Getting misty-eyed about the Seventies

although for many, money was tight and change had already commenced sealing the town’s future, in between the sound of bulldozers and mechanical diggers, there was a sense of The 1970s was a vastly different era.

Although to some it seems just like yesterday, it is a lifetime away for others.

Many of us loved that era where the music was different, the fashions were unique and many everyday things were cheaper to purchase.

The atmosphere in the town’s heart was largely carefree and calm and the town was buzzing with shoppers and traffic – although the latter is nothing new!

Of course time doesn’t stand still for anyone, but it is always a pleasure to cast the mind back to yesteryear occasionally.

This week we look back at the town during that time – with a trio of pictures that were taken in 1972, 1974 and 1977 respectively.

Bank Street, pictured in 1974, in an image probably taken just prior to the opening of the Ringway given the amount of traffic in the street.

It’s rather odd to see this volume of traffic as the street is largely pedestrianised today.

Here, shoppers and workers await their turn to cross the road, but the flow of trafffic seems endless.

You certainly wouldn’t have this problem now.

Note the range of classic vehicles illustrated which certainly dates the photograph.

The Upper High Street in November 1977, has a great view of shoppers walking along the road.

Although two chain stores, namely Boots the Chemist and Burton the tailor, are evident in this view, it is easy to identify other stores that are no longer in existence such as Geering and Hilton, nowadays Tesco and Shoe Zone respectively.

Ashford Station is pictured here in May 1972. And, anyone who arrived in the town by train would surely remember this view.

This was long before the advent of high-speed trains and the Eurostar link to the continent.

Again, it is interesting to see the cars which are now all classic cars in this view.

If you recognise yourself, please get in touch!

Do you have you any photographs or slides that you would be willing to loan to me, to enable them to be scanned and featured in the Kentish Express?

If so please get in touch, by writing to me: Steve Salter, Kentish Express Remember When, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email me at rememberwhen_kmash@ hotmail.co.uk or follow me on Twitter @SteveKMAshford.

Or leave a telephone message for me with brief details by calling 01233 623232.

Bank Street, pictured in 1974, in an image probably taken just prior to the opening of the Ringway given the amount of traffic in the street

The Upper High Street in November 1977, and a great view showing shoppers walking along the road