The Rainham Spectacular was a fair that took place during the 1970s and early 1980s in Cozenton Park Rainham to raise funds for the Community Association. The first Rainham Spectacular was in May 1972 when it cost 10p for admission as can be seen in the poster below. Events took place at a similar time each year into the 1990s.
The programme for 1973 included Naval gun teams, miniature train rides, dog show, gymnastic display, vintage cars and sky divers as well as stalls and shows run by over 50 local organisations. By now the cost to enter was 15p (1970s inflation!) and it was estimated that nearly 20,000 people attended and raised £1200 for the community centre.
Rainham spectacular 1981 news clipping thanks to Steve Chinn
Newspaper clipping of Rainham spectacular from 1981
AF 1977 no.?
This was the 6th Rainham Spectacular, the Miss Rainham Spectacular and Beauty Contest was sponsored by the Evening Post and Debenhams. Entrants open to 16-26 year olds within the Evening Post circulation area. The contestants were to be in daywear and judged on looks, poise, deportment and grooming. The vouches prizes were for ; 1st £50.00, 2nd £20.00 and 3rd £10.00
AF 1978 no 103
There were 25 entrants to the Miss Rainham Spectacular and Beauty Contest. The Winner was Melanie-Jane Webb of Lonsdale Drive , her attendants Karen Beney and Anita Crowshaw
Jubilee edition of the Rainham Spectacular programme from 1977 thanks to Dave Alcock
AF 1976 no ?
A plea for MOT failures for a display by stunt drivers. Each car donated would be painted with the owners name and the colour of the sponsor. Sponsorship was a minimum of £25.00.
1977 no?
Bob Thompson and banger racing enthusiasts put on a display of skill and daring; jumping over cars and caravans and other obstacles.
There was also a jousting competition.
Programs cost 10p; entry was 20p for adults and 10p OAP and under 16s.
AF 1977 no.98
1500 people had attended the spectacular and £250 raised.
The winner of the Stunter Kite prize was Alan Miller aged 13 who gave an address that neither the GPO nor Police knew, so the winner was asked to ring a given number to claim his prize.
Hazel has come up with some more Miss Rainham details and a couple of names.
AF 1976 no. 81
Rainham Spectacular, an invitation to take part in Miss Rainham Spectacular and Beauty Contest, anyone living or working in Medway was eligible to enter, over the age of 16, it was free to apply and the prizes were ; 1st prize £20.00 of cosmetics, 2nd prize £6.00 of cosmetics and 3rd prize £3.00 of cosmetics
By the following year the prizes had improved!
1977 no.?
This was the 6th Rainham Spectacular, the Miss Rainham Spectacular and Beauty Contest was sponsored by the Evening Post and Debenhams. Entrants open to 16-26 year olds within the Evening Post circulation area.
The contestants were to be in daywear and judged on looks, poise, deportment and grooming. The vouches prizes were for ; 1st £50.00, 2nd £20.00 and 3rd £10.00
AF 1978 no 103
There were 25 entrants to the Miss Rainham Spectacular and Beauty Contest. The Winner was Melanie-Jane Webb of Lonsdale Drive , her attendants Karen Beney and Anita Crowshaw.
The famous escapologist Peter Mendini , performed on 27th May, his amazing Spiderman trapeze act and later escaped from a burning rope high above the arena.
Miss Rainham Kim Unger at Rainham spectacular from 1981
