Diana Gibbs and Sevenoaks History Hub

Facebook groups are a goldmine when it comes to finding out information about one’s local area, particularly regarding local history where the facts and data often intersect with people’s personal stories and lived experiences.

 

When Diana Gibb posted an old black-and-white photo of her mother, she found a warm and enthusiastic response from the members of the Sevenoaks History Hub.

 

Diana remembers: “Mum and Dad lived in Sevenoaks from 1942 (soon after they married) to the early 1950s. My half-brother went to Sevenoaks School as a Day Boy – he won a scholarship to Skinners Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells, and when they moved to Sevenoaks, apparently Mum marched into Sevenoaks School and requested that the scholarship be transferred to there – and they agreed!”

 

Diana’s mother, Elsie Young, worked in Sevenoaks Co-Op Drapery Department as the manageress. She is pictured above at work, probably around 1951, as she is holding up the bolt of material to hide the baby bump that would become Diana, who was born in July 1951. She used to tell Diana about the number of car accidents in the narrow road that led up to the bus station, right next to the Co-op. “When she heard the squeal of brakes and tyres followed by the crash, she used to faint and the Sales Assistants used to lay her on the counter to recover.”

 

The Sevenoaks History Hub also proved useful when Diana found a photo of J. Martin Antique Galleries on Tubs Hill. Her family had lived in the top flat of Owen Harrison Antiques, and the members of the group were able to offer their insight into whether the two business were connected. Many other members also chipped in with their own memories of the area.

 

You can find the Sevenoaks History Hub on Facebook at @SevenoaksHistoryHub.

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