As the site is gradually getting filled up I am having to place most things on We Remember pages
Auriol Maidstone I remember it well: and in particular my time at Maidstone Technical School for Girls. My family were so proud when I passed the exam and was accepted and were appalled when I said I didn't want to go. I was settled and happy at Southborough Girls and I'd heard about the headmistress, Miss Thomas, at 'the Tech'. Of course I had to go and can remember my Granny taking me to Sharps at the top of King Street to buy all my uniform. I'd never had so many clothes and couldn't imagine wearing them all. It was a major incident in my life and it took me a while to settle down. We were all terrified of Miss Thomas, even some of the teachers. She had a habit of staring out individuals in assembley and then raising her eyebrows without saying a word. The individual concerned identified themselves immediately and had to go and stand outside her door. Sometimes you stood there all morning, dying to go to the loo and not daring to, and then she would come out and say you can go now. It was as though she had forgotten you were there. We all had to stay for school dinners, which were very good I must admit, but Miss Thomas would walk round and pick on people who weren't using their cutlery appropriately. We weren't allowed to leave anything so if we had any bits of gristle etc we would wrap it in our hankie and put it in our shoulder purse! No matter where we lived, we all had to follow a designated route to and from school and teachers were often seen spying on us to make sure we did. If you were found on the wrong route you had to return to school and start again. It was supposed to prevent a sudden surge of girls going through town after school but it applied even if you had to stay after school for some reason. If you needed to go into town for shopping after school you had to write your request on a piece of provided card and put it in a box outside the secretary's office in the morning and pick up the answer from another box in the afternoon. My sixth form class from 1958 still have renunions locally twice a year, as most of us still live in the area and we all get on together very well and enjoy sharing our news
Auriol Maidstone I remember it well: Does anyone remember the Palace Theatre in Gabriel's Hill? Robert Dyas is there now and Strawberry Moon's Night Club. There used to be a repertory company in situ and my aunt and uncle used to take me regularly to different plays they put on. They used to change weekly. I developed a love of theatre from those days which has always stayed with me. I even did a bit of acting myself at one time - amateur of course. I also loved going to the pictures. My uncle used to take me and we particularly enjoyed westerns. I still have a soft spot for them and often watch an old film on TV for nostalgia sake. I took my younger siblings to Saturday morning pictures every week at the new Ritz Cinema in King Street rebuilt after the Central burned down. I still remember that the first film they showed there after it reopened was Moby Dick. John, your memories of your Dad working for M&D prompted mine. My uncle worked for the M&D Bus Company as a conductor and I remember that he had nicknames for some of the routes, the back roads behind the zoo was one he often mentioned. I think he called it 'the chicken run' but I can't be sure. He used to get tickets for coach trips and I remember some good days out with him and my aunt at Margate at all times of the year. I used to get travel sick too and travelling was agony for me but it didn't stop me having a day out because I was OK while I was there and for some reason fine on the return journey.
Hi have a look elsewhere on the site regarding the Palace in Gabriels Hill
angela Maidstone I remember it well: although I personally don't know Maidstone, I am researching my family tree and have discovered that my great great grandfather James Wicken was the landlord of The Greyhound pub on Wheeler Street in the 1880's, so very interested to hear people's stories on the area.
JOHN WARNER Maidstone I remember it well: I remember the music scene well as I took over managing the Star Ballroom when the great Stan Stanwell went to live in Tenerife. we went from the big bands Eric Delaney. Ted Heath etc on to the jazz era when Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball and all the top jazz bands appeared. Then came the pop age, The Searchers, Freddie and the Dreamers, The Honeycombs, the Applejacks to name but a few. The local groups were Bank 7 (The Mannish Boys) Two groups from Folkstone, the Loving Kind and the Lonely Ones both of which at various times included Noel Redding later to play with Jimmy Hendrix, sadly no longer with us. Sunday night was for the local groups and if they were good enough were given a support spot on Saturday night. On Saturday afternoon wew had the show which I initiated called Saturday Spin. It was a record show and was aimed at the younger ones up to 15. The first week we pulled in 80 people and 6 weeks later were playing to 800. It was utter chaos . Monday night was record night hosted by David Wigg who was a reporter on the Kent Messenger but later became a Theatre Critic on such papers as the Daily Express. They were wonderful times.
JOHN WARNER Maidstone I remember it well: upper Stone Street was really rough. There were in fact several Doss Houses as one time. The Fish and Chip shop on the right going up was owned by a man named Mac. He also owned the Rose of Tralee transport cafe at lenham once voted the country's best transport cafe. As well as not eating chips in the street you were supposed to wear your school cap. Caps went into the pocket and we ducked into the the notorious Bugs Alley which led down toawrds All Saints Church. The roughest pub in Stone Street was the Bricklayers Arms. I never remember them not having a broken window or three! The cafe at the bottom on the corner was the OK Cafe.
JOHN WARNER Maidstone I remember it well: Back in the 50's there were actually five cinemas in Maidstone the Rirz in Pudding Lane,the Central in King Street, the Palace in Garbriels Hill, thE Granada at the botton of Lower Stone Street and the Wardona which changed its name several times but was always referred to as the Bug Hutch. The snooker hall was over the top of Burton's in Week Street and was one of my frequent hang outs. If you didn't have much money you would buy your suits in John Colliers or Burtons but if you were a bit flush you would have one made to measure in John Mills in Gabriels hill. The cost was about 14 pounds, a considerable sum in the 60's. Sunday afternoon was normally spent at the Granada but it was impossible to hear the film because of the noise. The Ritz in Pudding Lane burnt down as did the Central in King Street. I seem to remember that both were cases of arson and were attributed to one of the Ushers who worked at both cinemas. the Central was rebuilt but the Ritz became offices. I hung out with Georgie Morling, Tony Cooper,Frankie Harman Harman (killed in a motor cycle accident), Johnny Hollands, Sid Senior. I wonder if any of them are still around?
john Maidstone I remember it well: Auriol my dad was Harry Clark he worked at the m and d from the 1940s till the 70s when my parents bought a nurseing home at sarre near birchington can you remember any of the staff there in those days the general manager was a mister white my sister pam who lives in derby is much better with where people used to live then me ,and she is always looking on this site so she will probably come up with some names and addresses
Pat Shaw nee collins Maidstone I remember it well: Love this site brings back so many memories of my teen years Going to work at Kent executive council travelling on the trolly buses from park wood every day. weekends spent dancing at the star hotel in the high street. Also going to the army barracks social functions on Sandling road.
Pat Shaw nee Collins Maidstone I remember it well: I went to West Borough Secondary school early 60s Mr Diamond was headmaster anyone else remember Mr Bolton Miss Wantstall Daisy Price Mr Dukes the art teacher mr robinson music mr phoebe history mr meade geography I loved that school I used to live at Barming Working mens club moved away to cheshire early 70s lovley memories of Maidstone if you remember me or my sister christine collins would love to hear from you
Lesley Shaffer Country: United States Maidstone I remember it well: I have been anxiously waiting for someone beside myself to say something about Miss Thomas at the girls tech, what a tyrant, the teachers were afraid of her also,and would burst into tears when she went into one of her tandrums! Miss Price the assistant head mistress would grovel like a female Uriah Heep she was so petrified of her. Auriol you are correct the teachers did spy on us, I went to visit my Mom in hospital and was called in to the office the next morning, and ask why I was in town at 7.30p.m. the night before. Years later I heard she finally was married, god help the poor man!
Auriol Maidstone I remember it well: John, sorry don't remember any names at the M&D. Uncle's name was Annesley Garnett and he worked as a conductor until the 70s too. As I kid I often went down to the garage to meet him and met some of his workmates but don't recall any now.
trevor miles Maidstone I remember it well: I left Vinters Boys School in the summer of 1963 and whilst I was there I remember so many things that happened and will put some of them in writing over the next few months. I remember the teachers who have already been mentioned by other pupils .There was Ken Graham who was a fantastic teacher and subsequently bacame a friend at a distance when I left school as he was the Chairman of the Maidstone Film Society which I joined due to my lifelong interest in the movies. Among the many pupils I remember are my cousin Geoffrey Masters who I have recently made contact with after many years, Keith Horton, Derek Snoad, Les Huggins, Roy McArthur (who became an actor), Norman Kleiser, Chris Baker, Brian Matson, John Slater, Mick Vennes, Stuart Minto, Dave Jacobi, Robert Lewer, Ken Burgess and Roland Hutchinson. I will write again soon .
Derek Snoad learnt to ride on my bike after many attempts including damaging an ambulance outside of the opthalmic hospital.
christine spicer Maidstone I remember it well: miss horsefield math teacher u could never sniff in her class she always waved a tissue.
Mark Ramsey Maidstone I remember it well: Ive just come across this site and I think its brilliant. I only ever visited maidstone baths 3 times in the mid 70s mainly because i lived in rainham so my memories arent as vivid as many of you!! But the times i did go I loved it my last and most abiding memory is just a week or two before it closed there were members of staff pouring buckets of hot water in the pool to make it slightly warmer! Not that it seemed to bother us kids
Janet Beard Maidstone I remember it well: Lovely site curious to know who erected the plaque at the end of Rose Yard in regard to the G Ranch Club where all us skinheads hung out.
pam Maidstone I remember it well: hi does anyone remember going to the m and d xmas party where we all sang when santa got stuck up the chimney and we had to sing it louder and louder and then santa would appear down the chimney and trust me there was no expense spared we had the real santa we always did family things like going to loose stream moat park real simple things in life walking along to alington locks we always had a picnic at it never cost an arm and a leg like they have to have now life was a lot simplier. we all knew our neighbours and we all looked out for each other
Ian (later and now known as Jim) Harris Maidstone I remember it well: The small pool was always so much warmer than the large pool which was great in winter but incredibly humid in the summer. I remember the odd occassion feeling cheated having walked the mile-and-a half into town to find that only the small pool was open. I think Miss Hollingsworth must have had most of the kids in Maidstone hanging onto her pole at some time though she did teach many of us to swim. I recall that when the pool was particularly busy, "sessions" would be implemented and how, if we arrived to find that there was only half-an-hour left of the session we would debate whether it was best to wait until the next session started so as to get a full hour of swimming. Actually, once we'd learned to swim it wasn't so much swimming as larking about and playing chasing. It was then that Miss Hollingsworth was at her most strict, blowing her whistle to stop the antics and sometimes telling the unlucky lad to get out and get dressed. That smell of chlorine certainly cleared the sinuses (and for some of us) made our cigarettes taste funny. In 1957 she and our deputy Head Master Mr Jeal helped a few of us to get our Bronze Life Saving Medallion (which I still have). It wasn't so much getting a medal that I remember but having to retreave a brick from the bottom at the deep end whilst wearing pajamas. Best of all was the real prize - a pass that gave a whole year swimming free. Can anyone remember that starving feel after swimming and having that spare penny-halfpenny to buy a slice of their wonderful stodgy Nelson Cake ? Mmm........ you must have been rich I could only afford the magarine rolls
Martin Cox Maidstone I remember it well: Sir, I and the joint Chairman of East Borough PTA. It is our centenary in 2010 and on July 3rd and 4th we would like to have as many ex pupils join us to celebrate. Before this however the whole school is learning about our history and would like to have copies of any photographs that expupils may have to display in the school and in projects. Do you think you could do a feature about this on your great website....
ENID SHARP Maidstone I remember it well: We lived in Cross Street and used to catch the bus at St Paul's Church before it was burnt down. It cost 1p (old money) into town, this was when Week Street was two way down to the Canon in High Street, where I jumped off at the Electric Light Show Room, walked across to Mill Street and into Rootes where I worked.
Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: Janet, the plaque to the G ranch was put up by Kim Humphries and his cohorts as a tribute to the club. I bumped into him just before Christmas and we got talking about past times and this web site and then clubs, etc. I then asked the question re: the plaque in Rose Yard and he said that he was involved, with a few others, in getting it mounted on the wall.
Barbara Henman Maidstone I remember it well: What memories the other contributors evoked. I lived in Allen Street and my journey to Eastborough school took me down Hedley Steet and along Lucerne Street before going down Wheeler Street and past Mrs Wade's shop (I was half scared of her) I bought sherbet dabs in the sweet shop and just before the school in Union Street there was another shop where I bought Oxo flavour crips and crisps with the little blue packets of salt. My friend Jane lived in the Greyhound Pub and the Foresters met in the room above. Does anyone remember the days when children could play marbles in the street, we did in Allen Street.
Barbara keep an eye on this site as Eastborough is soon to celebrate its centenary
Ken Allen Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: I don't suppose you could organise a follow-up event somewhere between the 12 May & 29 June? Anyway the best of luck to you all. Regards. Ken Allen (Tech) I notice that the security word for this msg is WOMBAT. Quite appropriate as there is a village about 30 mins away called Wombat - honest!
Les Huggins Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Again Maidstone United FC 1958-1963 Who could ever forget the football team we all idolised in those years when Maidsrone United FC were part of our lives and an essential part of meeting friends. First and foremost, I will conjure up a few names that will invoke the spirit of the time. GOALKEEPERS: Danny Wiltshire Colin Balderstone Tony Maddox Bill Hope FULL BACKS: John Simpkin George Craddock Mick Everest
HALF=BACKS: Derek Morgan Fred Baker Joe Harris Dennis Cutbush Geoff Riddy FORWARDS: Ted Saunders Colin Warnett Dave Morekite Micky Clay Ken Lambert Paddy Long Brian Myers Eddie Hobbs Ken Dowler David Sadler Mick Candy The list is endless. There were also a few regular characters who frequented the terraces at London Road. Mr Munn from Union Street, affectionately known as "loud-mouth" a true stalwart in those years. He was accompanied by his wife who was also quite vociferous. Sid Green, who was a good "back-up" to Mr Munn. Usually brought in when Mt Munn had temporarily "lost his voice2 I remember Mr Munns favourite expression was: "you dirty whelp", when the opposing team had commited a foul. A Mr Bushy Ring (mentioned in other areas) who sold peanuts, papers and other items. He was a character of the time. and affectionately known as "Bushy-Barrow" due to the fact that he was often seen pushing a barrow throughout the streets of Maidstone. Maidstone were in the Ishtmian League (the top amateur league of the tme) END OF PART ONE
June Maidstone I remember it well: Maidstone I remember it well. I attended the Technical School for Girls from September 1948 to December 1952. I was so excited when I knew I had passed the entrance exam and could'nt wait to get my new uniform. It did'nt take long to become disillusioned however, the long walk to New Hythe Railway station from home then the equally long walk from Maidstone West station to the school at the other end of the town was time consuming and in the winter I suffered agonies with chilblains on my feet. I wish I could say that I enjoyed my years at the 'Tec but the stifling discipline and hours of homework we all had to do were anything but enjoyable. I was not one of the popular pupils in our class mainly because I was rubbish at games and PE. The girls who were good at these were revered by classmates and teachers alike. School rules were very strict and our head mistress Miss Thomas put the fear of God into every one of us. She ruled with a rod of iron and woe betide anyone who fell foul of her. At one time she tried to dictate what we did in the evenings when we were at home but that was firmly squashed by parents who said it was nothing to do with her. Some of the girls used to work weekends in - shock horror - Woolworths! In Miss Thomas's estimation that was only one step up from prostitution! We were not allowed to go into the shops on the way to or from school unless we had a note from our parents but sometimes friends and myself used to sneak into the Bridge Pie Shop which was on the Broadway. Oh, the ecstasy of biting into the hot savoury meat pie whilst waiting for the train. I can remember the taste even now. We had to keep any eye out for two of the mistresses who used the same train, Miss Betts and Miss Svenson who taught English and Domestic Science respectively. If they had seen us we would have been in very hot water. In our last year at school we we taken to the swimming baths at Fairmeadow once a week. I never did learn to swim properly but managed to get verrucas and I hated the smell of chlorine. We also had educational trips out to local industries, Maidstone Gas Works, the sorting department of Maidstone Post Office and best of all to Sharps sweet factory where we came home with lots of samples. One of the other local factories, Foster Clarks were very short staffed at one time and asked our school if two girls from typing class would help out. Two different girls went every week and did'nt like it but when it was the turn of my friend Edna and myself we enjoyed it and were quite happy to do another week as well. At the end of that term all the girls who had worked there got a hamper containing tinned vegetables, fruit, jellies, soups etc. My mother was in seventh heaven! After I left school I was still a frequent visitor to Maidstone. I loved the familiar shops and enjoyed walking round them even if I did'nt need anything. There are very few of these shops remaining now which is sad but I suppose we have to move on. Happy memories.
Normans pies were the best
Lorna Young Maidstone I remember it well: I too went to Maidstone Tech now renamed Invita Grammar. My sister, who wrote the article before mine, was very industrious and hard working. I was the complete opposite. I only worked at those things I liked or found interesting, hence I was always in trouble. Worst of all, i was always being compared to June who at the time I came to loathe. It wasn't her fault and I've long forgiven her. I was good at games although I hated hockey in the freezing cold and I was a good gymnast. It certainly didn't make me popular anywhere or with anyone. I also was good at languages and music. Maths was a closed door and hated needlework so much that it costs me even now to pick up a needle and thread. I did enjoy my years at school and was afraid of miss Thomas but I was more afraid that I might lash out at her with my tongue, as a few other girls had done before and were never seen again. Maybe she ate them! I used to take my music exams in the Bishop's Palace. The exam. room was vast and the examiner seemed to be miles away. It was also cold, dark and echoing. I'm rarely in Maidstone now, mostly only to pass through but I remember it with great affection. working in Timothy Whites and Tailors and having serve Miss Thomas with Glauber salts wasn't one of the highlight, but the fish and chip shop round the corner did wonderful lunches. Great memories.
pamela usherwood nee wood Maidstone I remember it well: Hi, some more memories, again I went to the Maidstone Girls Tech,and a friend has reminded me that I threw my Hat over the Bridge on the day I left (litter bug) I caught the bus to school whith another of my friends, and yes we also went shopping for sweets, one keeping lookout for teachers!! I also remember the Warhouses catching fire on the Bridge, and the different smells i.e. Peppermint from Sharps or Brewing from the two or was it three breweries we had in town. The River Len used to change colour depending on whether Smedley's were canning peas or strawberries!! The shop I never had the nerve to go into was the "Beehive Stores" Also there were always two policemen at the top of the High Street, pity they are not there now, we had some great shops,and not all selling the same goods,not like the Multi Nationals now. Such a Shame, but it was much darker, and at times grubby.
You missed out on a treat not going into the Beehive stores.
pam usherwood Maidstone I remember it well: I love music, we had a great choir at the Girls Tech, won some competitions too. Later my friend Jose and I sang at All Saints in a special Choir, the Messiah etc. I lost my School Photo, we were the first to have this taken. The Star Ballroom, Saturday Nights, Ted Heath was my favourite, great times, we who didn't live in town had to leave to catch the last train, we hated that,but many times we walked the four miles home on the London Road, imagine doing that now! I have been told that the Ballroom is still there above the China Shop, used as a store, and the assistants believe there is a "Ghost" a Flapper!
clive taylor Country: United States Maidstone I remember it well: My father, Ronald George Cecil Taylor had a shop in Larkfield, and we lived in Station Road Ditton, and I went to Kings School Rochester. We moved to a fine house in maidstone, and at aged 16 I left chool worked as an accounting clerk for Day Smith and Hunter. Unsuited for the job I was sacked, and fed up I left alone for America to start a new life. I remember my mother and father every Tuesday evening went to the granada cinema in Maidstone. Once there was a film that my father considered had no point to it, so he went to the office and complained. Come on Clive I think there must be more tales to tell. Incidently the Granada is no longer in existence nor the Fiesta
Barbara Henman Maidstone I remember it well: Maidstone Technical School for Girls, yes I was there from 1956-61 and like every other girl in the school I too was scared of Amy Thomas. Unfortunately I had to walk past the annex house further up Sittingbourne Road where Amy had a flat and we had extra lessons. I used to peep over the wall to see if she was coming and if I got it wrong I was obliged to make polite conversation and carry her brief case to school. In those days too, not many people had their own telephone so those who didn't had to take turns in phoning the dairy with the next week's milk order, I was petrified. Everyone wore a label round their neck with their name on it for the first six weeks after joining the school at 13. how humiliating, and of course we all had to have handwriting lessons, italic, I can still do it now. Then of course there was the compulsory staying to lunch with the six form girls serving, thank goodness for those silly purses we wore over our shou lders where we could deposit the fat from the meat, yuk. Young ladies must not run either so there were no sports days for us, netball, tennis and the occasional walk to Vinter's Park to play hockey. School was strict but it stood us in good stead for adult life.
Doug Lindsey Hi Peter……re- Maidstone…
You may have noticed that I have from time to time added my bit to the various pages on the website being a formally Maidstone man, born at Langley and schooled and worked in Maidstone for many years. However, something has been intriguing me for years, and I think you are better placed to put it on the website as a separate item…such as ‘INFORMATION and PICTURES REQUIRED’ or similar..
Its about Maidstone Zoo. I’ve recently been surfing British Pathé News and there are lots of snippets about, of all things, Maidstone Zoo!!! I recall going to the Zoo before it closed in the late 50s or early 60s (When did it actually close??)..anyway my query is, does anyone have any photos or details about the railway that used to run from the gatehouse on the Chatham road up to the actual Zoo entrance??
I recall riding on it, it was about quarter of a mile straight run beside the driveway, powered by a petrol or diesel trolley pulling a couple of open wagon type coaches and was about 2ft gauge if I remember.
I’ve never seen any pictures of it or heard of anyone else who rode on it!!! There must be several, if not hundreds, of people still in and around Maidstone who went to the Zoo, can you make a special appeal via the website for photos or details or reminiscences of the Zoo railway please and see what turns up? Would be exciting if someone has a picture!!! There’s no mention of it in the various railway books about lines in Kent either, even though there is one book on Industrial and Private Narrow Gauge Railways of Kent.
Can you see what you can do for me please?
Just love the website too!!! By the way, you weren’t at Maidstone Grammar School were you between 1953-1958? There was a Capon in my class for most of the five years I was there, he was Robin Capon and lived near Boro Green if I recall….are you related to him? He became an artist I think and went to the West Country…I remember him being very good at art….
Doug Lindsay Maidstone I remember it well: Cathy...who is looking for a picture of Rose Yard in the early 1900s. There is one (or maybe more) on the Kent Photo Website : http://www.kentphotoarchive.org.uk/site2009/index.php?page=datalists In fact there are many good old Maidstone pictures in that archive run by Maidstone Museum!! Hope its what you need Cathy!!
Pete Mason Maidstone I remember it well: Congregational Church youth club, loud bands trying to be the Beatles or Stones, Pope & Haywards horrible pop. Further up King St the old Lyles lemonade factory with a giant bottle outside (near albion Place)
O Dear you don't sound too impressed still you could have said Lyles still lemonade
Doug Lindsay Maidstone I remember it well: Re Ken Evans note above....Can't recall you exactly, but Clive King, the one time lead singer of the Kingfishers was one of our 'gang' of associates in the late 50s early 60s. He worked at Rootes I think. Do you remember the 'Rat Trap' in King St, the cafe which eventually became an Indian restaurant. You must have played in the cellar there in those times when it was THE place to be!! We danced and sweated the night away in that grotty little cellar but had a great time, all without alcohol!!! Mind you, there were some funny smelling cigarettes down there!!! Can't recall the name of the owner now, but he was a well known Maidstone chap and I think also 'managed' the Kingfishers and other bands? There were also two other singers of note in the town at that time, Mick Forrest and Tony Bathurst...they were often in the 'Rat Trap' and the other venues in the town and around. I seem to recall that Tony sang with some of the big names up the Sta r ballroom several times, particularly I recall him singing with Chris Farlowe and also Long John Baldry, in fact I'm surprised he never became a 'star' himself as he was a great singer and well known around. Funnily enough I've just heard that Mick Forrest now lives in the south of France and Tony visits him down there from time to time and they still gig together!!!Things don't change do they!!!! Its approaching 50 years ago that they sang in Maidstone!!!
Andy Fraser Maidstone I remember it well: Ah yes....The Tovil Treacle Mine. There has been a lot of speculation about that...as to whether it is true or not? Whatever the truth it's nice to keep the story alive and I done some research into it. I won't put a link to it (that's probably not allowed) but if you go to YouTube and google Tovil Treacle Mine there's a nice video of the area at Bockingford where the above person was referring to. There's a Facebook group called Tovil Treacle Mine, as well. It has some interesting facts regarding the veracity of the legend. Thanks to Peter for making this amazing site. I can lose myself on here for hours on end. Take care folks :)
Dennis Rye Maidstone I remember it well: As someone who grew up in Maidstone, it was interesting to find this site. (I now live in Ipswich) Doug Lindsay - you have now found someone else who rode on that train to Maidstone Zoo. However, my memories of it are very vague. My grandmother took me to Maidstone Zoo. I was about five at the time. That would have been in 1958. The zoo closed in 1959. I cant actually remember the exact location of the zoo either...... and Les Huggins, many memories of football at the Athletic Ground in the late sixties and throughtout the seventies. Good memories indeed. If anyone remembers me from school days, I went to All Saints Primary 1958 - 1964 & South Borough Secondary Boys 1964 - 1969.
Dennis the zoo was off of the Chatham Road
Rene Newman Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Pam, You will find it difficult to find out about Tovil Treacle Mine history. As mentioned earlier it was a secret and only a few locals knew its location and they were sworn to secrecy.You would find it difficult, most who knew have passed on, their lips still sealed. A few of us remain but if you were fortunate enough to find one who has lost his marbles and you treated him to a Top shelf drink or two he may confess. I am too far away to spill the beans and anyway I still have a few marbles left. You ask my sister Ruby she will? conform that. Cheers from NZ and good luck. Rene.
pam Maidstone I remember it well: well rene guess if you know the history of the treacle mines you must have lived in tovil? I lived near campbell road, went to all saints school 1957 to 1963 and loved it. mr owen was the best teacher ever. friday mornings were wonderful when we all walked to the swimming baths and pe when we had the aparatus great fun and conkers on the playground no health and safety rules or not ones to stop children being children and having fun.
Barry Newman Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: GOLDINGS!!!
Attilio Pirozzolo Maidstone I remember it well: Maidstone I remember it well, a message for cliff Vanns, your dad jim vanns was my supperviser when I was an apprentice at Grange Engineering he live in Holland road as I recall, he was a great man and taught me everything, he would always tell me storys about his past. would love to hear from anyone .Have been living in Jersey since 1964. e-mail t@orchardjersey.com
Attilio Pirozzolo Maidstone I remember it well: Maidstone I remember it well, we used to do some shopping for an old lady that lived in a cottage by the river Len. I think thats why it was called Len cabinet, the river would disappear under some buildings and reappear by the old bus station. The old lady would give us sixpence and we would queue down the side of the ABC Ritz cinema, and dare I say this, my brother would pay to go in and then open the fire exit door to the rear of the cinema and let a load of us in for free. Oh dear
pam usherwood Maidstone I remember it well: Yes, more of memories of Maidstone. The Street Carnival held every year, when I went to work at Reed's they always had floats, especially The Tovil Treacle Mines! Then of course the Dance afterwards.
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