i grew up in the 70s and 80s and loved the little island it seemed so colourful, and yes the council gardens were beautiful with the old red brick victorian/edwardian buildings. it seemed so elegant. the whole place seems to have been turned into black and white,what has happened? it looks like an industrial waste land. its so sad. i still go back evry now and then but all the character and charm seem to have disapeared.
John E.
17-Apr-2006 12:53
In reply to Maurice's comment; The sea level is actually rising on the East Coast of the UK, partly due the the coastline sinking! Also, since the wall was rebuilt in 1979 the shingle has been heavily built up against it as a further sea defence. Shingle beaches are the best sea defences as they absorb the energy of waves better than solid concrete, the presence of grass means it must be working.
As for the rest of your post, I'm a tad younger (born in Minster,1967)When I was growing up Sheerness (and the rest of the island)still had the charm of the Edwardian seaside resort shown in the pictures on this site. I left in 1990 and still visit, but it is now been transformed into such a dirty, badly planned hellhole, it is almost unrecognisable compared to where I grew up.
I'm sooooo glad this site exists!
Maurice Majurey
11-Dec-2004 13:58
When I lived in Sheerness in the late '50's, I recall that the sea came right up to the wall alongside the jetty at high tide. This view and "Jetty" both show grass growing on the beach below the wall. Does this suggest a lowering of sea level compared to times past?
Your sites are a blissful reminder of times long past, many thanks.
One message questioned whether anyone leaving the Island 20 or so yrs ago would now recognise it. I left in 1960 (born 1942, Coronation Rd) and can say "Yes" but with great difficulty and a certain sadness. The developers have not been kind and the High St. / Trinity Rd area is an abortion to anyone who remembers the Council Gardens heady with the aroma of tulips in summer.
