Maidstone - 1 Group ROC HQ - (Kent Group) - Jan 11
57 London Road was originally in civilian occupation and named `Fairlawns'. The property was requisitioned in 1939 as a new headquarters for No.1 Group of the Royal Observer Corps, who had previously been stationed in rooms above Maidstone Post Office. An operations room was built in the house using the ground floor and basement. Fairlawns was in use throughout the war until stand down. In the 1950s Fairlawns was relegated to being a training centre for the group control at Beckenham (19 Group). In 1961 a new semi-sunk control was built to the rear of Fairlawns with administration located in the house. Beckenham was then relegated to being training centre for 1 Group at Maidstone
Information found here: http://www.subbrit.org.uk/rsg/sites/...one/index.html
The post itself looks in good condition (besides the peeling paint)
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/Photo004.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/Photo008.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/Photo011.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/Photo012.jpg
The bits and pieces around it:
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/Photo005.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/Photo006.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/Photo007.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/Photo009.jpg
http://i924.photobucket.com/albums/a...e/Photo010.jpg
Re: Maidstone - 1 Group ROC HQ - (Kent Group) - Jan 11
Did you not knock on the building next to it? Its either a vets or a solicitors, and they let you have a look around.
It would make a great restoration project!
Re: Maidstone - 1 Group ROC HQ - (Kent Group) - Jan 11
was there on a sunday so no one about :( and i was covered in mu :L but might do that soon its a solicitors i think :)
Re: Maidstone - 1 Group ROC HQ - (Kent Group) - Jan 11
Yeah i would, itll be fascinating inside!
Re: Maidstone - 1 Group ROC HQ - (Kent Group) - Jan 11
they have looked after it well apparently, it was used for storage by them i think. Its a nice example.
Re: Maidstone - 1 Group ROC HQ - (Kent Group) - Jan 11
Get back and get in there, it looks good from other pics i've seen. I still need to see inside a group control, think a trip to York is on the cards this year.
Re: Maidstone - 1 Group ROC HQ - (Kent Group) - Jan 11
Well two of us have an appointment to look inside this saturday!
Re: Maidstone - 1 Group ROC HQ - (Kent Group) - Jan 11
great i look forward to seeing your pics!
Re: Maidstone - 1 Group ROC HQ - (Kent Group) - Jan 11
Look forward to seeing inside