The 20th CenturyPictures
(left) Chestfield Rd as it passes Grassmere Rd (Right) Early work on Chestfield Farm Life before George Reeves The decline in agricultural prices, the decimation of the farming families in the First Word war. Old timers remember when one could make a decent living off the land, and landowners lived locally, with some sense of obligation to tenants. The 1920 purchase George gets a bargain. The early dream of creating a mock Elizabethan haven for the wealthy. Old timers think they see the end of farming life. Early developments and George's personal involvement The redevelopmentt of Chestfield Farm. Tudor villas and Golfers Cottages Sports and market gardening. Old timers see the sudden influx of rich townies as nails in the coffin of real community. The changing aims - from profit to dreams and back again Experimenting with multiple images - seaside resort, village green, sporting centre. Old timers see the constantly changing initiatives as a series of nails in the coffin of Chestfield's lovely environment. The second world war Dangerous times - deaths of the ARP Warden and the Home Guard Captain Schooling comes into Chestfield at last, but then returns to Swalecliffe and beyond. Old timers see their hopes for a real village dashed 1945 to 1966 The early infill housing - "bugalowisation". The beginning of post-Reeves Chestfield as sets of bungalows filled several of the village's open space. Old timers see bungalows as the final nail in Chestfield's lovely environment The growth of civic action, community ventures and a self-aware community. 1966 to 1988 The first larger scale housing developements and the creation of the Chestfield Preservation Society. From Preservation Society to Parish Council as old timers battle to save Chestfield's lovely environment. 1988 to 2000 Building new estates bring archeological surprises. Old timers see the building of the New Thanet Way as a final nail in Chestfield's lovely environment. |
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