Rainham History- Information about the History of Rainham Kent

How to Visit Gobekli Tepe Turkey Site from UK

2022-05-17T09:43:00.004+01:00

I've wanted to visit Gobekli Tepe for many years but due to the security situation with the war in Syria with the border just over 30km from the site and then the Covid19 travel restrictions I'd been unable to do so. Once travel was permitted again it was one of the first destinations on my list to visit. Originally I'd planned to take an organised tour to Turkey and then tag on a visit Gobekli Tepe at the end but couldn't find anything that fitted my holiday schedule so decided to try to arrange myself.

Visiting Gobekli Tepe from UK - May 2022

I was very fortunate to find this blog by the Frugal Travellers that outlined their visit back in 2019 and used that as the basis for my trip. All details below were correct as of May 2022 with an exchange rate of around 18.5TL to 1 GBP Sterling. Inflation is running around 70% in Turkey so prices are likely to have changed; in fact it was noticeable that many items were significantly higher than my previous visit to Istanbul in 2019 and even things like the Museum pass were now more expensive than the printed literature at the kiosk. Restaurant menus had wipe clean spaces for prices to allow updates without reprinting the whole thing.

We flew to Istanbul from London and stayed a few days to visit the sites before getting an internal flight from Istanbul to Sanliurfa with Turkish Airlines. I'd booked from the UK a few months earlier to ensure that we had flights guaranteed. A fortunate side effect was that the booking coincided with a drop in the Lira which made the flights even cheaper as they were priced in Lira (TL) and worked out at £50 return each. We needed to get back to Istanbul airport from the city in time for the flight and agreed a fixed price with the taxi of 350TL. (£18) The new metro line will soon reach the airport and reduce this cost significantly.

The flight to Sanliurfa takes around 1hr 45 and you land at Sanliurfa GAP Airport, code GNY. This is a modern airport opened in 2007. It's quite noticeable around the Urfa area that a significant amount of money is being invested in new infrastructure and facilities for tourism. We got a taxi from outside the airport to Urfa as we were in a rush to get some sightseeing in before the end of the day. We paid 265TL plus tip to get to the hotel but the bus from the airport is much cheaper if budget is more of a consideration.

We stayed at the excellent Tessera hotel located in the heart of Urfa close to the Abraham cave and lake complex. It's a converted church and beautifully restored with comfortable rooms and excellent breakfast included for £60 per night for a double room. I'd highly recommend it but there were also other hotels nearby that looked to be similar style. A German tourist we spoke to was staying further outside Urfa and paid only 8 Euro per night but then needed the bus to reach the town. Really your choice which works best for you.

After a good night's sleep despite being woken at 4.15 by the call to prayer we had a hearty breakfast at hotel before heading off to visit Gobekli Tepe. The bus leaves from the Sanliurfa Archaeology museum 3 times per day, 0945, 1200 and 1630. The return from Gobekli Tepe is an hour after these times. The details are shown on the bus stop. Our tickets cost 13TL each way. You get given an electronic tickets to scan on the reader in the bus and save the other ticket for the journey back.

On arrival it was slightly disappointing, the bus drop off was a busy car park with hundreds of people and noisy coaches with engines running, very different to the image in my head of an isolated location on top of a hill. The visitor centre is opposite the car park and where you can buy your ticket. Queue was quite manic at the weekend but might be quieter during the week. If you have the Turkiye museum pass then it's included and you can go straight to the entry gate next to the car park via a short wooden covered walkway. Once you've been through the barrier there is another covered area to wait for the shuttle bus to take you to the complex. If you're able to walk around 700m up the gentle slope then I'd highly recommend doing so instead of the shuttle. By doing so you really get a much better idea of the local environment to the site and the complete silence apart from birdsong until a shuttle bus comes into noisy view! The logic of putting the coach park and visitor centre sufficiently distanced from the site becomes clear, something Stonehenge is only just starting to benefit from.

If you're looking to visit Gobekli Tepe then you probably know all about the history of the site but it's incredible to think that people from 12,000 years ago were able to cut stone, carve and transport them then align them using only basic flint tools. The scale of this achievement is even more apparent when you realise that only a fraction of the Gobekli Tepe site has so far been excavated.

First summary below

I've been wanting to visit for many years but the security situation and then Covid19 had prevented my trip. When I finally arrived it was worth the wait. We travelled from London to Istanbul and then on to Sanliurfa where we stayed at the Tessera hotel. A bus from Urfa Archaelogical museum goes to Gobekli Tepe 3 times a day and as of May 2022 costs 13TL each way. On arrival at a weekend the area was incredibly busy with coaches and cars all over the place but if you walk up to the monument it's far more peaceful.

If you have the Turkiye museum pass you can skip the line and go straight to the site or into the visitor centre. Weekend was very busy but I understand that weekdays are quieter. Unfortunately with our flights it didn't work out for a weekday. Amazing site that's well worth visiting before it gets over developed. Hard to imagine that it's 7000 years older than Stonehenge.

A Toast to the Oast!

2018-06-14T21:51:00.000+01:00

Celebrations for the 40^th anniversary of the Oast Centre in Rainham have been kicked off in style with a specially brewed beer taking pride of place at a fundraising beer festival.

The Oast Community Centre in Rainham opened its doors in 1978 and three Kent real ale enthusiasts have brewed a beer to celebrate the occasion. Named “Toast to the Oast” the beer was brewed at Four Candles Brewery in Broadstairs and will take top listing at the Oast festival taking place on 22/23 June to raise funds for ongoing restoration work. The festival will feature 40 Kentish beers and 10 Kent ciders as well as live music from local bands on both days. Friday features bands Fightmilk, Theatre Royal, Stuart Turner & the Flat Earth Society and Darren Hayman while playing on Saturday are Love Reptiles, Ravella Bridge, Ancient Orange and Turtle Circles.

Oast Centre Chair Paul Clark said “It’s fantastic to see the Oast hosting a beer festival in the kiln where hops were dried in the early 20^th Century. The Oast is on a journey of reinvention and we hope to highlight the facilities that exist here to all the visitors over the festival weekend.” Andy James, an organiser of the festival added “Being adjacent to Rainham station the Oast is a perfect location for a beer festival so we’re looking forward to raising much needed funds to help the Oast centre to continue to provide a place for local groups and businesses to meet”

Photo of Paul Clark (left) Chair of The Oast Centre with brewers Karl Martin (centre) and Nick France

The Oast was acquired in 1970 by Rainham and Wigmore Community Association and converted to open as a community centre in 1978. The centre is a registered charity run by volunteers with facilities for hire by groups, conferences and business meetings. The buildings date back over 130 years and funds raised will help to maintain the fabric of the Oast as well as making the site accessible to all sections of the local community. The Oast website is http://www.oastcentre.org/

More information on the festival can be found on the website www.rainham-kent.co.uk or www.Facebook.com/oastfestival

Barclays Bank for Sale Rainham

2016-05-09T21:22:00.000+01:00

I saw mentioned on a forum that Barclays Bank in Rainham was for sale with the suggestion that it was closing. On closer inspection of the sign the building is for sale but it says the businesses within it including Barclays Bank are unaffected.

Micropub Opening in Rainham called Prince of Ales

2016-02-05T12:30:00.001+00:00

The new micropub opening in Rainham appears to be progressing well. Looking on their website the bar furniture has now been fitted and chillers being installed so hopefully it will be opening soon!

The Prince of Ales micropub will be at 121 High Street next to the Post Office, previously the convenience store in the photo below.

Micropub Opening in Rainham called Prince of Ales

Prince of Ales Micropub Opening in Rainham

You can keep up to date with how the building is doing on their website here:

http://princeofales.co.uk/index.php/progress-blog

The Angel Pub Rainham Old Photos

2015-09-02T14:00:00.003+01:00

We've received a request for any old photos of The Angel pub in Rainham. If anyone has any they can share please get in touch via info@rainham-history.co.uk

Gordon Hotel Beer Festival - Rochester Sweeps 2015

2015-05-03T11:41:00.003+01:00

The Gordon Hotel in Rochester holds an annual Beer festival during the Sweeps festival weekend.

Click here for the beer listing and band programme for 2015.

Full details here

New Asda Petrol Station Rainham

2015-04-26T21:58:00.002+01:00

The old Esso petrol station on the A2 at Rainham has now been taken over by Asda. This means we now get cheaper Asda fuel in Medway as it seems to keep the prices of other garages lower as a result.

New Asda Petrol Station Rainham

Archaeological field school at East Wear Bay, Folkestone

2015-04-16T21:46:00.000+01:00

Details of our new archaeological field school at East Wear Bay, Folkestone, along with our programme of taught one day archaeology courses at Canterbury, are now available on the CAT website:

http://www.canterburytrust.co.uk/community_archaeology/east-wear-bay/ and http://www.canterburytrust.co.uk/community_archaeology/archaeology-courses/

I’d be really grateful if you could circulate these links to your membership and/or network of contacts in the wider heritage and Kentish community.

If you have any questions about either the courses or the field school, or indeed other aspects of Canterbury Archaeological Trust’s public outreach and educational work (including lectures to local groups and societies), please get in touch with me.

Scott May Human Cannonball Accident in Detling - Matt Cranch Inquest Jan 2015

2015-01-19T13:31:00.001+00:00

The inquest into the tragic death of Human Cannonball Matt Cranch is taking place in Maidstone Kent this week. The accident took place at Scott May Daredevil stunt show accident in Detling near Maidstone Kent on 25 April 2011

Human Cannonball Accident - Matt Cranch Inquest

This video and stills also taken on the day available to media to licence - please contact info@photo3.co.uk

This is video taken at the Scott May Stunt show where the Human Cannon ball tragedy took place at Detling showground Kent. It shows the Scott May Daredevil stunt show accident in Kent on 25 April 2011 where stuntman Matt Cranch tragically died performing the human canon act. This is the original video that shows the earlier stunts such as car crash & stunt riders doing their show, the build up to the human cannon ball stunt showing the netting position, the launch and netting collapse and the crowds reaction after the human cannonball stunt went tragically wrong with the police arriving on scene.

NOTE: This video is copyright and may not be used commercially without permission. All licence fees are being donated to Kent Air Ambulance
http://www.photo3.co.uk

Rainham in the 1970s

2015-01-01T10:46:00.001+00:00

I recently received a set of photos taken in Rainham around 1973/74. I've attempted to visit the original locations and take a picture of how that location looks now then blended them in the video.

Photos of Rainham in 1970s

2014-12-31T12:46:00.001+00:00

I've received a set of photos taken in Rainham in the 1970s which give a fascinating glimpse of how much the centre of the town has changed since then.

Photo of Midland Bank next to Hidsons High Street Rainham

The Midland Bank branch shown above was demolished in the 1990s and the Hidsons car sales next door expanded to cover the site.

Almost all the shops pictured no longer exist although a few of them are in different locations under the same name

You can view the photos of Rainham from 1970s here

Rainham Station - New Platform & Tracks

2014-12-22T09:22:00.001+00:00

Working is ongoing at Rainham station for new line and platform which has taken up part of the car park. I understand this will give a longer platform so that trains with more carriages are able to stop. From the layout it also appears that the new platform will have trains beginning from Rainham as it is a platform that ends at the ticket office.

Christmas in 1923 - Photo of a well stocked butcher's shop in December for Christmas Dinner

2014-12-14T22:01:00.004+00:00

Photo of a well stocked butcher's shop in December for Christmas 1923. This shop in Station Road Rainham Kent displays 100% English fare, home killed beef, pork, mutton, turkey, rabbit, duck and home made sausages.

Photo of a well stocked butcher's shop in December for Christmas 1923.

More details here

BROMPTON HISTORY RESEARCH GROUP TALK

2014-10-19T19:39:00.001+01:00

BROMPTON HISTORY RESEARCH GROUP TALK: Valour, Loss & Sacrifice

The next Brompton History Research Group talk will be held at the Historic Dockyard in No.1 Smithery, Holl room. There will be an opportunity to view the temporary exhibition ‘Valour, Loss & Sacrifice’. The talk by Pam Wood is a personal view, relating to the sinking of HMS’s Hogue, Cressy and Aboukir by the German submarine U9 on the 22nd September 1914 and the effect that it had on the people of Medway, also touching on the 26th November 1914 when there was an explosion that shook the area, physically and emotionally, with the news that HMS Bulwark had blown up.

At 7pm, 27 November 2014 at No1 Smithery, Historic Dockyard, Chatham, ME4 4TE. Parking is free of charge.

Tickets £3. Booking essential, please call 01634 351834 or email witch21@blueyonder.co.uk

What Date are the Gillingham Great Lines Fireworks in 2014?

2014-10-14T21:26:00.001+01:00

For 2014 the Great Lines fireworks party takes place on Saturday 1st November 2014 from 7pm. Parking is very limited so it is advisable to walk or travel by train as the fireworks attract many thousands of people to the Great Lines park behind Brompton Academy.

What Date are the Gillingham Great Lines Fireworks in 2014?

http://www.rainham-history.co.uk/local-events/114-great-lines-gillingham-fireworks-display-and-bonfire-in-medway

First World War Letters from Gallipoli 1915

2014-09-22T21:51:00.000+01:00

Please find an article attached about Reg and Seymour Wickens from Station Road who joined up in 1915 and took part in the battle of Gallipoli. The letters I have used were published in the East Kent Gazette and give a vivid account of the brothers journey to the Helles Peninsular and what they experienced there.

I personally knew Reg Wickens as he was a friend of my grandfather and he used to visit Berengrove Park to watch me play cricket for Rainham back in the 1970s. Unfortunately, at that time I didn't question him about his war experiences so I missed an opportunity.

http://www.rainham-history.co.uk/articleslist/313-first-world-war-letters-from-gallipoli-1915

Rainham in 1914 - the town they left behind to fight in Gallipoli

Archaeology day courses at Canterbury Archaeological Trust

2014-09-02T23:21:00.001+01:00

Our new season of archaeology courses commence this Saturday and run through until March. I’d be really grateful if you could circulate this to your members. Last year’s courses were really well received and were attended by people from across Kent, the south east and beyond. This year we are repeating some of the courses and running a new one, ‘The Archaeology of the Kingdom of Kent’, on 22^nd November. Places for the latter are filling up fast.

Details of all the courses can be found at: http://www.canterburytrust.co.uk/community_archaeology/archaeology-courses and bookings can be made online via Paypal. You can also pay by posting a cheque or by bank transfer (BACS). Contact me for details for the latter.

If a number of people would like to make a group booking, it is best to contact me direct to discuss as we may be able to offer a group discount, depending on numbers and the course booked. And as always, we’re very open to ideas for future courses. Next year we aim to have a training excavation at East Wear Bay, Folkestone and I also hope we’ll be able to start offering guided tours around local sites in our minibus.

All courses are held at our offices at 92a Broad Street, Canterbury CT1 2LU and run from 10am until 4pm. Any other questions, please let me know. If you’d like to be removed from this mailing list, or would like an alternative contact used, again, let me know.

Best wishes,

Action Forum for June 2014

2014-06-23T23:33:00.001+01:00

Action Forum for June 2014 has now been loaded to the site.

Action Forum is a local magazine for Rainham and surrounding areas that features many articles and photos relating to local history.

http://www.rainham-history.co.uk/action-forum/31-action-forum-2014/304-af062014

Rainham History Back Online

2014-06-17T23:02:00.001+01:00

The problem with the Rainham History site have now been resolved and the site is back online.

If you spot any problems with the site please add a comment here or send an email to info@rainham-history.co.uk

Rainham History Back Online

Rainham History Site problems

2014-06-14T19:21:00.001+01:00

Apologies to anyone looking to view recent articles on the Rainham History site. It has been hacked this week and we are just trying to recover it back at the moment.

I'll post again when it is resolved.

New Micro Pub Opening in Rainham Kent

2014-06-09T13:44:00.001+01:00

The micropub revolution has reached Rainham! A new micropub will be opening soon in Station Road Rainham Kent in the premises previously used by Paynes Motor Spares and later by a hairdressing salon. Ironically it is virtually opposite the Railway Pub that closed down a few months ago.

The location seems ideal with very easy access to the station and situated on a busy road with plenty of passing trade and many people within 10 minutes walk of the pub.

We don't yet know the name of the micropub or when it will open but keeping checking for more details.

Micro Pub Opening Rainham Kent

Pizza Hut Delivery Opening Rainham Kent - Recruiting Drivers

2014-06-08T21:59:00.001+01:00

Pizza Hut are opening in Rainham Kent, taking over the old Patrick Duff opticians shop in the High Street near the shopping centre. It appears to be a delivery only outlet so if you are looking for somewhere to eat in for a meal you'll be disappointed.

They are currently recruiting delivery drivers - check the poster for contact details

Pizza Hut Opening Rainham Kent

Pizza Hut Opening Rainham Kent - delivery drivers wanted

Domain Registration Scam Fake Emails

2014-05-16T16:42:00.000+01:00

Just received this message. They seem to claim someone wants to register rainham-history in China. It's a complete scam. Why would anyone want or care to register something like that in Asia?

No-one manually checks domain registrations, they go through automatically so the whole premise of the emails is completely fake.

=========================================

Dear CEO/Principal,This is Nicholas Lee---Senior Consultant of domain name registration and solution center in China. Here I have something to confirm with you. We formally received an application on May 15,2014. that a company claimed "RANGLANCE LTD" were applying to register "rainham-history" as their Network Brand and some "rainham-history" Asian countries top-level domain names(in/hk/tw/etc) and China (CN) domain names through our firm.Now we are handling this registration, and after our initial checking, we found the name were similar to your company's, so we need to check with you whether your company has authorized that company to register these names. If you authorized this, we would finish the registration at once. If you did not authorize, please let us know within 7 workdays, so that we could handle this issue better. After the deadline we will unconditionally finish the registration for "RANGLANCE LTD". Looking forward to your prompt reply.(This is a very important case, so please transfer this email to your CEO or Principal. Thanks a lot.)Best Regards,Nicholas LeeSenior Consultant Manager

Rainham Mark Grammar School Sinkhole - Dene Holes in Rainham Kent

2014-02-14T17:16:00.002+00:00

Following hot on the heels of the sinkhole discovered in the centre of the M2 motorway, another has been found in the grounds of Rainham Mark Grammar School in Rainham. This highlights how Kent is riddled with Dene Holes dug into the chalk and that seem to be appearing as a result of the exceptionally wet weather over Winter 2013/14.

These are photos of dene holes found in Rainham Kent in 1980 during the building of a new housing estate. The same Dene holes are what was responsible for the M2 motorway closure.

Rainham Mark School Sinkhole - Dene Holes in Rainham Kent
looking into a dene hole

Rainham Mark School Sinkhole - Dene Holes in Rainham Kent
At the bottom of a dene hole once excavated

Rainham Mark School Sinkhole - Layout of Dene Holes in Rainham Kent

M2 Motorway Sinkhole Photo - Is it a Dene Hole? M2 Closed Junction 5 to 6

2014-02-12T13:17:00.003+00:00

On Tuesday 11th February 20-14 the M2 motorway was closed as a result of a sinkhole being discovered in the central reservation between junctions 5 and 6.

The cause of the hole isn't yet known but may be due to the very heavy rain that we've experienced over. There are also many dene holes that have been discovered across Kent and it may be that an entrance to one of these has been found as a result of the soil being washed away. It is also possible that it is old mine workings.

These photos are of a dene hole discovered in Rainham Kent during building works and the following excavation of the hole gives an idea of the scale of it.

UPDATE - The Highways Agency have now confirmed that the Sinkhole in the central reservation of the M2 was actually a dene hole. These appear across Kent and are chambers dug into the the chalk.

M2 Motorway Sinkhole Photo - Is it a Dene Hole?