find spiritual guidance.

This house was named "TALBOT HOUSE" after the death, in action, of 'Tubby's' great friend

Lt. Gilbert Talbot, killed at Ypres in 1915. This was soon abbreviated to the now world famous "TOC H" — the Army Signallers 'jargon' for Talbot House.

Many thousands of men enjoyed their brief stay there between long spells of discomfort in the trenches and found it an oasis of rest amidst the turmoil of

wat.

When armistice came and the 'homecoming for heroes' did not materialise, many of the returning soldiers, disillusioned and depressed with the state of the Country decided to try and recapture some of their camraderie of their long war years and the spirit of friendship that had prevailed at Talbot House. Consequently in the early twenties, under the guidance of Tubby Clayton, with the help of many prominent

people, Toe I-I was revived and has grown and prospered over the past fifty years into an international Organisation.

What does TOC H do? Members believe that we are all p,74 on this earth to help each other in a practical wai,            1 especially to help the 'underdog'. TOC El was
one of the first organisations to work among the Leper Colonies and we have founded and built a hospital in

South Africa among the coloured population to combat tuberculosis and when a patient has sufficiently recovered his health lie is given the necessary tools,

seed and training to cultivate his land efficiently.

TOC H has provided holidays for the underprivi­leged and handicapped children and even tuaght Asian immigrants to play Bingo! Wherever help is needed, throughout the Country you will almost certainly find a TOC H branch of men, women, or both trying to help.

From this catalogue of help do not think that
TOC II is composed of a group of folk with lots of

 

money to give away. Our members come front all walks of life and no-one is refused membership because he cannot find the modest weekly subscription we make to our 'family purse'.

Our funds are raised the hard way — through the
usual spate of jumble sales, fetes and social occasions.

At present, we in the Wiginore and Rainham branch are busily trying to achieve a target of £300 with the intention of purchasing some equipment for the new day-centre for the elderly at Woodlands Road,

Contrary to popular belief TOC H is not an ex­servicemarls organisation and any man or woman over the age of sixteen, whatever their race or religion is eligible for membership. There is no mystery in TOC Our symbol, a small lamp, is designed on one of those found in the catacombs in Rome and used by early Christians, who, at that period in Roman history were imprisoned for their beliefs.

At the opening of each Branch meeting the room is
darkened, the lamp lit and a member says a short prayer.

If this brief resume of TOC H ideals appeals to you why not come along to any of our weekly meetings at 25, Wigmore Road every Wednesday at 8 pm or

better still form your own branch locally. Our secretary, Colin Ward of 24 Beacon Close Rainham will be pleased to advise you. Pick up the phone now, and dial 360619.

Stan Oughton,

Wigmore & Rainharn TOC H.

 

Behinci A.F.

CAROL AND R11; HIGGS

In September 1969, seven months after the first issue of Action Forum we read as a front page headline `Does Action Forum have a Future'.tollowed by an explanation that unless more volunteer manpower was forthcoming by the next month that would be the last Al'. as the Editor was on the point of leaving Rainharn to live in London. We decided to attend the meeting. held at Macklands, and were immediately involved(

Carol began to tramp the streets in search of would-be advertisers and, together with Myra Lester, also set and pasted up the adverts. A year later Action Forum had become a Limited Company and the proud owner of its own printing machine. At First we printed

tselves in a shop in the High Street but later becL...e the shop was not an economic proposition the machine was moved to our garage. Here with the help of Peter Gardiner and a couple, of others we printed in the evening and at weekends 10,500 copies of Action Forum, 2 pages at a time. This meant for an eight page issue, the standard at that time, 42,000 passes through the machine. Even then it was not ready for distribution as each sheet had to be folded and one inserted within the other! Quite a mamoth task but very worthwhile.

Gradually as tradespeople came to know us, advertising became easier but after three years Carol had to give up because of home commitments.

Reg has been involved in most aspects of A.F. at one time or another. lie still does all the invoicirw and accounts and together with our children still has an area around our home for distribution.

In retrospect 1 dont think we would have missed our experiences with Action Forum and can honestly say we have enjoyed our years of involvement.

Carol and Reg Higgs.

 

DOUBLE GLAZING

ALL TYPES                                                       ALL PRICES

WINDOWS MODERNISED, D.I.Y. OR INSTALLED,
SLIDING PATIO DOORS
GLASS CUT WHILE YOU WAIT OR DELIVERED

MEDWAY GLASS CENTRE

9, ivy Street, Rainharrt — Medway 362270

MAXIMUM FITTING CHARGE £5
WITH THIS COPY OF ACTION FORUM

Offer closes 37st January

 

Small Ads

Copy date:        30th November

Published:              8tli December

Commercial:      20p per line

Private 10p per line

Please contact IL Mackay Miller 5 Meresborough Colts.

Tel: 31307

OUTWORK SEWING

Machinists required for work at home on children's shorts & trews etc. Also for plain nylon work. Factory experience essential. Must be able to copy samples. Apply, letter only, Medway Outwork, 229 Canter-but 'Teet,

ASET

RENT A BAIRD

RENT AT BURNS

Central heating Materials at REDUCED prices. Boilers, Radiators, Pumps, Cylinders, Pipe and Fittings.

Ring Medway 35 256 or

361527 (Eves.)

SABA one of Europe's leading makers in radio, colour & Hi-Fl equipment. Demonstrations available. BURNS RADIO LTD. (off A2 at Gillingham Golf Course) 96 Woodlands Road. Medway 52858.

Central Heating Installations. Oil, Gas or Solid Fuel. I st Class Workmanship. Contact:-Temperate Heating Ltd,

Bredhurst. Medway 35256 or 361527 (evenings).

SIlc I. PAPER and (washed) mil oottic tops wanted for GUIDE DOGS FOR THE

BLIND. Please contact area collector, Mrs Francine White,

86 Beverley Close. Med: 361227.

 

WINNING TICKETS, Win a Watch competition with Crown plus 2 gloss purchased at The Colour Shop, Rainham. No. 232 claimed by Mr. Mortimer, 8 Sunderland Square. Rainham. No, 243 not yet claimed. If not claimed by 1st December, 1973 the watch will be donated to "Age Concern"

to be used as a raffle prize in their Christmas draw.

TILE COLOUR SHOP, 143/ 145 High Street, Rainham has a new and large selection of, floor standard and table lamps, also lampshades and childrens lamp shades. Select

at leisure, Customers Car Park at rear and Provident vou­chers and cheques, and Access cheques accepted. Green Shield Stamps with all cash purchases.

NEW SEASONS, ready pasted vinyls, also ready pasted wall­papers, and new wallpapers now in stock at THE COLOUR SHOP, 143/145 High Street, Rainham. Customers Car Park at Rear and Green Shield Stamps with all cash put purchases.

Special offer on Cartons Brilliant White gloss, under­coat and emulsion whilst stocks last at THE COLOUR SHOP, 143/145 High Street, Rainham.

RUGS from £1.00 each, also many better quality rugs in all sizes and shapes at THE COLOUR SHOP, 143/145 High Street, Rainham.

LINO in stock at 45p sqy square yard, vynal floor coverings available in few days, large selection at THE COLOUR SHOP, 1431145 High Street, Rainham.

 

LOST — FROM WINDERMERE DRIVE, SMALL T/SIIELL FEMALE CAT. MAY BE

WEARING BLACK COLLAR. REWARD OFFERED.

TEL. MEDWAY 33014

MOPED, RALEIGH AUTO­MATIC. Little used through illnessE25. Med: 31578.

EDWARDS CLOSE PLAY­GROUP Scout Hall,

Mornings each weekday 9 am —12 noon.

Afternoons Tuesday & Thursday 1 pm — 3.15. Enquiries to

Mrs. Hall, 36 Nursery Road. Rainham. Tel: 362765.

MATURE HOUSEWIFE

REQUIRES PART TIME

WORK. Shorthand, Typing, Beekeeping, VAT. Tel: 364530,

RAWCA 200 Club Winners. Members No. 18 & 153, Mr. E. C, Allen and Dr. Sumner each Won L20.

FOR CARPET SHAMPOOING ON SITE, floor cleaning,

sanding, sealing, polishing etc., home, office, factory etc, we use modern cleaning equip­ment. ALL SEASONS CLEAN­ING SERVICES, 10 Ely Close, Rainham. Tel: 35920.

SIR GERALD NABARRO MP PORTRAIT OF A POLITICIAN Paperback editors available at £1 from 20, Pump Lane,

Med: 31539 or Med: 31307. Sir Gerald is donating 50p for every copy sold to the

Community Centre.

AN INTERESTING PRESENT: "Bricks & Brickies" is the story of Eastwoods the Brickmakers and their sailing barges. Several well known Rainham families are featured. Over 50 photos. Price £1 (+10p p&p) from the author Frank Willmott, 7 Wakely Road.

YOUNG COUPLE URGENTLY REQUIRE FLAT IN MEDWAY AREA. Phone Med: 33452 after 6 pm.

15

 

Clifford Miller Ltd.

INSURANCE BROKERS AND CONSULTANTS

Satisfied Clients have helped us become successful Brokers providing a County Wide Service on all aspects of Insurance.

70 HIGH STREET, RAINHAM
(Corner of Orchard Street)

Telephone: MEDWAY 360248 (3 lines) and 35555

 

 

 

ESTATE

AGENTS

19 High Street, Rainham, Kent.

Medway 35111/2

and eight other branches

BUFFET LUNCHES & HOME MADE SNACKS
ROY & JOY
welcome you at the

WHITE HORSE, HIGH ST., RAINHAM

FOR THAT SPECIAL OCCASION A HALL IS AVAILABLE AT MODERATE TERMS. PLEASE TELEPHONE 31210 ENJOY COURAGE BEERS AT THEIR BEST.

 

 

 

 

ESTATE

AGENTS

19 High Street, Rainham, Kent.

Medway 35111/2

and eight other branches

BUFFET LUNCHES & HOME MADE SNACKS
ROY & JOY
welcome you at the

WHITE HORSE, HIGH ST., RAINHAM

FOR THAT SPECIAL OCCASION A HALL IS AVAILABLE AT MODERATE TERMS. PLEASE TELEPHONE 31210 ENJOY COURAGE BEERS AT THEIR BEST.

 

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