Ashford, Kent: History in Old Images

 Enjoy a glimpse of history through old images of Ashford in Kent, England, UK.

Audrey Clark in 1938

In this newsreel from 1938, 13 year old Audrey Clark is pictured with her mother and sisters, as she recounts her efforts to save her friend Charlie at the local swimming pool.

From the top of the spring board, she spotted that Charlie was having difficulties, and that Harry had jumped in to help but began struggling. She dived in, first pulling Harry to the side and then going back to pull Charlie out of the water. She then called across some workmen and gave Charlie articial respiration until medical help arrived.

https://youtu.be/qt6MkD3gx6s?si=ZTNDu82qdk73t1YH

Brave Audrey - Ashford (1938)- British Pathé on YouTube


Father Christmas in Ashford in 1950

Crowds gathered for a carol concert at the giant Christmas tree, and Santa arrived on a big sleigh.

https://youtu.be/az-QGflP7bk?si=5aGcz1hmQPje1Bv8

There's No Yule Like An Old Yule (1950) - British Pathé on YouTube


Ashford's Rubber Animal Factory in 1957

Latex was one of the ingredients used in this rubber animal factory, where women did everything from pouring liquid into moulds, to spray painting and hand painting the figures.

The idea was that the toys would be unbreakable....even the questionable ones.

https://youtu.be/xvEVI8G0Z_8?si=wnI8Av4yM2TXAvRC

Rubber Toys Aka Rubber Animals (1957)- British Pathé on YouTube


Claudine Chandler in 1959

Ashford's Claudine Chandler showed off her magic skills in her home.

https://youtu.be/fWAMbOPmOSI?si=QOejXwxQSveDQtTJ

Woman Magician (1959)- British Pathé on YouTube

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