Norman Park (Bromley) Written by Pam Preedy. Take a lift to the top floor of the Bromley Central Library and look out over Bromley – you will see how green our town is.As we all know, the Bromley Borough is a good place to live, with lots of places to meet friends. I like to go to Norman Park but I had always wondered whether the park was named after one of the Norman family because in a moment of public-spirited generosity, he had given the 65 acres of park…
Tag: Bromley
The History of Pantomime
The History of Pantomime Written by Pam Preedy. Pantomime is part of our Christmas tradition, As the summer months wane, we begin to wonder what the next panto will be. Which personalities will grace our stage with their presence? But pantomime isn’t actually British. Its origins were founded in a 16th-century style of street performance in Italy. They told their stories of Pantalone, the old man, Pierrot the clown and Colombine, the maid servant, in love with the naughty servent, Arlecchion (Harlequin). The audience knew what to expect; the principal…
The Old Court House, Bromley
The Old Court House, Bromley Before the 20th Century Written by Pam Preedy. Today the Old Court Hosue is a thriving community centre under threat. For those not familiar, as I was not, Community House can be found from the WIdmore Road entrance to Boots. Cross over the main roads and follow the little road walking towards the old fire station. At the end, turn left and Community House is on your left. The history of the Old Court House has had a number of changes, both in location and…
Municipal Swimming Pools in Bromley
Municipal Swimming Pools in Bromley Written by Pam Preedy. I loved swimming when I was young in the 1950s. I readily took the train from West Wickham to Clock House alone or with a friend to Beckenham Baths. Regular coach trips from Hawes Down Junior School to Beckenham Baths in the summer term sports sessions. A towel and costume would win a spare seat left on a coach. On one memorable day I went swimming three times; two with the school and in the evening with the Beckenham Ladies Swimming…
The Coffee Shop
The Coffee Shop Written by Pam Preedy. We all have our favourite coffee shop. Which is yours? Starbucks, Costa or one of the speciality coffee emporia? They are proliferating everywhere. Coffee shops are ‘popping up’ throughout the Bromley borough. In the last few months three new shops have opened up in Bromley; Gail’s, Bread Ahead and the Black Sheep Coffee shop, have opened in the pedestrianised area near the Metro Bank in Bromley, often next door to established shops such as Café Nero and Pret. In Beckenham the shops along…
Good King Wenceslas Looked Out…
Good King Wenceslas looked out… Written by Pam Preedy. “Good King Wenceslas looked out” starts the traditional Christmas carol which tells the story of Saint Wenceslaus 1, the Duke of Bohemia (907-953). The Holy Emperor Otto (962-973) posthumously conferred on him the royal title, King. Later a preacher from the 12th century wrote that Wenceslaus “rose from his noble bed with bare feet and only one chamberlain (and) went around to God’s churches giving generously to widows, orphans, those in prison and afflicted by every difficulty, so much so that…
To Be Or Not To Be: A History of Bromley’s Theatres
To Be or Not To Be: A History to Bromley’s Theatres Written by Pam Preedy. I remember my parents were keen theatre-goers. There was a special deal in the 1950s at Bromley’s New Theatre: two seats for the price of one, on Mondays. Who doesn’t like a bargain? At the time we had no knowledge of the vicissitudes of the theatre’s life or the various names it had been given: the Grand Hall (from 1889), the Lyric (from 1905), the New Theatre (from 1948 and the Churchill (opened on 19th…
Bertram Edgar Spark
Bertram Edgar Spark Bertram Edgar Spark served as a rifleman with the 1st Battalion of the Queen’s Westminster regiment. He was the only son of Edgar and Ella Mary Spark, of 13 Warner Road, Bromley in Kent. Prior to war he had taken up an appointment at Lloyd’s Royal Exchange, London E.C. which would have remained open for him, had he survived the war. His obituary noted that he was very fond of sports, especially football, cycling, and swimming. He attested as a volunteer at 18 years of age and…
Gunner F. Bateman
Gunner F. Bateman Gunner F. Bateman, of Weston Rove in Bromley, served with the 126th Battery of the Royal Field Artillery during World War 1. A letter published in the Bromley & District Time in April 1915 describes their march to Mons and the action that he took part in and later the action on the Marne. By August 1915 he was serving on the Front Line. Sources: Bromley & District Times, 2nd April 1915 (page 3) Bromley & District Times, 13th August 1915 (page 7)
E.A. Bateman
Private E. A. Bateman Private E.A. Bateman enlisted on the 1st of August 1914 and served with the 9th Battalion, Queens’ own Royal West Kent Regiment during World War 1. He was the son of Mr and Mrs Batement of Weston Grove, Bromley. If you have any details that we can add about this soldier, then please get in touch. Source: Bromley & District Times, 13th August 1915 (page 7)