Much-loved shops have gone in the skip

When we reach a certain age and have a good memory, we often become nostalgic about the way things used to be.

It can be about a range of subjects such as childhood and schooling, television of the past and pop music but it can also be about the surroundings we live in. Nothing ever stays the same forever but many wish things did.

Often we complain about how ‘modern’ ways have destroyed the calmer times, and Ashford is no exception.

Whilst having a clear-out at home, we become nostalgic and retain items that have sentimental value.

If we are really determined, we sometimes hire a skip or go to the recycling depot but nevertheless, often haven’t got the heart to part with meaningful things.

Over the decades much of Ashford has gone ‘in the skip’, including its stock of individual respected independent businesses. Recession, retirement and redevelopment often seem to be the reason.

This week we look back at some splendid images of lost independent traders from 1964 taken by the late Bryan Sales of Kennington. Many thanks as always to Sylvia and Sid Marsh for their kindness in supplying these images.

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

Write to me: Steve Salter, Kentish Express Remember When, Unit 4, Park Mall Shopping Centre, Ashford, Kent. TN24 8RY. E-mail me: rememberwhen_kmash@ hotmail.co.uk Follow me on Twitter @SteveKMAshford.

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