Blackfen homegrown strawberries! Does anyone else grow strawberries in their garden? Blackfen has a tradition of growing them. James Lee grew them at ‘Strawberry Gardens’ (where Gwillim Close is now) until he went bankrupt in 1906 after bad crops due to 3 years of wet weather. Blackfen Farm also had a strawberry field where RACS Stores (now Katie’s Playpen, a chemist and off-licence) was later built, and according to the farmer’s granddaughter, they were the juiciest she’d ever eaten.
Former RACS Stores which opened in 1931. Before that, the site of the strawberry field at Blackfen Farm
Blackfen Past and Present 
I have so many memories of Blackfen as I moved here with my Mum,Dad and two brothers in 1935. The walk from Sidcup Station to Ramillies Rd., was just dirt tracks. Ramillies was ok with nice grass verges, alas no more. I did attend the liberary. You had to be 7 years old to join. I was a regular picture goer in those days and was in the Plaza when it was hit with incentary bombs. I have so many more memories of Blackfen. I now live in Fairfield Close. 50 years this June.
In loving memory, Pam.
Thanks for your message Pam. If you have more memories you would like to share please do let me know. I would love to talk to you.