Guess the Place

[John Walker]

Going by the roofline, I was thinking it was the one near Bluewater on the old A2 now (A296).

[MartinR]

There's a suspicious looking location at 51.2439336,0.6606018 It looks like a forcourt, but there are no buildings there now.

[Dave Smith]

Prior to mods & rockers, it was the cafe of choice for cycling clubs from Kent & S/SE London. Called the Singing Kettle in those days; nearer Lenham than Maidstone & on the S.side of the A20.

[grandarog]

I think it was near the bottom of a hill near Harrietsham,I might be wrong was years ago.
I don't think the Brands hatch site shoot999 mentions s this Cafe unless i am totally barmy.

[shoot999]

Yes, still there near Brands Hatch. it's a Chartered Accountants and they have photos from the rocker days around the building, and a scrapbook in reception.

[MartinR]

Any closer location than "between Maidstone and Lenham"?  It won't help but some of the old A20 is now beneath the M20.

[grandarog]

That's the old Bikers cafe on the A20 between Maidstone and Lenham. If my memory is right I think we called it the Halfway ,Bit scary if a load of Hells Angels turned up..
Think it closed during the 1990's .Is it still there?

[John Walker]

Did it attract large numbers of rockers?

[Beachbum]

So more known as a Cafe, so good guess MartinR

[MartinR]

Two thoughts cross my mind: either a tearoom somewhere, or else a maternity hospital.  Probably weird!

[Beachbum]

An interesting monument, thanks John Walker and MartinR

next up, where is this and who used it (including me)?

[MartinR]

The cross is a grade II listed building (sic): https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1438738?section=official-list-entry

[John Walker]

You have it Beachbum - over to you ...


The monument, measuring 61m by 21m, was supported by a memorial stone surrounded by iron railings at the base, recording the names of the 42 Lenham villagers who died in the First World War.

A second stone, with the names of the 14 killed in the Second World War was added later, but in 1960 both were moved to the north entrance of St Mary’s Church to make it easier for infirm mourners to visit them.
During the Second World War, the cross was covered over to prevent it being a marker for enemy aircraft.
It 1983, it underwent a major renovation with 40 tonnes of chalk added.Historic England’s citation states: “The memorial is rather unusual when compared with other war memorials as it was carved by hand directly into the chalk of the North Downs as a hill-figure cross and prominent landmark by Mr Freddie Baldock, with help from local volunteers.

[MartinR]

Another view showing access from the lane/footpath: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.2416396,0.7286197,2a,75y,333.44h,92.26t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s0h-ZNTuRFdlT8eR8CtyByQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!5m1!1e1
Location info:

• Grid:           TQ 90552 52721
• Post code*: ME17 2HA
• WGS84:      51°14'31"N, 000°43'43"E or 51.2418349,0.7286259

*Nearest
Note that the footpath is the North Downs Way National Trail and there is no vehicular access along this stretch.  According to GSV access from the West is in a better state for wheelchairs/mobility scooters/buggys.
One I must try to get out and see.  Thanks John.

[Beachbum]

Would that be the Lenham War Memorial?

The Lenham Hospital was a TB base and the cross was for local WW1 victims (42) and then WW2 local victims.