Meopham Historical Society

Interview Archives

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Interview with Roy Creighton

Introduction

The interview with Roy Creighton was recorded on 26th November 2013 at his home in Huntingfield Road, Meopham.

Personal details

Roy Creighton was born at Cliffe, 26th April 1924. Parents William Creighton and Ethel Mary Creighton nee Natman. 

Schooling and Early Years

His schooling and childhood was in Cliffe until air raids started, then left to stay with elder sister. 

War Years

Volunteered for Marines and stayed until 1946. Met future wife while stationed in London waiting for de-mob. Married in Cliffe. 

Living at Vigo Camp

Strood Council gave them Nissan hut at Vigo with 2 bedrooms, a living room and outside toilet. Stayed there 3 years. 

Move to Station Road

Moved to Station Road as he worked for Mr Fletcher who had bought a house there. Stayed there 11 years. 

Employment

Worked for Mr Fletcher and then Judson and finally Charrington’s as coaler for 43 years. Talks about the work and Railway Sidings, where coal was kept. Fletcher took over Judson's house. 

Hilton House

Owned by Mr Judson, who ran coal business from house. Stable for horses and a large well in the garden. Large garden with fruit trees. 

Other Employment

Part-time work as coaling not well paid so did gardening and some work for the village builder, Mr Roots. 

Shops

Mentions many of the shops in the village. Everything necessary available. Occasionally went to Gravesend for clothes. 

Transport

Bus to Gravesend and also cycled a lot. 

Farmers and Other Landowners

French family owned large farm. Smith-Masters owned a lot of the land in the village. 

Events

Remembers the Coronation and the Queen arriving at Meopham Station. Street parties and fancy dress. Men dressed as women playing football to raise money for charity. Fêtes in the meadow opposite the Village Hall. 

Monarch’s Speedway

Was very involved in the Monarch's Speedway Club from beginning until it finished because of lack of interest. Describes in detail the set-up and organisation. 

Photo of Monarch’s Speedway

Discusses the photo of Monarch's Speedway, which the interviewer shows him. 

Football Club

Member of football club until he was 35. Club in Gravesend League and won cups and medals. King’s Arms was HQ

Changes

Mentions the original houses in Norwood Lane. Talks about agricultural land being used for new housing in Cheyne Walk, Cricketers Drive, Pitfield and Huntingfield. Mr Sweetlove had dairy farm where School Close is now and supplied milk to most villagers. Huntingfield built just after war. Pippins on another piece of farmland. Old Vicarage made into flats. Pubs altered. Shops disappeared. 

Village Today

Village split into three: Hook Green, The Street area and the Green. People keep to own section. 

School

Own children went to Primary School. Mr Strand was headmaster and did a lot for the village with organising and helping clubs and fêtes and did not boast about it. 

Own Children and Grandchildren

Spoke about his own children and grandchildren and their successes.