Upchurch 50 Years Ago in February 1963

The River Thames completely frozen over in 1963.

In the grip of a big freeze, the worst for many years, a surprising number of activities took place in the village considering the low temperatures, icy roads and periodic heavy snow.

The horticultural society dinner turned out to be the biggest social event of the month at which Reverend Bradshaw made a strong plea for old and new residents to integrate more in the village. Many newcomers had recently arrived because of the construction of several housing estates. Reverend Bradshaw always ready to speak his mind said:

‘Not only is the growing of dahlias and cabbages important but so is the growth in our village of a spirit of friendship. And I hope you will take into our village life those newcomers and those who will come amongst us, let them integrate into that life so that we just don’t know who is new and who has been here all this life. As we tear up the weeds in our gardens so let us tear up those things which might spoil the friendship and fellowship and the community spirit for which this village stands.’

After speeches Mrs. Bradshaw awarded prizes to the winners for 1962. These included the flower shield to George Friend from Ham Green, the vegetable award to Charlie Stokes from Holywell Cottages, the fruit shield to A Hinge & Son from Ham Green and the ladies section shield to Mrs. Carroll from Oak Lane. 

David Wood.

Otterham Quay caravan site made history when it held its first beauty queen competition during the winter with 31 year old Linda Tiny winning the title ‘Miss Otterham Caravan 1963’ out of 13 contestants at St Margaret’s Hall in Rainham. Otterham Quay Caravan Site Social and Welfare Committee organised the event and caravan site owner Ron Beckenham headed the judging.

The cold weather failed to perturb the Women’s Institute which held its monthly meeting in the village hall. Mrs. Burrows presided over about fifty members who listened to Mrs. Enwright talk about the life of country people in France. Mrs. Parker from Chaffes Lane won the competition for the best tune played on a comb with Mrs. Jones from Oak Lane second while Mrs. Nelson ran a produce stall. Other events included a visit to the village by the Bishop of Johannesburg who addressed a youth rally in the village hall about apartheid, a scout’s party in the village hall and a pancake race for men on Shrove Tuesday in which eight teams participated. The cricket club defeated the youth club in the final. Other organisations were not so lucky with their monthly activities such as the Upchurch Players who had to cancel rehearsals because members living outside the village had difficulty travelling on the treacherous roads while all the football club matches had to be cancelled because of unfit pitches.

The month ended on a sad note when the parish council reported that every street light in the village had been deliberately smashed by vandals and that ratepayers would have to bear the cost. However, a glimmer of happiness emerged with the wedding of Veronica Clark from Gore Bank to Anthony Carlton from Newington at the village church while burials included Edith Wyles from Brent Cottages aged 78 and James Crittenden from Webb’s Cottages, Wetham Green aged 71.

Overall, February proved to be a busy month in the village dominated by freezing cold and difficult conditions which continued into March.

About David:

David Wood was born and raised in Upchurch and is able to write from personal experience about many people and aspects of the village and of changes that have taken place over the years making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and a detailed historical study of the village. David's book ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David on:  david3702001@yahoo.co.uk  or from us here at Upchurch Matters.

price £12 + p+p £2.

David Wood
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