Views of a street not seen for 35 years

When you have an interest in local history, such as I have with Ashford, you often rely on the efforts and kindness of others to uncover more material.

It is due to others’ kindness that I am alerted by many who contact me by letter or email when such finds of imagery and documents are made, and I always end up keeping such material, preserving it for future generations.

Recently workmen at The Panorama, better known locally as Charter House, uncovered three boxes of slides, the earliest dating back to the early 1970s.

They were found in the basement vaults of the former mining finance headquarters and reflect the changing face of Ashford in that period and are in glorious Technicolor.

I am indebted to those who hunt out material for me and make my interest that much more enjoyable. I will always accept donations, in particular photographs and slides.

I am gradually digitising everything so that eventually, an online record will be produced for all to see.

This week Remember When ventures back to the 1970s, looking at some slides of the town centre which have not seen the light of day for more than 35 years.

Have you any photographs or slides that you would be willing to lend to me, to enable them to be scanned and featured in the Kentish Express? Please don’t delay, get in touch!

Write to me at Steve Salter, Kentish Express Remember When, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, Kent TN24 8JR.

Email me at rememberwhen_ kmash@hotmail.co.uk or find me on Twitter @ SteveKMAshford.

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

Please supply a return address for the return of originals.