I came to Dartford as a contractor for a weeks "backfill" for the IT Hardware Guy in 2001, the following week I was scheduled for what turned out to be 5 months at GSK Stevenage as that drew to a close & fearing the worse for my employment contracts. I was told that I had an offer & had been specifically been asked to come back to Dartford if I was available by the wonderfully supportive IT manager Nicky. I was there from 2002 until the end of 2005, one of the happiest work enviroments of my life & it broke my heart when I left as Compucenter took over the running of the IT Department & it was time for me to move on. A big shout out to those in the IT Department whose name I can remember (& those I can put faces to but not names at the time of writing, to those my apologies): Keith Paul Vince Rob Rodney
Very powerful and emotional. I was there from 1996 to 2002. Though the physical space has changed, the essence of what we built remains etched in my heart. Our shared journey lives on, a cherished chapter in the story of our lives. With a mix of fondness and a touch of melancholy, I bid adieu to the physicality of our workplace, holding dear the memories that will forever linger within me.
I started Burroughs & Wellcome in1960 at 15 years of age. Spent most of my life working for them. There was Steve, my last boss, shutting the the lights off, how strange. Danny Stevenson
In 2004, I moved to Dartford from the USA. As a chemist, I was thrilled when I discovered GSK right within smelling distance of soon-to-be-home down Joyce Green Lane. I went to the company gate with my CV. The chap at the gate told me to put an application online. I did, but I might as well have sent it into a blackhole. In spite of all this, I never lost hope because I really wanted to work in the industry and, more specifically, GSK. Anyway, I returned to the USA. On my recent visit to Dartford, after many years away, I was startled to find nothing but homes at the old site. Looking at the depressing picture, I could not help but think of the irony of how this site might have played a part in containing the Covid19 pandemic and save the entire world. Someone had decided putting houses was a better move. The thought left me disgusted.
You are so right on all that. I have always lived where I do near Dartford (am now 54) and so know the area fairly well. The area there has indeed been built on with homes where GSK used to be near Temple Hill and Joyce Green Lane. It is such a shame really, and as I say, I could not agree with you more really. Thank you.
OMG what a video! My first job was at Wellcome and I loved the place and the people - such a community, despite I left a long time ago I still feel part of the "family" and seeing it bulldozed down made me really sad. Great video and really captured the emotions! Best to you, Jill and family. X
Powerful stuff,some say that shutting Dartford was political,I went to a couple of the other glaxo sites and the culture was entirely different to Dartford's IMO. I had 23 great years there and it was a great shame that the powers that be decided to flatten it. Thanks you Steve for letting me know about this excellent little film.
I came to Dartford as a contractor for a weeks "backfill" for the IT Hardware Guy in 2001, the following week I was scheduled for what turned out to be 5 months at GSK Stevenage as that drew to a close & fearing the worse for my employment contracts.
I was told that I had an offer & had been specifically been asked to come back to Dartford if I was available by the wonderfully supportive IT manager Nicky. I was there from 2002 until the end of 2005, one of the happiest work enviroments of my life & it broke my heart when I left as Compucenter took over the running of the IT Department & it was time for me to move on.
A big shout out to those in the IT Department whose name I can remember (& those I can put faces to but not names at the time of writing, to those my apologies):
Keith
Paul
Vince
Rob
Rodney
Very powerful and emotional. I was there from 1996 to 2002.
Though the physical space has changed, the essence of what we built remains etched in my heart. Our shared journey lives on, a cherished chapter in the story of our lives.
With a mix of fondness and a touch of melancholy, I bid adieu to the physicality of our workplace, holding dear the memories that will forever linger within me.
I started Burroughs & Wellcome in1960 at 15 years of age. Spent most of my life working for them. There was Steve, my last boss, shutting the the lights off, how strange.
Danny Stevenson
Great video so much emotion Steve made me cry. All the best debbie
Powerful stuff. I do miss it.
Was exploring here before it was demolished and had kent police show up what a site was amazing!
:( 1998-2003 me, loved most of it!
In 2004, I moved to Dartford from the USA. As a chemist, I was thrilled when I discovered GSK right within smelling distance of soon-to-be-home down Joyce Green Lane. I went to the company gate with my CV. The chap at the gate told me to put an application online. I did, but I might as well have sent it into a blackhole. In spite of all this, I never lost hope because I really wanted to work in the industry and, more specifically, GSK. Anyway, I returned to the USA.
On my recent visit to Dartford, after many years away, I was startled to find nothing but homes at the old site. Looking at the depressing picture, I could not help but think of the irony of how this site might have played a part in containing the Covid19 pandemic and save the entire world. Someone had decided putting houses was a better move. The thought left me disgusted.
You are so right on all that. I have always lived where I do near Dartford (am now 54) and so know the area fairly well. The area there has indeed been built on with homes where GSK used to be near Temple Hill and Joyce Green Lane. It is such a shame really, and as I say, I could not agree with you more really. Thank you.
OMG what a video! My first job was at Wellcome and I loved the place and the people - such a community, despite I left a long time ago I still feel part of the "family" and seeing it bulldozed down made me really sad. Great video and really captured the emotions! Best to you, Jill and family. X
Powerful stuff,some say that shutting Dartford was political,I went to a couple of the other glaxo sites and the culture was entirely different to Dartford's IMO.
I had 23 great years there and it was a great shame that the powers that be decided to flatten it.
Thanks you Steve for letting me know about this excellent little film.
Can’t believe it’s all flats now
Upsetting and depression
Bloody Hell!!!!!!
Qwaaaack!