RAINHAM’S CORONATION CELEBRATIONS - Part 1 from March 2002 Action Forum
Many editors, both national and local, have commented upon the apparent apathy by our people toward celebrating the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and I have been comparing this with the coronation celebrations in Rainham in 1953. First I tried to remember how we lived at that time and I was surprised at the changes which have occurred. The population of Rainham was around 10,000, probably only a quarter of that now and six years before we had emerged from a damaging and exhausting war. Certain foods and particularly building materials were still rationed and licences had to be obtained even for new wood to carry out repairs. There were no mobile phones and only a low percentage of residents had static telephones, most of which were shared lines. The main means of communication was still by mail. Council house building was increasing but licences for individual private development were very limited, there was no estate building but a three bedroom pre war house could be bought for under £1,500. A primary school had been established in the huts on the old Anti Aircrafi Battery site in Maidstone Road as there was no school for infants and juniors south of the . accommodate the high birth rate of the ‘baby boom’ years immediately after the war. Some of the army huts were still occupied by squatters. The land between Rainham Mark and Darland Avenue on the south side of the A2 was still owned by the War Department and mainly unused. There was no Rainham shopping centre, no supermarkets or out of town shopping. Parkwood was still an attractive woodland area with a steep grassy bank in the middle known to us as ‘The Den’. I doubt if more than a third of householders had a car but I had recently acquired my first vehicle, a Scwt Ford van with a bus seat in the back for my 6-year-old son and all cars were coloured black. Most people still travelled to work by bus or bike and life was far from easy for many post war newly weds who still lived with in-laws or in ‘rooms’. Partners living together would have been frowned upon. I found a ycopy of a letter which I wrote to the local paper nphasising the need for a by-pass, the M2 was "eventually opened in 1963, but no link road was included in the original design so that had to be fought for to avoid even more tmffic travelling along the A2 through Rainham High Street en route to the link roads in Chatham and Sittingboume. These were the circumstances under which we were living when a Public Meeting, which attracted about 100 residents, was called some eight months before the Coronation. An organising committee was then formed with myself as Chairman, which is why I still have a file to which I can refer. Mr R. Lucas, Manager of Rainham Co-operative Society, was Vice Chairman, Mr J. Lewis, Manager of Barclays Bank, became Treasurer and the Organising Sub-Committee was chaired by Dr G.O.S. Reid. There were 51 organisations covering many interests in Rainham at that time and some of them arranged fund raising events to cover anticipated expenditure.
Photo of Coronation Party in Holding Street Rainham in 1953
The events arranged for the great day had to take account of the increased interest in television as this was the first great national attraction since its introduction and many people bought their first set for the occasion. I remember buying a second hand 9-inch set which had to be viewed from a few feet but even that was a great advance on wireless. It was assumed that many residents would wish to view the actual ceremony and subsequent events until early afternoon so events on 2nd June started around 2.30pm. The Carnival arranged for Wednesday 27th May had to be cancelled twice before it was eventually held and some of the events arranged for Coronation Day were also curtailed by inclement weather, which was disappointing to many who had laboured to ensure a happy and successful day. A copy of the programme had been delivered in advance to every household and I forget which events had to be cancelled or restricted.
The RE Cadet Band opened by playing as they marched along various roads leading to the Recreation Ground. Other events included the Peter Pan Starlets, London Mime Theatre, Tug of War Heats, and a Sheep Dog Demonstration. It was anticipated that over 1,000 childrenwould attend the free tea which was to be followed by a Comic Football match, Maypole Dancing and The Fueding Dudes with Hill Billy songs. Free tickets were provided for children to enjoy pony rides, and all types of side shows. There were 23 races for children aged from 5 up to l6, the youngest ruiming 80 yards and the 15 and 16 year olds had both cycle and one mile track races.
The Rainham County Secondary School from Orchard Street had a House Relay for a Shield whilst all other lst, 2nd or 3rd places received money There were many street parties whilst houses, shops and street standards were decorated, Gillingham Council also helped by erecting Coronation Arches across the A2 at West Moor Farm and outside the Vicarage which at that time was next to the Post Office. The day ended with a dance in the Co-operative Hall. The population seemed to be captivated by the Coronation of our young Queen and almost everyone entered into the spirit of the occasion. Rainham was proud to play its part.
P.S. Whilst typing this article a radio announcement has confirmed that the Salisbury Avenue NWA and Residents Association has cancelled its proposed Golden Jubilee celebrations due to lack of interest and the cost of insurance! However, I am pleased to hear that a Community Project jointly with the Rainham Theatrical Society and St Margaret’s Church are planning some celebrations.
Freddie Cooper
March 2002
