The Ever Changing Face of Rainham: Rainham Mark, Belisha Beacon, Hop and Vine pub, Rainham Kent Photos

Change in our Environment is a constant and continual process. Even in the short time that this site has been running many changes have been seen. An example is from some shots taken in Rainham Mark in 2003 for use with the Time Machine pages. Since they were taken the Hop & Vine has been refurbished, the petrol station, Post Office and newsagents have closed.

This area is a perfect example of how change in the urban environment is a never ending process. Since the article originally written in 2005 the area has changed further. As of November 2010 the Hop and Vine pub has closed down and the site of the former Shell/Texaco petrol station remains derelict despite various attempts to obtain planning permission for alternative uses. The former Rainham Mark post office remains empty and the newsagent has now been converted to an Osteopath surgery.

hop vine pub rainham mark belisha beacon

December 2010 - Hop and Vine pub Rainham Mark, now boarded up with former Rainham Mark post office and Shell/Texaco petrol station in distance

Jonathan Lawson, managing director at pub chain Greene King, confirmed it no longer owned the Hop & Vine building. He said: "We can confirm that the Hop & Vine has been sold to London-based development company Zaan. "Community pubs are very much at the heart of our business. Sadly, the Hop & Vine is restricted by its size and therefore has limited development potential as a pub. "After careful consideration, we reluctantly concluded that it is in the best interests of the community to accept an offer for the premises. "We would like to reassure the people of Rainham that we are committed to the area and continue to welcome customers at our nearest local pub, The Cricketers on the High Street."

The Hop and Vine was originally known as the Belisha Beacon pub. More info about the origins of Rainham Mark can be found on the website below

http://www.medwaymemories.co.uk/men_of_kent.htm

 

Rainham Mark post office, Shell Garage

2003

Hop & Vine pub in foreground, Rainham Mark Post Office, Newsagents and Texaco petrol station in background. This was previously a Shell garage and changed hands in the late 1990s. Note post box in front of Rainham Mark post office.

Hop and Vine Rainham 2005

2005

Hop & Vine pub in foreground, Rainham Mark Post Office now closed and post box removed, Newsagents closed and has become Osteopath surgery. The Texaco petrol station in background has now closed and the former Shell garage colours can be seen on the roofline.

hop and vine rainham closed down

2010

Hop & Vine pub in foreground has now closed, former Rainham Mark Post Office remains empty. The Osteopath surgery is now the only remaining occupied shop in this block. Further along Sophisticuts hairdressers remains open.

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