Glimpses of life before Ringway revolution

With memories of old Ashford still fresh and clear, it’s always wonder- ful to have that accompanying photograph to illustrate the subject.

Those pictures are out there and over the last 29 years, I have been lucky enough to source many of them.

It’s not always been an easy task and has taken up huge amounts of time, but when one sees how pleasurable imagery can be, it makes one more determined to do that extra bit of research and come up with the goods.

I often wonder how I could find more pictures as old Ashford through the lens of a camera always excites me enormously and I am constantly doing the groundwork to search out those picture gems for you the reader, not only for Remember When but also for my books too.

We return to the pictures taken by Robert Mowl this week.

Mr Mowl took them as part of his job during the pre and post Ringway days.

This week’s pictures are from 1971 and 1972 respectively and reflect only many of the town’s absent features and streets.

Have you got any pictures, negatives or colour slides; in particular from the past 100 years, that you would be willing to share with readers? If so, send them with brief details, to Steve Salter, Kentish Express Remember When, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8JR, or by email to, rememberwhen_kmash@ hotmail.co.uk

Please supply a return address for the return of originals.