Conditions in the village were not good immediately after the war. The national influenza epidemic of 1918 affected some people’s health, a coal shortage affected heating and rationing of some food items continued, so people had to use ration cards until 1920. Because electric power did not exist lamps and candles were used for lighting, open fires heated people’s homes and a kitchen copper heated water and served for washing clothes in most homes. Although mains water existed some residents still used a well, a communal tap or the water pump situated in The Street opposite Forge Lane. Work became difficult to obtain and most of this existed in the brickfields or on local farms in return for relatively low pay. Overall, unemployment became the biggest economic problem of the 1920s.
Nobody in the village had motorised transport until Mr Wraight from The Old Bakery in Forge Lane bought a bread van in 1924 and buses did not pass through the village until 1929, so residents had to cycle or walk to Rainham for buses or trains to travel farther afield and children walked to school. Horses and carts, wagons, Mr Hales’s milk float and bicycles were the only forms of transport on the village roads.
The immediate concern of residents after the war was to have some kind of memorial for Upchurch men killed in the conflict. This led to the placing of a marble memorial tablet and the installing of a stained glass window named ‘Soldiers at the Crucifixion’ in the church after fund raising. A ceremony for this took place in the church on May 24th 1919. End of war celebrations in the form of the ‘Victory Fete’ took place at Holywell Meadow on July 19th1919 and a concert for returning servicemen was held in the Infant’s School on August 8th1919. The parish council also raised money for a new church clock as a memorial and had this fitted to the wall of the church tower in 1921.
Socially, facilities were available for entertainment. The new village social club opened at the former chapel in Horsham Lane on November 1st1920. Organised by Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers and a committee, It became a place for boys and men to socialise and play games. It also became the headquarters for Upchurch Football Club and it quickly attracted 78 members and patrons. The village pubs also served as a meeting place for the village men. The Mother’s Union and the Girl’s Friendly Society were organisations available for the village females.
Regular Friday evening dances organised by the Upchurch Branch of the Workers Union took place at the Infant’s School. Holywell headmaster Mr Maltravers played the piano while Bill Wickenden organised dancing which proved popular. Money raised was donated to St Dunstan’s Hospital for the Blind. Periodic concerts also took place at the school.
Village clubs continued to function and new ones were formed. The cricket club re-formed in 1919 and the football club in 1922. These clubs played home matches at Holywell Meadow, while the newly formed tennis club functioned at the vicarage from the summer of 1921.
New allotments were made available by the parish council in the field opposite the recreation ground in Oak Lane in 1921 and others existed in Callows Field at Ham Green where residents could grow their own produce.
Overall, conditions for most Upchurch residents were basic in post-war Upchurch without the comforts or facilities of today.
About David
David Wood was born, raised and still lives in Upchurch today. He is able to write from personal experience about village life and the changes that have taken place over the years, making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable book and detailed historical study of the village.
David's book, ‘Memories of Upchurch’ is available direct from David at: david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters.
Price £12 + £3.50 postage and packing.
David Wood
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