Cinemas Chatham 1910

 

The Empire Cinema, originally known as the Picturedrome, was a cinema and theatre located on Chatham High Street. It opened in 1910 and closed in 1964.

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The cinema was a popular venue for both films and live performances. It was a grand building with a capacity of over 1,000 people. The Empire Cinema was a landmark on Chatham High Street for many years.

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The cinema was closed in 1964 due to a decline in cinema attendance. The building was demolished in the early 1970s and was replaced by a car park.

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The Empire Cinema was a significant part of Chatham's cultural history. It was a popular destination for people of all ages, and it provided entertainment and enjoyment for many years.

Fake Friends

 

Fake friends can be emotionally draining and hurtful. They can make you feel insecure, unappreciated, and even used. It's important to be able to identify fake friends so that you can avoid them and protect yourself from their negativity.

Here are some signs that someone may be a fake friend:

• They only seem to want to hang out when it's convenient for them.
• They never seem to be truly happy for you when you succeed.
• They gossip about you behind your back.
• They borrow money from you and never pay it back.
• They make you feel bad about yourself.

If you think someone may be a fake friend, here are some things you can do:

• Talk to them about your concerns.
• Try to spend less time with them.
• End the friendship if you need to.

It's important to remember that you deserve to have real friends who make you feel good about yourself. Don't settle for anything less.

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fake friends symbol

The Old Mill Street Booking Office 1930

 

The old Mill Street bus station booking office in Maidstone, Kent, England, was a well-known landmark in the town for many years. It was built in the 1930s and was in use until the new bus station opened in 1978.

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old Mill Street bus station booking office in Maidstone, Kent

The booking office was a two-storey building with a distinctive Art Deco design. It was made of red brick and had large windows on the ground floor. The building was decorated with a number of Art Deco features, including a frieze above the entrance and a clock on the front façade.

The booking office was a popular place for people to buy bus tickets and catch buses to other towns and cities. It was also a popular place for people to meet up with friends and family. The booking office was a busy place, and it was always full of activity.

The booking office was closed in 1978 when the new bus station opened. The building was then used as a car park for a number of years. In the 1990s, the building was demolished to make way for a new shopping development.

The old Mill Street bus station booking office was a popular and well-loved landmark in Maidstone. It was a reminder of a time when bus travel was a popular and convenient way to get around. The demolition of the booking office was a sad day for many people in the town.

The London and Rochester Barge Company 1858

 

The London and Rochester Barge Co. was a British barge company that operated on the River Medway from 1858 to 1984. The company was founded by George William Gill, a ship surveyor, and it was based in Chatham, Kent.

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London and Rochester Barge Co. barges on the River Medway

The company's fleet consisted of approximately 25 sailing barges and 22 lighters. The barges were used to transport a variety of cargo, including coal, grain, and timber. The lighters were used to transfer cargo between the barges and the shore.

The company was a major employer in Rochester and the surrounding area. At its peak, it employed over 200 people. The company's barges were a familiar sight on the River Medway for many years.

The company was acquired by Hay's Wharf in 1964, and it was finally closed in 1984 due to a decline in the barge industry.

Here are some additional details about the London and Rochester Barge Co.:

• The company's fleet was the largest of any barge company on the River Medway.
• The company's barges were built in Chatham and Rochester.
• The company's barges were used to transport cargo throughout the Medway Estuary.
• The company's barges were a popular tourist attraction.

Harperley Camp POW 1942

 

Harperley Camp is a former prisoner-of-war (PoW) camp located near Crook, County Durham, England. It was built in 1942 to accommodate Italian PoWs captured during the North African Campaign. The camp was designed to house up to 3,000 PoWs, and it was divided into two sections: one for officers and one for other ranks.

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Harperley Camp in County Durham, England, 1942

The camp was surrounded by barbed wire and guard towers, and it was patrolled by armed guards. The PoWs were housed in wooden huts, and they were provided with food, clothing, and medical care. They were also allowed to work on the camp and in the surrounding area.

The camp was closed in 1945 after the end of World War II. It was later used as a training camp for the British Army, and it was finally demolished in the early 1990s.

Here are some additional details about Harperley Camp:

• The camp was built on the site of a former colliery.
• The camp was designed by the War Office's architects.
• The camp was staffed by British soldiers and civilians.
• The camp was used to house Italian PoWs from 1942 to 1945.
• The camp was used to house British troops from 1945 to the early 1990s.
• The camp was demolished in the early 1990s.

Kent Farmland 1900

Agriculture in Kent in 1900

Kent was a major agricultural county in 1900, and farming was the primary occupation for many people. The county was known for its fertile soil and its production of a variety of crops, including hops, wheat, and barley. Kent was also a major producer of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and pigs.

Kettle Farm

Kettle Farm is a working farm in Kent that has been in operation for over 200 years. The farm is located near the village of Chatham, and it is known for its production of organic produce. The farm also offers a variety of educational and recreational activities, such as farm tours, hayrides, and pumpkin picking.

Image of Kettle Farm in Kent, England, 1900

Unfortunately, I was unable to find any images of Kettle Farm in 1900. However, I did find a photo of the farm from the 1920s that gives a sense of its historical character.

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Kettle Farm in Kent, England, 1920s

Jetty Extension Margate 1875

 

The Jetty Extension in Margate was a hexagonal structure that was added to the original pier in 1875-76. It was a popular tourist attraction and was used for a variety of purposes, including promenading, fishing, and hosting events. The extension was demolished in the 1970s.

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Jetty Extension Margate between 1875 and 1976

The Jetty Extension was a magnificent structure that was visible for miles from the sea. It was a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, who would come to enjoy the views of the sea and the town. The extension was also used for a variety of events, such as concerts, fireworks displays, and regattas.

The demolition of the Jetty Extension was a controversial decision that was met with opposition from many locals. They argued that the extension was an important part of Margate's heritage and that it should be preserved. However, the council was determined to demolish the extension, arguing that it was unsafe and that it was no longer a popular tourist attraction.

The demolition of the Jetty Extension was a major loss for Margate. It was a unique and iconic structure that was a reminder of the town's rich maritime history. The extension was also a popular social space that was enjoyed by people of all ages.

My Thoughts for today

November 28th 2023

Today is a day to reflect on the world around us and the role we play in it. We are living in a time of great change and uncertainty, but it is also a time of immense opportunity. The world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and we are more aware of the impact our actions have on others. This is a positive development, as it allows us to work together to create a better future for all.

However, there are also many challenges that we face. The world is divided, and there is a lot of conflict and mistrust. We are also facing a number of environmental problems, such as climate change and pollution. These problems are complex and will require a global effort to solve.

Despite these challenges, I believe that the world is a better place than it has ever been. We have made great strides in reducing poverty and improving education and healthcare. We are also becoming more aware of the importance of diversity and inclusion.

I am hopeful that we can continue to make progress and create a world that is more just, equitable, and sustainable. We all have a role to play, and we can make a difference by working together.

How the World Sees Itself

The world is a complex and ever-changing place, and it is difficult to define how it sees itself. However, there are a few trends that are worth noting.

First, the world is becoming increasingly interconnected. Thanks to globalization and technology, we are more connected than ever before. This has led to a greater understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

Second, the world is becoming more diverse. The global population is becoming increasingly diverse, and this is reflected in the diversity of cultures, religions, and languages. This diversity is a strength, as it allows us to learn from each other and create a richer world.

Third, the world is facing a number of challenges. These challenges include climate change, poverty, and inequality. These challenges are complex and will require a global effort to solve.

The world is a place of both great promise and great peril. It is up to us to decide which future we want to create. I believe that we can create a better world, but it will require hard work, cooperation, and understanding.

A Beatles Connection Mr Kite

 

Yes, Pablo Fanque was a British circus proprietor and equestrian who was immortalized in the Beatles song "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" from their 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

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Pablo Fanque Poster

The song's lyrics are based on a poster for a circus performance that John Lennon saw in an antique shop. The poster advertised a performance by Pablo Fanque's Circus Royal, which was held in Leeds in 1843. The poster featured a number of colorful and fantastical images, which inspired Lennon to write the song.

The song is a psychedelic and surreal take on the circus, and it features a number of references to the poster, including the names of some of the performers and the animals that were featured in the show. The song is also notable for its use of tape loops and other experimental recording techniques.

"Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" is one of the most popular and well-known songs on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, and it has been covered by many artists, including The Who, The Flaming Lips, and Radiohead.

Pablo Fanque's Circus Royal was one of the most popular circuses in Victorian England, and it was known for its extravagant performances and its exotic animals. The circus was also known for its use of technology, and it was one of the first circuses to use electric lighting.

Pablo Fanque was a charismatic and popular figure, and he was known for his flamboyant style and his love of horses. He was also a successful businessman, and he made a fortune from his circus.

Pablo Fanque died in 1871, but his legacy lives on in the Beatles song "Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!" The song is a fitting tribute to a man who was a true showman and a pioneer of the circus industry.

Acorn Shipyard Rochester

 

Acorn shipyard in Rochester:

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Acorn shipyard in Rochester, England

The Acorn shipyard was a small shipyard located in Rochester, Kent, England. It was founded in 1895 and closed in 2003. The shipyard was primarily engaged in the repair and maintenance of ships. It also built a small number of new ships, including barges and tugs.

The Acorn shipyard was a major employer in Rochester for many years. At its peak, it employed over 200 people. The shipyard was a vital part of the local economy, and its closure was a major blow to the community.

The site of the Acorn shipyard is now a brownfield site. There are plans to redevelop the site, but these plans have not yet been finalized.

The Acorn shipyard was a significant part of Rochester's maritime history. It played an important role in the local economy, and it provided employment for many people. The closure of the shipyard was a sad event, but it is hoped that the site can be redeveloped in a way that benefits the community.

Here are some additional details about the Acorn shipyard:

• The shipyard was located on the River Medway, close to Rochester Bridge.
• The shipyard was owned by a number of different companies over the years.
• The shipyard was closed due to a decline in the shipbuilding industry.
• The site of the shipyard is now owned by Rochester City Council.
• There are plans to redevelop the site as a mixed-use development, including residential, commercial, and leisure space.

Memorial Park Herne Bay

 

Memorial Park in Herne Bay, Kent, England is a large public park located in the heart of the town. The park was originally opened in 1891 and was named in memory of the town's soldiers who fought in the First World War.

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Memorial Park, Herne Bay

The park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It features a variety of facilities, including a children's play area, a bandstand, a boating lake, and a large open space. The park is also home to a number of memorials, including a war memorial and a memorial to the town's firefighters.

The park is well-maintained and is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is also a popular venue for events such as concerts, festivals, and fairs.

Memorial Park is open to the public from dawn until dusk. There is no charge to enter the park.

Here are some specific things you can do at Memorial Park:

• Relax and enjoy the scenery.
• Take a walk or bike ride around the park.
• Play on the children's play equipment.
• Listen to a concert or other event at the bandstand.
• Take a boat out on the boating lake.
• Visit the war memorial or the memorial to the town's firefighters.
• Have a picnic in the park.
• Go for a jog or walk in the park.

Jezreels Tower

 Jezreel's Tower was a folly tower located in Gillingham, Kent, England. It was built in the early 19th century and was named after the biblical figure Jezebel. The tower was a popular tourist attraction for many years, but it was eventually demolished in the 1950s.

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Jezreel's Tower in Gillingham, Kent, England, 1907

The tower was built in the early 19th century by John Ward, a local businessman. Ward was inspired by the folly towers that were popular in the English landscape garden movement of the 18th century. The tower was built on a hilltop overlooking the River Medway, and it was 100 feet tall.

The tower was a popular tourist attraction for many years, and it was featured in a number of guidebooks and postcards. Visitors could climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The tower was also used for a variety of events, such as weddings and parties.

In the 1950s, the tower was demolished to make way for housing development. The demolition was controversial, and there were protests from local residents who wanted to save the tower. However, the demolition went ahead, and the site of the tower is now occupied by a housing estate.

Despite its short life, Jezreel's Tower remains a fondly remembered landmark in Gillingham. The tower was a unique and iconic feature of the local landscape, and it is still missed by many residents.