Minster & Halfway Photo Gallery by Trevor Edwards at pbase.com

Minster & Halfway

Views of Minster & Halfway

<< Minster Abbey >>	Harps Inn	Cliff Edge	Stripes	Prince of Waterloo	Minster Broadway
Wards Hill Road	Warners Holiday Camp	Royal Oak	Beach & Cliffs 1962	Royal Oak & Avenue	Southdown Road, Halfway
Scan 127 - 1908	The Playground, Warners Holiday Camp	The Gardens, Warners Holiday Camp	St Vincent Terrace early 1900's	Minster Cliffs 2011	The Playa
The Playa 2	Royal Oak Lane2	Scocles Farm Minster	Apr11-008	Minster Bay JG583	Aerial view 1967
Paradise	Main Road - Minster	Minster Cliffs 2	Minster Cliffs	Sunrise - Bell Farm Camp Cliffs	Bell Farm Camp, Minster
Beach Minster	mr31010	Halway House pub	Half-Way House	The Cliffs, Minster, Sheppey	The Cliffs Minster 2
Unknown Paradise	Birds Eye View	Minster Sheppey	The Cliffs Minster	Minster from Station Road	Minster Road
View of Cliffs	Minster Beach	Paradise	Aerial view	Royal Oak	Royal Oak
Station Road	Minster Road	Minster Lane	Minster East Station	Be in my shoes	Minster Cliffs
Plough Inn	Plough Inn	Beach Minster	Minster Beach	Minster	Minster Road
Lazydays	Love Lane	Royal Oak Avenue	Lazydays	Whitehouse ?	The Whitehouse Pub
Sheppey Court	Oak Lane	High Street	Cliffs at Minster	Halfway Road	Minster Hill
Church, Minster	Warners Holiday Camp	Warners Holiday Camp	Minster Hill	P1110047	Along the cliffs
Cliffs	Paradise	Harps Inn	Bell Farm 1987	Bell Farm 1987	Bell Farm 2003
Bell Farm 1968 01	Bell Farm 1968 02	Lazydays	Lazydays	Royal Oak	Horse & Cart Boys 1906
T-Scan092	T-Scan139	1914 with stamp	Minster Road Halfway	Minster Village	Southdown Hill
Minster Road Halfway	Bunny Banks	Halfway Houses	1933	1933	Cliffs 1933
East End Lane	East End Lane, Minster	Minster, Sheppey	Minster	Minster	The Beach, Minster
Minster, Sheppey	Approach to Minster	Halfway	Beach, Minster	Approach to Minster	The Cliffs
G.L.B.	Minster Road	The Cliffs, Minster	Minster Cliffs	On the Cliffs, Minster	The Cliffs
Cliffs	Minster Beach	Minster Cliffs	The Cliffs, Minster	Unknown Paradise	Minster Cliffs, Minster
Ballroom, Warners Holiday Camp, Minster.	Halfway House Road	Minster.Cliffs.	Minster	Halfway House Pub	Old hospital lots of ghosts
Old hospital lots of memories	Work house hospital Wards Hill	Minster	G.L.B. Hut, Minster cliffs	Minster Road, Halfway Houses.	Minster Hill.
Minster 1912	Minster, Sheppey.	Royal Oak	Royal Oak	Minster Cliffs 2004	CAMP MINSTER 1910
Minster Cliffs	Minster Village	DSCN001	Minster beach	DSCN0030	DSCN0035
DSCN0038	Minster Village	The Downs, Minster 1969	Camp, Minster	Minster Village	Minster Cliffs
Chalets 1966	Bell Farm Caravan Site	Halfway Houses	Minster from Station Road	Cliff Edge, Minster	Minster Hill
Minster	Beverley	The Cliffs	Royal Oak Avenue	Unknown Paradise	Minster Cliffs
Minster Beach	Minster Beach	Minster Beach	The Cliffs, Minster	The Cliffs, Minster	Minster Village
Queenborough Road	Minster Beach	From Royal Oak	The Cliffs	Minster Cliffs	Minster Cliffs
Cliffs from Royal Oak	The Cliffs	Bell Farm Camp Cliffs	The Cliffs	Royal Oak	T-Scan-288
Royal Oak	Minster Cliffs	The Cliffs, Minster	Love Lane	Unknown Paradise	Cool Spot in the Glen
Petfield Meadws, Minster	Minster Village	East End Lane	Warners Holiday Camp	Lovers Lane	Warners Holiday Camp
Lovers Lane, Minster	Ballroom, Warners Holiday Camp	St. Sexburgha's Chapel	East End Lane

comment |

Derek Reay		27-Dec-2023 18:43
To Nina Conneely. You have mentioned the row of shops by the Abbey Gatehouse. My Wife's Grandfather, Frederick Ribbens owned and ran the Abbey Tearomms/ Bakery, in Minster, from just after the end of WW2 until his Retirement. We are still looking for photos of the Tearooms/shop. Also, her Father, my Father in law, Alec Barlow was a Scoutleader until he left Sheerness in the late 1950's.

Nina Conneely		19-May-2021 18:46
Great photos, you can really get a feel for how rural Sheppey used to be. My Great Grandad, Michael John Exeter worked as a Blacksmith at The Forge on Chapel Street. Are there any photos of this street? My Grandad Fred Exeter, owned Abbey Cycle repairs. It was situated in the now demolished row of shops next to the Abbey Gatehouse. His Sister Joan, was involved with the Girlguiding on the island. My Dad, Peter Exeter, worked up through the Scouts in the 1950's. My other Grandad, James Wright, was a Prison Officer in the 1960's.

L. Chapman		02-May-2021 15:18
Thank you for the collection of pictures! I'm currently writing a novel and using 1970's Sheppey as baseline imagery for a place and some of these pictures have been really helpful!

Barry Steele		17-Feb-2021 13:00
I remember Minster school. Mr tunstall was the headmaster & some of the teachers were Miss Rule, Miss Greenstreet, Mrs Bailey & Miss Edwards. A classmate & friend was Alan Hill who years later became the headmaster.. I was there from 1941 until 1946 when I went to the School in Jefferson road in Sheerness & then to the Technical school After that I was an apprentice in the dockyard & left the island in 1958. Did not live in Kent for about 60 years but moved back to the Faversham area in 2014.

Teresa		30-Jan-2018 00:29
My mum and sister both worked for the Lewis family at the bar they had they lived near the tin chapel and were a lovely family I can remember the shop they had in sheerness called modes. Also I went to school with a girl who lived at cliff edge house MInster. Great memories I will post some old pics for you.

jenny		24-Feb-2016 14:22
I remember the little shop run at Bell Farm Lane, they sold toys from the little shed, my nan had a caravan on the Endevour site for many many years and we always used to visit the little toy shop, the goodwin family also ran a farm shop ofrom their garden selling produce they had farmed, also had pigs there and we used to feed them! lovely memories x

M-F C (Guest)		10-Aug-2015 10:55
Thank you, and I have responded.

scoclescourt		28-Jul-2015 09:19
I have registered for this site now so now the admin of this site contact me at the email address attached to this account

Guest		28-Jul-2015 09:11
I can answer a number of your questions but would like to do this privately. If there is a way of getting your email address to me I will be happy to answer.

M-F C (Guest)		26-Jul-2015 14:31
That should, drove Angela and I to Sittingbourne, to see The Hound etc.

M-F C (Guest)		26-Jul-2015 14:07
I'd not looked at this website for some time, and taking a brief glance today, read of Angela's death with regret; she must have been 68 years, which is nothing in 2015. As previously indicated, Scocles played a not insignificant part in my life (between 1958 and 1964), and even now, I can see the first time when Angela and I first met at our Sittingbourne convent school in 1958. We subsequently made the daily train journey between Sheerness and Sittingbourne (0816 hours in the morning, and somewhere around 1545/50 hours in the afternoon) and kind of clicked. Staying overnight at Scocles, especially, in the autumn, when the wind swirled around the old tree at the front of the house, was magic, as was helping her father, Sidney, weigh the pigs for market, collecting eggs and feeding a veritable menagerie of cats; a large white feline named, Albert, being Angela's favourite. Her mother, Clara, employed a mature lady, Ethel Diplock, to help with domestic matters, and her father drove to Sittingbourne to see Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee in The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959) and Kirk Douglas in The Vikings (1958); little could I have then realised both films would have such coincidental consequences for me in later life. As Angela approached her teens (seem to recall her birthday was in January, maybe, 8th or 26th), her parents bought her a pony named Topper, from Mrs Millard who then ran a riding stables at Eastchurch, before Angela and I drifted apart prior to my leaving the island in 1965. According to Arthur Dixon, who had East End Farm at the far end of Oak Lane, someone who stayed in touch with my parents, Angela trained as a secretary in the Medway Towns, before marriage/pregnancy circa 1966. I must check my files, but, even now, I may still have a postcard she sent to me during a brief visit to Dieppe circa '58/59. As for the house, itself, was surprised to learn Angela still lived there as I'd heard it, along with the farm, had been purchased by Maurice Ingleton (from down the road), with one of his two daughters (Judith or Janet) living there; but, such is speculative/idle gossip. I hear what you say about the condition of the house, and yes, listed buildings are prohibitive to run; grateful I do not have a stately heap to worry about. Would you know whether Angela's brother, Nicholas, is still with us? Otherwise, thank you for your comments.

Guest		26-Jul-2015 10:55
Scocles Court remained in the Hale family until the death of Angela Fray (nee Hale) when it was sold. As Angela and her husband got older they were unable to maintain it and it deteriorated rapidly. The roof had to be replaced in 2011 which is when the attic was turned into an open room, and it was during the 90's when the 'renovation' of the rest of the house happened with the removal of a large number of walls and the rebuilding and underpinning of most of the exterior walls. It really needed a huge amount of money spending on it, and like many houses of this age, when the external veneer was stripped away, structurally it was very unsound and had not been maintained for decades if not longer. Hopefully who ever has bought it can restore it to its former glory.

M-F C		10-Mar-2015 21:57
So, Scocles Court, and some adjoining land, came on to the market, only to be sold at once. Looking at the photographs of the property, I am all but bereft of speech noting the veritable 'vandalism' of the house. A listed building, it seems an owner, subsequent to the era of Sidney and Clara Hale, decided upon an open plan look for the property's interior, but, the once elegant sitting-room where I played Beethoven on the piano as a child, when staying at Scocles, now looks as though an army of occupation was billeted there; a description applicable to the rest of the house. Externally, the gravelled drive has been reduced to something of a slurry pit, with the great tree to the front of the house a ghost of its former self, and the fig tree at one side long gone. There is much else that could be written of Scocles and its history, but, suffice to say, the Gods play perverse games.

Guest		13-Feb-2015 13:48
we have been here 3years now and found out the chalet bungalows minster road end were built 1929 does anyone have any information on these or who may have lived there many thanks

Guest		08-Feb-2015 17:18
Hi...I have been on this site previously and have now returned to the Island to live and I love it although it has certainly expanded in the housing department. I have met some old friend's from Airedale School and wonder if there are any more still on the Island. I remember Drs. Morrison.Wylie,Hutt.McNamara,Lacy and Mollett and remember playing with their children as the families were all friends. We certainly had freedom in those days and a brilliant carefree childhood cycling around the Island, camp fires on Warden Cliffs and of course summers on the beach at The Leas. Penny Hobson nee Hunter. B rEssman

M-F C (Guest)		31-Dec-2014 21:27
Dr Matthew de Lacey may well have had a first wife, but, my parents kinew the family from 1951 when he was married to a very pretty lady named Lillian, by whom he had two daughters: Patricia, a blonde, who resembled her father, and Moira, a brunette, who resembled her mother, and bore a slight resemblance to the film actress Vivien Leigh. Both girls were likely born in the late 1930's or the early 1940's, and along with my parents, I'd often meet them at Sunday Mass. Dr de Lacey and his wife Lillian were still married when I left the island in 1965. Moira, a keen horse-woman,had a horse named Kildare that she kept in a field opposite Scocles Court in the late 1950's, and I, along with Angela Hale, whose parents then owned Scocles Court, would see Moira mount Kildare from the old mounting block in front of the aforementioned house. Both girls eventually married and I heard Moira had gone to live in Wiltshire. Further, as Matthew de Lacey Davidson was born in Toronto in 1964, how could his mother have married Dr de Lacey? Also, as Dr de Lacey only had two daughters, where do Lizane and Claire fit into the family tree? As for a nanny, I have no knowledge, but, the de Laceys certainly employed an Austrian housekeeper named Leopoldine, called Poldi, for short. There was great distress in the 1950's when she was found hanging in the garage of their Minster Road house (on the left of Minster Road just past Parsonage Chase as you walk towards Halfway)in an apparent suicide.

Guest		07-Dec-2014 17:38
Marion (guest) Does anyone remember Matthew de Lacey Davidson, who is now a famous musician/composer and who currently resides in New Zealand? I am looking for information regarding his mother, who went by the name of Davidson, but whose surname was actually Pearse, and who lived on Sheppey with the de Lacey family, from around late 1946, and started off there as a nanny to Claire and Lizane de Lacey. I believe she married Dr de Lacey after his wife died in the early 1950's. I didn't know the de Lacey family well and was only once at their house at a children's party when I was a small child, so I didn't know about their nanny Miss Davidson (Pearse). I really do want to contact this lady who married Dr de Lacey, if she is still living, although I realise she could well be in her late eighties by now. I do hope someone can help me on this. If anyone recognises her name and knows of her whereabouts, please say that Marion Blatt-Molotnikoff is still searching for her. Thanks

M-F C (Guest)		11-Nov-2014 21:25
To Marion (Guest) - I had not realised a girls' grammar school existed in Sittingbourne. Of course, I knew of Borden Grammar, but, surely that was an all male school? Pupils included Peter Brightman, Dennis Little, Russell Carlson, 'Titch' Kitchener (who was almost six feet), and others who travelled from the island to Sittingbourne each day on, I think it was, the nine minutes past eight train from Sheerness. I can still remember the then station master, a miniature chap with a moustache, and Dickensian appearance. You may have known Russell who lived at 372 Minster Road and who attended Airdale as a very young boy. Otherwise, Isla, Joan and Yvonne, who were older than me, were certainly at the Sittingbourne convent when I was very small as I also remember them from that morning train journey, but they obviously went on to the grammar. When first reading of a girls' grammar, I immediately thought of the school built at Halfway (near, as said in a previous email, Neville Goodwin's farm)and opened circa 1958 (same year a new bridge was built, then opened by Princess Marina, the then Duchess of Kent). I remember the grown ups speaking of the headmistress, Miss Fleur Blake, and further remember the uniform of grey and purple which was most attractive. Otherwise, how utterly depressing to read Alf and Marjorie Taylor's old home may have been developed; but it is much the same elsewhere with the former Sittingbourne convent now a small housing development, whilst land next to Scocles Court (where I also played as a child with Nick and Angela Hale)was recently on the market for development. Do you remember the Sheerness dentists? There was a Mr Glover who had a practice in a street almost opposite the old Rio Cinema and though a sweet man, dentistry in those days was not as 'comfortable' as that of 2014. Also, there was a dentist (and I am not making this up) named Mr Le Touf (think my spelling is kind of correct) whose name caused many giggles; his daughters, Gabrielle and Felicity went to my school, but, he was a bit fierce. You speak much about the pain of your childhood, and whilst I would not be so familiar as to ask, or expect you, to publish details, child-hoods at that time could be a hazardous game; though, that has always been the case and is relative to existing social conditions/attitues to children, but, now there are, fortunately, more safeguards in place. When we grew up, emphasis was on so-called manifestations of respectability, a lingering relic of Victorian England. So long as you married, had 2.1 children, went to church, showed deference etc., it did not seem to matter if children were being physically, emotionally, sexually abused, men slugged their wives,screaming rows destroyed emotions, there was a drink problem, etc. It was hidden in the interest of maintaining that semblance of social order. I got into trouble aged eleven for explaining, albeit, with great ourtesy, to a socialist friend of my mother's, voting for the Labour Party and accepting a freebie private room whilst in the old Minster Hospital (she knew one of the doctors) were incompatible and more in keeping with the hypocritial Politburo in the Soviet Union, whilst all hell broke loose when, aged fourteen, I politely explained to my mother and some of her friends a double sexual standard existed, men were hypocritical old prostitutes and women should not tolerate that Status quo. Fortunately, education, equal opportunites/pay, and the Pill, have done much to alleviate the plight of not a few otherwise downtrodden 'Hausfraus'. My views have not modified and, if anything, are more articulate due to education, philosophy and maturity; but, as you say, when referring to your own unhappy childhood, that so-called aura of respectability was not what it seemed. As you read naval history, I seriously recommend Clay Blair's two volume work, Hitler's U-boat War. It took him 9 years to write, is a compelling read, and has to be longer than War and Peace!

Allan		06-Nov-2014 12:56
Hi, I am still interested to hear of any history or see old photos regarding the current Ashcroft Coast caravan park (Park Resorts) in Plough Road/Billet Lane. Many thanks Allan

Marion (guest)		03-Nov-2014 12:35
Forgot to add, does anyone remember Leslie's Lewis' small holiday camp up at Leysdown? Leslie was the younger son of Martha and Hymie Lewis. Despite the fact he had a terrible stutter, he managed his holiday camp well, with the help of his Dad. Martha Lewis had a ladies clothes shop in Sheerness. The Lewis family lived a few doors away from us when we lived at 81 Minster Road (opposite the Tin Chapel). When I was a teenager, I sometimes helped out at Leslie's holiday camp in the wee shop. I think there were chalets there and some caravans, but can't actually remember.

Marion (guest)		03-Nov-2014 12:26
Yes, I do remember the other doctors you mention - there were, I think about nine of them around that time. I also recall the names of Isla Basedon and Joan Stacey, who I'm sure went to Sittingbourne Grammar school, with me. I also remember Pamela Howard. She went to Airdale and Sittingbourne Grammar - a very serious, clever girl who, I think, went on to Oxford University. She lived somewhere off the Broadway, if I remember correctly. She is there in our Airdale school group photos and also early birthday parties, which I had to share with my sister. I probably did know there was another riding school up at Eastchurch, but I was very involved with Marjorie Taylor's stables, helping out every weekend when I lived at home (I was at boarding school for a few years). Spending my time up there was my great escape from the difficulties at home. Whilst Marjorie Taylor was a disciplinarian when we were handling her horses and ponies and working up at her stables, she did it in a very kind way and without criticism. I'm sure that's why I learned so much from her. I don't know where Yvonne is now. It looks like Taylor's house and grounds is, or was sadly, for sale as potential housing development. At least it looked like their land on the website I found, which described where it was. I was interested in hearing that you were in contact with Anne Rooke's daughter. My mother bought quite a few of Anne's pictures over the years. Anne had gone to the Royal College of Art in London after art school and specialised in lithography. She also did work in water colours. The Rookes were friends of my family for many years. It was Anne who encouraged me to go to art school in London, and also as a means of distancing myself from a difficult home life. I do know well about the Dutch invasion of 1667, having read about in various historical biographies and also, of course in Pepys' diaries.

M-F C (Guest)		02-Nov-2014 23:05
PPS to Marion (Guest). Having just read through your first comment again, the farm you mention at Halfway was likely Neville Goodwin's farm, and his daughter Sylvia, was also a friend of Yvonne Taylor.

M-F C (Guest)		02-Nov-2014 22:31
PS to Marion (Guest). I forgot to say, given your reference to Marjorie Taylor's riding stables, did you know Mrs Millard who had a similar establishment at Eastchurch? If you take a look at Trevor Edwards' Eastchurch website, I mention it there. Also, if you went to Airedale, you may be interested to know I was briefly in correspondence with Mrs Rook's grand-daughter on one of Trevor E's websites a year or so back. I was not at Airedale, but, lived nearby, and remember Mrs R and her daughter, Anne, who was a local artist.

M-F C (Guest)		02-Nov-2014 22:24
I was/am very interested to read the recent comments made by Marion (Guest)and reply as follows. When I lived on the island, the doctors my parents knew were (a.) Dr Matthew de Lacey, a kind and highly respected man, and if his views might be interpreted as rigid by modern society, so be it, but, he was a good man. (b.) Dr Hamish Wylie was another well respected medical practitioner who, in his spare time, acted as president for the Sheppey White Heather Club. (c.) A Dr MacNamara also practised on the island; given his complexion (which resembled old parchment), he looked as if he was the one needing a doctor. Also, I recall a Dr Madwar (I think the spelling is correct) who was an Egyptian national, but, I do not remember Dr Mollett. Perhaps, the names of some of the doctors I have mentioned are known to you. Also, I remember Angela Shepherd, though, she was not at my school, and yes, her father was a headmaster at a school in Sheerness; it may have been in Rose Street, though, I will stand corrected on that one. Moreoever, my parents knew Alf and Marjorie Taylor, and I can remember Christmas parties at their house when I was seriously small. They very kindly gave me a doll one Christmas but unfortunately I preferred my train set and war games. Of course, I remember Yvonne who was a pupil at my second school, the convent in Sittingbourne (now a tiny housing estate), and her friends who lived on the island were Joan Stacey (she lived in the house door to The Harps Inn) and Isla Baseden. I was interested to see Yvonne ran the riding stables. Do you know what happened to her subsequently? As for your interest in naval history,you likely know the Dutch fleet captured a fort at Sheerness before sailing up the Medway in 1667 to attack the English fleet; though, not a naval historian, I became interested in naval matters when writing about legal aspects of submarine warfare for my second degree. As a child I used to play in one of those magnificent town houses in the dockyard. Otherwise, I concur with your views on, quote, 'So-called happy families'. As a child I observed 'happy couples' on the island all but putting a pick-axe into each other, but given the hypocritical social mores of the time, there was no way out, especially for women, so I refused to marry and regard it as one of my shrewdest decisions. If you have other memories of the island, I should be further interested to read more comments.

M-F C		02-Nov-2014 21:53
In response to Trevor Edwards' email (dated - 12 October, 2014). Thank you for being so helpful in offering to pass on my email address to Tony Goodwin, but, is he the Tony Goodwin I mention? It is just that I would prefer not to have it passed on to a Tony Goodwin I had not known in my childhood. Otherwise, thank you for creating your Sheppey sites. As you may have gathered, I lived on the island as a child and as will be apparent from my many comments, I remember so much of that time.

Marion (guest)		02-Nov-2014 12:31
Thanks for your comments. I'm delighted someone remembers us from Sheppey. Your spelling of the Molotnikoff name made me smile - probably why he changed it to Mollett! I do remember the joke though. How nice that you remember us as lovely little girls and that you saw us as a happy, close-knit family. I don't know at what age I was when I actually joined the family, because there is a complete mystery surrounding my birth and first two years of life. My subsequent arrival as a toddler was not welcomed by my mother or my sister as then, and subsequently, I was regarded by them as a rival and an interloper. I think we were always seen as a close and happy family and that is how it was made to be seen. My mother went out of her way to be friendly and helpful to friends and acquaintances, but to me she behaved very differently indeed. I hope I haven't disillusioned you too much about our family. So-called happy families are often not what they appear to be. Despite this, however, for many years after I left Sheppey, when I was living in the Scottish Borders with my own two children, I always regarded the island as 'home'. All my happy memories being those which were from my activities outside family life. It was a good place for a kid to grow up.

Guest		27-Oct-2014 11:37
Wonderful - wonderful photographs. Thank You.v

Guest		27-Oct-2014 11:25
We first knew Dr and Esther Mollet as" forgive spelling- Dr Molotnecough". When they lived in Wards Hill opposite the general hospital where Dr Mollet worked. My mother "Mrs Ingham " house cleaned for them. My sister Molly looked after Barbara and Marion .When Dr Mollet moved to Sheerness , he was our family Doctor for a number of years. It was on your Mothers advice that I went to London to work, learn French . Then apply to the continental trunk exchange. Unfortunately I couldn't afford French lessons, a bed sitter etc. instead I went on the English speaking trunk exchange. I was sad and surprised to hear you had an unhappy childhood, you and your sister were lovely happy children. I have lovely memories of being in your house, a close happy family. I also remember Sheerness being flooded. I was visiting my Mother at that time and unable to return to my work in London. I was very happy to be marooned on the Island . I also remember the riding school. Your message brought back sad and happy memories. If I close my eyes I can imagine you and your sister , two lovely little girls. I do hope you found happiness and that life has been good to you.

Marion (guest)		25-Oct-2014 12:10
Was looking for Tayor's Riding Establishment and came across this site instead. I spent my entire childhood on Sheppey as a daughter of Dr Mollett (have only recently discovered he wasn't my real father!) We first lived in a bungalow opposite the old Sheppey General Hospital where he first worked when he arrived on the island in 1945. In 1948, when the NHS was first set up, he left the hospital and started up as a GP with his surgery in Latimer House, which was at the end of Alma Road - the sea was up at the other end and I could hear it from my bedroom at night, because Latimer House was also our home then. I remember the floods well and we had to go and stay with friends up at Minster, because all the electricity and gas had been cut off. My father (as I shall call him for now) had to call on his patients in a rowing boat and I remember him saying he went to bed each night wearing all his clothes plus his sheepskin lined flying boots (which he'd inherited from someone during the war)because it was so cold. Fortunately, Latimer House had steps up to the front door, so only the basement got flooded. Later in the 1950's he had a house built on Minster Road opposite the Tin Chapel where I went a few times to play table tennis. I do remember a farm behind it somewhere, as we were near Halfway. I also went to Airedale School and Sittingbourne Grqmmar School. One of my friends was Ann Stocker, who I'm sure later worked in the library when she left school. Another friend was Angela Shepherd who lived on Marine Parade. Her parents were from Wales and Mr Shepherd was a headmaster at a school in Sheerness I believe. I liked Angela's parents a lot as they were always very kind to me. We used to spend a lot of time on the promenade at Sheerness and I can still recall the Speak Your Weight machine outside the arcade near her house. When you put a coin in the slot, the eyes would move from side to side, and the lips moved, as your weight was spoken. I was fascinated by this machine and it still makes me smile when I think about it - whatever happened to it I wonder! I also spent every weekend up at Taylor's riding school, helping out with the horses and going on the Sunday afternoon ride. I remember the Taylors very well, especially Yvonne, who was an only child. Is there anyone of this family still on Sheppey? Mrs Taylor was a wonderful riding mistress and taught me so much about horses, riding, jumping and a bit of dressage. I started horse-riding when I was three years old and stopped going there right up until Mrs Taylor closed down. However I know that Yvonne later opened it again. I visited Sheppey in the 1980's and was sad to see how much of the rural land and the glen had been built on. Also very sorry to see how the cliffs at Minster had been flattened, but realise that this had been necessary, because so much on that side had already fallen into the sea and houses lost by that. When I was a small girl, my sister and I used to play on the cliffs - and climb them even though we saw bits falling off - with our friends Jill and Susan Woodcock, who had a house up there. They had a big golden retriever dog, who I think was called Rex, who always came with us. I left school at sixteen to go to Art College in London and although I went back a few times, I finally left about four years later. I know people thought I was a privileged child, living in a nice house and the daughter of a doctor's family, but the truth is that I had a desperately unhappy childhood with them. However, that said, my memories of Sheppey and the wonderful outdoor life I had, especially at Taylor's riding school and childhood adventures on the cliffs, are happy ones. I still have a great love of the sea and a deep interest in naval history. As a child, I had no idea of the importance of Sheerness dockyard or its amazing history.

Guest		24-Oct-2014 11:12
My Grandfarther lived at Cliff Farm approx 1910 onwards. Rev Ashcroft and Rev Plaits lived on the cliffs. We used to walk past their houses to climb down the cliffs to picnic on the beach. .I was born 1931 at The Coastguard . Plough rd. We moved to Warden then to Wards Hill Minster. Sonny Goodwin had a small farm near us. Two boys, Jimmy and David Goodwin. Jim went to Australia. He died last year. All these comments have brought back so many memories. Having spent all my childhood until I was about 25yrs, then visited relatives for weekends or holidays until I left for Australia. I know most of the places that have been mentioned.

Trevor Edwards		12-Oct-2014 09:16
M-F-C - If you could provide an email address I could pass it on to Tony. Email addresses do not show to anyone but me in your comments. You can also make your comment private if you want only me to see it.

M-F C		10-Oct-2014 21:21
Re the Goodwin family. When I lived on the island, there was a farmer named Neville Goodwin who was married to a lovely lady named Daisy. She was plump, jolly and really personified the Farmer's Wife in the card game Happy Families. They had two children named Sylvia and Tony. Surely, you are not that Tony? If so, we have not met since we were children. Sylvia was a pupil at the convent school in Sittingbourne. The Goodwin farm was on Minster Road close to Halfway, but, not having been back to the island for a long time, I do not know whether it is still in existence.

TonyG		23-Sep-2014 21:17
My surname is Goodwin and I have just started researching my family. My Great Grandfather was Edward Goodwin (farmer and bailiff at Scocles Farm) who was married to Jemima. My Grandfather was Frank Gorell Goodwin. I understand he had nine siblings. Paula - if you see this I would share more information. And if anyone has information on the Goodwin family on Sheppey I would be very interested to know more.

M-F C		05-Aug-2014 20:43
Warners Holiday Camp was at the end of The Broadway just before you turn left for The Leas.

Allan		16-Jul-2014 12:19
I am fairly new to the Island but very interested in its history. Where exactly was the Warners camp. Also is there any history to the Ashcroft Coast Caravan Park in Plough Lane? Does Billet Lane mean an Army connection? Thanks for any information.

DP		20-Feb-2014 17:57
Hi. I've just come across this site and found it full of great comments and loads of wonderful photos. I used to work at a garage on the Island from 1974-1976. But what made me take notice was a comment made by one of your members in June 2012. He mentioned Cliff Edge Minster. I think it used to be a childrens home. For a while in about 1961 I along with my brother was placed in care there and I recall the Surname of your member, I believe his family used to run it.

M-F C (Guest)		15-Feb-2014 20:38
I remember Owen Wood and his wife very well. They were the parents of Linda and Jennifer Wood who I knew from my school, The Convent in Sittingboure. As I have mentioned on this website, their bakery was at the end of Parsonage Chase, with a large shop in Sheerness just about opposite Woolworth. The Woods lived in a house close to Halfway that kind of almost adjoined the old farm (probably gone by now) owned by Neville and Daisy Goodwin (children - Sylvia and Tony). I think Jennifer Wood still lives on the Isle of Sheppey. Otherwise, the cakes were great.

graham white		10-Feb-2014 16:11
Graham White I was the FOREMAN CONFECTIONER AT WOODS AND SONS BAKERY in the 60s, I would love to meet up with my old co worker ROSE PAIN (as she was then)--If you can help please Email me---GRAHAM.F.WHITE@NTLWORLD.COM Thank You

Guest		02-Nov-2013 15:22
I lived in the Halfway House during the mid to late 30's, great friends with Peter and Sheila Lutman. Does anyone know what happened to them? My name is Roy Granados.

Emily		08-Jun-2013 07:59
For thr person who asked, The British queen is still there and has only recently been sold by shepherd neame to be converted in to a private home, they have kept the original building its just not a pub anymore.

M-F C (Guest)		26-Jan-2013 22:37
Have just checked out Parsonage Chase on Google's Street Map (think it is called that) and there seems to still be what is called Old Bakery at the end. Whether it is still used for baking bread or is now a private residence will be for you to check! Also, just remembered, also by the bus stop, is a house that was once lived in by a guy named John Hunter (+ family); he used to be one of major holiday camp owners up at Lesydown. But, still can't help with the chalet bungalows, so look forward to reading of your progress! Good luck.

M-F C (Guest)		26-Jan-2013 22:17
My pleasure, and all the best with your enquiries re the chalet bungalows. Sorry, I could not help on that one.

Guest		25-Jan-2013 15:30
Hi many thanks to the person with regards to the minster road end of scrapsgate we have found substanstial footings in our back garden just wondering does anyone else have any more information about this road and the chalet bungalows

M-F C (Guest)		16-Jan-2013 22:29
To the guest requesting information on Scrapsgate, the Minster Roman Catholic church used to be on the corner of Scrapsgate Road. It was little more than a nissen hut, so a new church was constructed in 1958 and still stands on the corner of Harps Avenue. Otherwise, I seem to recall Woods (then the major baker on Sheppey) baked bread and cakes at premises by the end of Parsonage Chase that were then taken to their shop on the High Street in Sheerness. Reg and Belle Coward lived on that part of Minster Road and their son John won the sword of honour at Dartmouth Naval College in 1957, and later commanded HMS Brilliant in the Falklands War, before becoming a Vice Admiral. The Vallings family lived in a house by the bus stop and I seem to recall Ray Vallings built a boat in the front room of his house (God knows how he got it out). Oh, yes, and if you go along Minster Road towards Sheerness, there is a large white house (well, it used to be white) on the left hand side and that was the home of Dr De Lacey and his family. The Ives and Nother families lived opposite. At that point, I run out of info.

Guest		05-Jan-2013 14:58
Hi we have now been here for 8 months and love it here does anyone have any information on scrapsgate, minster we know the chalet bungalows at the minster road end were built in 1944 does anyone know anything else many thanks owen

James Underwood		23-Oct-2012 16:57
Beautiful gallery. I was born in the Cliff House Hospital maternity home in 1938 and my sister Carole was born there in 1941. My father was an airman at Eastchurch aerodrome. My mother Lorraine Batchelor may have been born there in 1914, when it was still a workhouse. My grandfather and and grandmother George and Martha (?) Batchelor lived in a cottage called "Chequers" near a pub called the British Queen. I would be interested to know if the pub is still there. I am presently retired living in California but I am planning to go back to Sheppey next year and revisit all these places.

M-F C (Guest)		16-Sep-2012 18:42
Re: Katrinna (08.05.08)Intrigued by your comments on Scocles Farm as I used to play there as a child. It was, at that time, owned by Sidney Hale and I knew their children, Angela and Nick. It was a beautiful, old house, and to do a sleepover there on an Autumn night and hear the trees rustling in the dark was haunting. The Hales employed an old lady named Ethel Diplock as a house help and as (I had the feeling) alone in the world, I often think of her and wish her RIP. The house was subsequently purchased by Maurice Ingleton, a local farmer, who had two daughters, Judith and Janet.

Guest		02-Aug-2012 20:27
Although, I've commented on this site previously, I'd never previously read as far back as 2008 until this evening, and given the information for that year, remark as follows:- 1. I remember Derek Barlow with great clarity. He used to occasionally socialise at what was then the youth club in Minster, situated close to the old hospital. No doubt that too has long gone. I think he had a friend named Mick Wade (? and they may have flat shared in Rose Street, Sheerness. 2. Regarding the Ingletons; they were many! Maurice Ingleton used to farm at the end of Scocles Road, and his daughters, Judith and Janet, attended The Convent of the Nativity in Sittingbourne, as did Penny Havers (nee Hunter) who has written into this site. Ken Ingleton went into local politics and is still 'politicking'. He married Mick Judge (Mick is female and another former convent schoolgirl, but, as she loathes her Christian name [Moira]one presumably addresses her as Moira at one's peril!). So, I hope that assists James Pender's enquiry. 3. As for Katrinna's enquiry about Scocles Court, I used to play there as a child. It was, at that time, owned by Sidney Hale and his wife, Clara, and their daughter, Angela, yet another convent schoolgirl, was a friend. It was and surely is a remarkable, old house, with a great history, as has Warden Manor, and Holme court that Karen refers to. There is, in fact a book, entitled, The History of the Isle of Sheppey, by Augustus (great name) Daly (1st ed 1904) which can possily be ordered via a local library from the British Library, unless it is one of the books you have to read in the great reading room (and having been there, be warned, you can't take sweets in.) 4. Otherwise, does anyone remember what might be called 'The Mod Dawn', when Mods came on the scene? There was a crowd of scooter boys in Sheerness led by Keith Ketley, and included, Peter and Michael Peak (though I think Peter is no longer with us), Paul Lillo, Joey and Sonny Schembri, Dave Appleby, Bernie Kemp, Bugsy Wilson, Anthony 'Tank' Bradley, Danny Fruendlich, Colin Creed, his cousin, Adrian Stocker, with Paul Jackman on the fringe et al. I seem to recall Derek Barlow)was a rocker, as were Cuffer Clarke and 'Flash' Gordon. Will likely write in again with other 'bits', but, for now, it is back to my books.

Alan Barker		21-Jun-2012 16:59
Hello Patti, I was at school with you 1970-72 and I remember Jan well. You have his surname correctly too. I'm a bit shell shocked by the Hospital being knocked down! Please feel free to contact me aab104@hotmail.co.uk Alan Barker, Ex Love Lane, Minster-on-Sea.

Patti		21-Jun-2012 15:11
I was wondering what happened to a little boy I went to school with...Airdale School about 1970, his name is Jan Olsan..sir name may be spelt wrong, he lived on the corner of wards hill and minster drive

Chris Dale		04-Jun-2012 19:59
Hi,I lived in a large house called CLIFF EDGE on the leas in Minster,i have many great memories of the island and seeing your photos have brought alot of them back.I now live near Manchester,so i dont visit the island much,i have 4 grown up daughters and i often speak about my upbringing on the island,maybe i will take them down there oneday.Thankyou for your amazing photo display.

Sue Mumford		11-Apr-2012 02:15
Nice to see all the pictures of Minster. My father-in-law, FRANK MUMFORD grew up there. He left in 1910 to immigrate to the US. His father was STEVEN MUMFORD, the baker. It would be nice to know if any of the family are still in the area.

APH		12-Feb-2012 00:44
Thank you so much for posting these photos and maintaining the site. I just found an ancestor born in Minster in 1799, and am very happy to sit in my home in California seeing what her hometown looked like over the years.

Paula		12-Jan-2012 03:01
My great-great grandfather was Edward Goodwin (farmer and bailiff at Scocles Farm). Marion Studd is my grandfather's cousin. My mum was nee Goodwin. I really should visit the island this year - I've never been.

Guest		11-Jan-2012 19:53
hi will be moving to scrapsgate road soon does anyone have any information about this road or any old pictures of this road such as the chalet bungalows at the top of the road or how old they are many thanks owen

catchpole		23-Sep-2011 15:52
I'm a former sheppey lad who moved down to sheerness from Ashford kent, It was interesting reading some of the comments bringing back memories. My gran gert white used to walk along the top of the steam trains to clean the tops. They were proper women in those days. I have to say though not as pretty as the ladies of to-day - thought I would get that one before the lynch mob arrives. LOL

joseantonio		25-Jul-2011 10:41
You have done a great job here

N Clements		17-Jun-2011 22:08
Dose anybody remember my fathers or mothers families his name is Barry Clements he had 1 brother and 10 sisters i believe they lived in both Scrapsgate and Harps ave before moving to Sheerness he was manager of Goodhew butchers in the High street Sheerness in the late 50.s and later Shepard neame Brewery i beleive this was under the avenue hotel He married June Dowell she had 2 sisters Joyce and Norah they lived in Vincent gdns Sheerness she worked at thistles fish and chip shop

sandra		03-Jun-2011 11:32
My Grandparents Dorothy Ena Constance(nee Farrow) & Herbert Charles Miller lived at 4 Short street in the late 30's. They had a son Derek John Miller...did they have any more children and does any one know Derek? Please any more information about the Millers or Farrows.

Guest		31-May-2011 18:18
Does anyone know what happened to THE ROYAL OAK PUB down Oak Lane ?

BetteJS		29-Apr-2011 23:47
Does anyone know of the Miller family who lived in Minster around 1900 -1930 ish.

Ros V		27-Feb-2011 15:56
Guest. What a briliant site! I was trying to find out more about Minster as I lived there as a small child in W.W.2, around 1943 when my father was based at Sheerness. I would love to find the house we lodged in, it was on the cliffs and looked out to sea. I remember looking out of tall windows with window seats and seeing planes flying over at night. I believe the house may have been a farm, it belonged to an elderly lady, but have no other details. Have a couple of postcards, similar to yours, Lovers Lane and a view of the Abbey. Thanks.

Paul		22-Dec-2010 13:37
For Karen, There was a W H Goodhew with a butchers shop in Sheerness in the 50s, he was a member of Queenborough Masonic Lodge, at the time he lived in Borden nr Sittingbourne. I am also a Goodhew, but not related.

Guest		11-Dec-2010 16:51
For Diana re: Pigtail - the land known as Pigtail Farm was on the corner of Oak Lane when it was known as East End Lane - it was on the Eastchurch side. Teresa

Jane O'Connor		03-Dec-2010 18:36
Hello - does anyone know anything about a blacksmith, James Randall/Randle/Randale, who lived in Chapel Street, Minster from 1841-1861? I was wondering if he would have worked for the shipyard - his neighbours were shipwrights, and I have found your website fascinating. I had never really heard of the Isle of Sheppey before and it has so much history I now want to research more about my family, the Beales, who came from there. Thanks for any information you can share with me.

caroline mitchell		16-Oct-2010 15:38
did anyone know my grandmother florence graham ivol or flynn or moore age 65 in 1983 when she died at hill house hospital . she lived flat 6 10 northdown road margate and i believe was a catering assistand till retired . i would love to know anything about her . caroline mitchell

guest		27-Sep-2010 17:31
Ian Rowe, are you a part of the cottington family that lived originally at Halfway in Sheerness. I am trying to find my cousins. My father was William Kenneth cottington

Paul Goodhew		20-Sep-2010 21:25
Hi Ian Rowe, How is it going, still got your classic car? my collection has grown a bit. Regards Paul Goodhew

Guest		17-Sep-2010 05:10
What a wonderful find, I will save to my favourites so I can pop back to look again. My 3 x times great grandparents lived at Minster Sheppy. Wm Payne married Sarah Bentley there in 1840 and shows he lived at Cliff Farm, Sarah was at Pigtail, (whatever that was or is). Thank you Diana :-)

m les waite		07-Jul-2010 09:21
my grandfather and grand mother ,uncle KEn uncle John,all Merrick s ,lived in Minsteras i remember near the cliffs and my brother and I used to bike ther from Middx to vsit about 1950.I now live in Queenstown NZ. Anyone remember the Merricks?

Ian Rowe.		21-May-2010 11:03
Linda Cottington,Irene?did you, live at Sheerness East? recognised your name,Ian Rowe.I have lived in Australia for the past 38 years! Mum still lives on IOS on the Broadway now 84 years old!Ia

joseantonio		08-May-2010 09:33
Spectacular gallery and great idea

Daphne Humphery		10-Apr-2010 03:52
Hello, I was born at Minster hospital in 193--- and lived in Baldwin Road until 1956 when I started general nursing traing at Pembury hospital nr. Tun. Wells. I remember the war years and the all clear siren going from the cliffs at Minster. I read of some m=names which ring a bell, one was Ingleton, where my uncle, Lesley Wood worked in the 40,s and 50,s. He still lives at Minster. My mother's family , the Woods all lived in Minster, Sheerness and Quennsborough. I recently visited the Abbey Church and was so thrilled to see where all our family were baptised, married and more soberly, buried. Anyone who went to Minster Primary school, Sheerness Central and later to Chatham Tech. I would love to hear from. I remember some very happy times on Sheppey, now living in east Sussex. I have had contact with Hether Speedie which was a delightful suprise. Do get in touch. Daphne nee Whiddett.

norman earl		28-Feb-2010 12:20
Hello Lynn, This may come as a surprise to you, but I have just discoverd a reply from you dated 10/3/2009. I must be having a lot of senior moments, because I don't know if I contacted you after that. My family descend from George Earl b1761 not known where and Martha Getliffe. They were married on Sheppey. I hav'nt got your Sarah, but I would be interested to know who her parents were. I have a few missing links on Sheppey and although I have the Parish Records, there seem to be gaps. I apologise for my lapse and any help you can give will be greatly appreciated as I am stuck at the moment. Regards, Norman Earl

Linda		11-Dec-2009 19:27
My family - Cottington - lived at Halfway Road and I am looking for some information on them? Linda

karen		03-Aug-2009 14:28
ann what was your familys name and who did they rent the cottage off do you know? and how long were they there. was the cottage actually on the farm . from karen

ann		02-Aug-2009 16:34
Re goodhew family at Holm Place Farm - my mother's family rented a cottage here in 1920s, I have a photo taken of the girls abt 1928. Contact me on wadgies@orange.fr

Graham Bentley		27-Jun-2009 00:08
For Karen. I think I was at Sheerness Tech with a Goodhew in the early to mid '60s. Regretfully, I cannot remember his first name. Graham

Guest		23-May-2009 13:04
Hello, Does anybody know the origins of Petfield Close and Petfield Meadows? My maiden name was Petfield and I don't know of any family from this area in recent times.

Lynne Simpson		10-Mar-2009 10:04
Hi Norman I am also looking for Earl(e) family members who lived on Sheppey in 1800s. My ancestor is Sarah Earl, b 1803 in Sheerness, m 1827 in Lee Parish, Kent. Please email me so we can see if there is a connection anywhere.

Trevor Howland		18-Feb-2009 14:55
I lived at 'Dunrobin' Seathorpe Ave, Minster-On-Sea from 1948 until about 1956 when we moved to a newly built council house 105 Noreen Ave,Minster.Have really enjoyed looking at these old pictures.If anyone viewing this site knows of a : - Terry Millar, Freddie Russell, Lorna Green, Penny Crane, Michael Philpot,(will all be about 60 years old) please pass on my regards.

margaretroylance		15-Feb-2009 15:16
hi my name is Margaret Roylance and my great great great grandparents came from sheerness, 55 Hope street, has any one any information on the name hodges or old photographs of Hope street.Loved looking at the gallery.

Stuart Kerridge		31-Dec-2008 16:10
My name is Stuart Kerridge, When I was 1 my parents and I lived in a caravan beside the Bunny Bank in Minster. We then moved to 25 Brecon Chase in 1965. This was an assbestos house very damp an outhouse and a coal bunker. We moved to 11 Prince Charles Ave in about 1969, and up to the new houses 76 P C A at the top of the hill. I now live in Canada just north of Toronto, since 1980. I really miss the island, I biked all over sheppey on my Chopper spent many houres looking for fossiles on the beach (sharks teeth) and catching newts in the Bunnybank pond The Abby was also a good hangout and breaking into the gatehouse.The Island was a unique place You don't realise how interesting it is when you live there everyday, you take it for granted. Trevor Thank you for bringing back the memmories. Stuart.

Pauline Reay		17-Nov-2008 17:48
I note that Derek Barlow states that Frederick Barlow was his father. I think he must have the wrong Frederick Barlow, as my grandfather was born in 1896. However, we may be related somewhere else along the line. Does he have any other family details?

Norman Earl		03-Aug-2008 10:32
Anyone know anything about the Earl(e)family living on Sheppey in the 1800s and also the Bird family? Regards Norman Earl

Sarah		24-Jun-2008 18:05
Hi Wondering if anyone could help me? My Mum was born in Minster 1948 and lived there for a little while,but what hospital would it have beenI only ask this because there are two pictures or are they same hospital, also are the buildings still about as I'd like to take my own pictures because I am doing a suprise project for her. Thank you.

Derek Barlow		22-Jun-2008 12:49
Hi I am Derek Barlow I was born in Minster in 1945 then moved to Sheerness. I can remember the sites shown in the pictures and was very delighted to see them they brought me many memories. I still have family on the Island and go back to see them now and again. I can remember the floods and the bad winter when the Thames froze over. Going back I can see the change which has taken place so these photos were very interesting. I noticed that Pauline Reay was the grand daughter of Frederick Barlow. He was my father.

Katrinna		08-May-2008 18:50
Hi My great grandmother was born on Scocles Farm, Minster. Her father was the farm bailiff there. Her brother lived at Ambrose Villa Brambledown and their brother lived at The Bungalow, Minster Hill. If anyone has any pictures or information as to whether these buildings are still around please email me. I still have family ont he island so i am able to visit.

James Pender		27-Apr-2008 22:31
Hi My Name is James Pender and my Great Great Grandfather James Ingleton was a Farmer He was born 1855 at Upper Wards Farm. Our family Moved off the Island about 1912 and moved to High Halstow near the Isle of Grain. my Great Grand father Ernest Ingleton (who was also born on the Island at Ripney Hill Cottage, Scrapsgate, Minster)then moved to Gravesend in about 1928 where I was Born. My Nan Gladys Box (Previously Ingleton) was born in High Halstow and move back to the Island in 1981, My Parents & I moved here in 1990. If you have any information on the Ingleton Family of Minster Please may you let me have a look.

Sue Horn		02-Apr-2008 15:21
Does anyone have any information about the name Shrubsole Horn. William was landlord of The Sign of the Ship back in 1862 and his wife Charlotte in 1868 when the pub was then known as The Ship. My husband is related to this family albeit the one that moved to Pembrokeshire in 1881. Thank you. Sue Horn

jamie slattery		04-Feb-2008 07:07
The pictures of Lazdays caravan park are great. My nan used to have a caravan there from the late sixties untill reacently. We now have relocated to seaclff.

karen		15-Jan-2008 14:07
anyone remember the goodhews at holm place farm william goodhew was my grandfather and his parents were david and elizabeth goodhew they had a fruit farm

Guest		15-Jan-2008 14:02
does anyone remember the goodhews at holm place farm william goodhew and his family and williams parents david and elizabeth goodhew i think david run a fruit farm and jam factory william died in 1940 aged 60

Arthur FULLJAMES		25-Dec-2007 00:40
I am an Islander who left in 1968 for the bright lights of London and never retured except for visits to friends or caravans your pictures have brougt back some great memories of my long lost childhood . congratulation Trevor keep up your great work.

bob		27-Oct-2007 08:08
HELLO Noelle Was sweet shop down bottom of bell farm lane,was a gift shop as well. This shop was also in the garden. Bob

Noelle Hall		26-Oct-2007 22:22
Dear Trevor, My Father's elderly cousin, Miss 'Rene' Goodwin, lived in Minster for many years from around 1920-late 1960s. She and her sisters used to run a little sweet shop in their garden. I recall visiting in the 1960s when the shop was derelict. My Father and I tried to locate the house this week - the holiday camp was at the bottom of the road. We think it may have been demolished. Thanks for these pictures anyway-good to look at. Noelle

Nick		17-Oct-2007 09:28
Minster Holiday Camp. I went there a few times, and loved it. I have a lot of it on DVD, really great days. -Nick

Guest		15-Oct-2007 20:48
we too lived in garrison in 1953 during the floods.We are the Logue family and remember Brian Swinbourne

Derek Faulkner		12-Jul-2007 18:51
I love the new photo of Minster Hill from Tina. It clearly shows what is now a newsagents but what in 1901 was my maternal great grandparent's bakery. Stephen Mumford had a bakery there and his daughter Clara married my grandfather Albert Faulkner. Would love to see other new photos of that shop from 1900 and the following years.

Pauline Reay		29-Mar-2007 21:18
Hi, My name is Pauline and my Grandfather, Frederick Ribbens owned and ran the Abbey Tea Rooms from just after the war until he retired. He also built his own Bungalow, for his family, in Minster. My other Grandfather, Frederick Barlow and his family lived in Alma Street and Unity Street, Sheerness.lf anyone has any photos or information relating to the Tea Rooms it would be greatly appreciated. The photos already posted are great to see. Keep up the good work.

Guest		16-Jan-2007 15:18
To Julie Re: Ship Inn (Hope Evan doesnt mind me answering!) Evan came over from Oz last year and we spent a lovely day on the Island - What we managed to work out was that his ancestor probably ran the Ship in Bluetown Teresa

Kevin		07-Jan-2007 00:43
My grandad used to run a shop in Minster Village, as far as I know it was a small shop that he rented. It's no longer there. There is a huge space where it used to stand. If your a villager in Minster - you'll know what I mean about the gap bewtween the buildings, that's where his shop used to be. I am told he was a taylor, made and fitted and dress suits etc... Don't know much else other than that about his shop.

chris		03-Nov-2006 16:13
Hi I was wondering what the photo of the camp at Minster was about? was it war time?I have been doing my family tree for 11 years and it has got stuck in the Sheerness district abt 1808. So I am very intrested in the whole area and finding some history on it.I live in Auatralia and sheerness looks such a loverly peaceful place maybe I will get there one day. Thankyou for your site I check it regularly.and enjoy looking at the different views. Regards Christine

Julie		13-Mar-2006 14:26
Lovely to see these pictures , thanks so much for sharing them . One of my ancestors as far as i'm aware also ran the Ship Inn in Queenborough ( not sure if there's any connection with Evan's ancestor but would be interesting to know ) . All i really have on my ancestor was that he lived in High Street Queenborough and that he was a licensed victualler ( around 1839 ) . The connection with the Ship only comes from seeing someone of the same name running it at around that time so i could be wrong . Anyway i'm not sure how good my chances are of ever visiting Queenborough so to be able to get a feel for the town is much appreciated . Evan , if there is any chance at all of a scan of the Ship Inn i would be extremely grateful .

Don Oxley		27-Dec-2005 20:19
My Family moved to the Island in 1940, from Canterbury Kent. I was 12 years of age at the time and am now 77, ??? I was an Apprenticed Butcher to Mr.Cunnington of 95,Marine Parade sheerness. Opposite what was then Bishops arcade. We moved fom Alma street in Sheernes to A Bungalow in the Glen, just below Taylors riding school. The photo of The Royal Oak down Oak lane, brought back so many memories, as did so many of the others. I would just like to say thank you to all those that provided the photo's. If you are interested I am sure I could dig some out, from the many Photo albums we have accumalated, We Moved from the Island in 1974 To Sittingbourne, and from there in 1986 to Cheshire where we now reside. Wishing all of the old Islanders well for 2006. Good Health and Happiness. Don Oxley email >donno77@btinternet.com<

Alison Brown		25-Oct-2005 00:11
Thank you for the new information on the Minster Railway about my gtgtgt grandfather. The information that was given to me said it was the Minster Railway. So it looks like it was wrong so back to the drawing board. Do you know what the railway was called in 1860. You said the line from Sittingbourne and Sheerness (bluetown)was there a name for the railway. I really would love to know anything about it so I can be on the right track.haha! Thanks again

Paul Dummott		23-Oct-2005 13:29
Alison Brown says her gtgtgt grand father worked on the Minster railway in 1862 and died on it in July 1862. Sheppey Light railway which had stations called East Minster-on- sea and Minster-on-sea was not built until 1902, forty years later. so I am afraid that her gtgtgt grandfather could not have been killed on the "Minster railway" in 1862. The line from Sittingbourne to Sheerness (Bluetown) was built in 1860 when the first bridge over the Swale was built so it might have been on that.If you contact Frances Woolley of Swale Borough Council in Trinity Rd Sheerness she may be able to tell you what plot gtgtgt grandfather is buried in. She can be contacted at; FrancesWoolley@Swale.gov.uk or phone 01795585616 Although gtgtgt grandfather couldn't have been killed on the Minster railway in 1862 if she is still interested ther are photos of both stations in a booklet called "The Sheppey Light Railway" by Peter A. Harding which can be obtained from him at Mossgiel, Bagshot Rd, Knaphill, Woking,Surrey,GU212SG

Alison Brown		17-Oct-2005 22:46
Hi my name is Alison Brown and my great great great grandfather and his family lived in sheerness and he used to work on the minster railway in 1862 he also died on the railway on july 1st 1862 still don't now all the details yet.They lived in King Street in Blue town and there was a photo of King Street it was great to see the street they lived so many years ago. I just didn't see any pictures of the minster station it would of been great to see one.He is buried in the halfway cemetery as well . It was so great to see these photo's to see where my ancestor's lived and worked. Thank you

Graham Tomlin		13-Oct-2005 18:07
nice gallery

Evan Biggs		29-Mar-2005 06:13
I was particularly interested in the images of the Royal Oak, as one of my ancestors ran it, many years ago. His son was also at times a publican, running the Ship Inn in Queenborough. That establishment is now called the Lady Hamilton. Behind the bar three or four years ago was a miniature photograph of the Ship Inn, which you may be interested to follow and add to your gallery? If it has disappeared, I have a copy here in Australia - a close-up photograph of the photo and therefore of lesser quality but still recogniseable.

click on thumbnails for full image

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