Memories, Maidstone and its people

Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: Jim Yarwood: Les Huggins. Many thanks for the update on the Beautridge family; sad to hear that Alf has recently departed this life. I didn't know that Alan had a transport company. I haven't seen him since I moved away from Boxley Road to spend my formative years on Shepway Estate.

Brian Swain: Thanks for your reply; would it have been yourself that I used to mess around with in the Royal George "stables" all those years ago?

Hugh Shannon: Good to see you've found this site!!

keith dowling Country: France Maidstone I remember it well: What ever happend to all those from the OTHAM 500 club, Colin Bennet. Peter Jones. etc etc WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM THEM PERHAPS!

norm gearing Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: it was a blast from the past to hear from ray crouch who i went to school with and was a good mate, we both lived in essex road shepway estate and as he said had great times in the woodlands and fields around the estate i bet it's all gone now , can you give me the website for friends reunited in the uk so i can catch up with him.

Colin Heslop Country: Canada Maidstone I remember it well: (Canada) Maidstone I remember it well: I attended South Borough Boys School 1963-1967 and completed my apprenticeship as an electrician in 1972.

I have a clear memory of names, places and events in and around Maidstone - if anyone has a question.

Ok what year did Maidstone baths close LOL

hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: Re.Maidstone Technical College.Teachers I recall.Mr License a true thespian.Larry Gay economics.Mr Hill economic history.Bert Newman accounts ("next thing to do").Pupils.Alan Blunsdon (Biffo) did a mean Jagger.Now a Judge.Dave Walters.Dave Evenden.

hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: Lawrence.Re Medway Street.I recall The Wicked Lady cafe.Would that be it?

hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: re old Bands.Anyone remember Mick Woollett,drummer with Country Freeway and Redwing.Also Eric Seels and Alan Glasscock,lead and rhythm guitarists.Mick was my ex brother in law and now lives in Brisbane.Their rendition of "If I was a Carpenter" was superb.

Yes Hugh I started Red Wing with Johnny Horton. And played with Eric in a duo and Alan Glasscock now known as Alan Rider in the Virginians. Yes I have really rubbed shoulders with the rich and the great. LOL Pete

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones,this is a search find for a band I sang with called the Loosends, at that time my stage name was Beau Kent taken from my older brother Bill Kent, jumping on the band wagon ha ha, however the members of the band were lead guitar Vince, rythm Mick drummer Robin and bass oh dear sorry I remember he came from Billerricky near Southend, after finding another old band of mine The Cortinas have enjoyed contacting John (Flux) Edwards lead guitar and now the Revd Mick Whitehead drummer, sadly the other two members have passed away but would also like to contact John Pearce bass and vocal and later Insp Pearce in other words the old bill ha ha.

You sentimental old sausage you.

Paul Young Maidstone I remember it well: I went to Brunswick House School in 1965 and Westborough Secondary School in 1966. I remember at Westborough we had to walk from the main building to Oakwood House. Mr Diamond was the headmaster and the kids had a rhyme ' A double diamond works wonders'. I remember Miss Page, Miss Smith, Mrs Vickerstaffe, Mrs. LLoyd, Mrs Evans, Mr. Brown, Mr Asling, Mr. Pope, Mr. Letchford, Mrs Evans, Mrs O'Flaherty, Miss Bevan, Mr Ovey. We had our lunch at Oakwood House. I also remember we did pottery at Oakwood House too. The grounds were amazing.

Gary Kemmett Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: I was at Westborough too. Miss Page taught history, and was also a magistrate I think. Mr Asling, the science teacher had a mean slipper. Rumor was, that it had lead weights in the toe. I remember French lessons with Mrs O'Flaherty. She would sit on the edge of the desk, whilst wearing a mini skirt. I always used to sleep well the night after a French lesson. Mr Ovey, PE. One winter, my class helped him to build a full size igloo in the playground. Westborough was a great school to go to.

Jerry Jarvis Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: My daughter has just found a bottle sold by Stonhams Chemist of Week Street, Maidstone in her desk in an office in Western Australia! The bottle is hand salve and cost 2 pound 10. I was born in Maidstone and moved to WA in 1972 but remember Stonhams but what happened to the shop??

Bernie Martin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: For Phil Wood, Thanks for the sad news about Joe Micallef, I knew he was ill ,that was the reason he didn't turn up for the school reunion dinner and his brother who was so close to him wouldn't come with out him. You looked fit & well so look after yourself. To Keith Dowling, Re Otham 500, Pete {Stormy] Jones & I did the security at the Otham 500 for a couple of years back in a previous life, I caught up with Peter when I was back in Maidstone in August, he could tell you about Colin Bennet but I'm not sure he checks this web page out. I caught up with so many people while in Maidstone but for those of you I didn't see I'm sorry I ran out of time but if I win LOTTO or when my wife finishes uni & gets a teaching job in England I'll be back. For those I did see thanks for the memories we re-shared it was wonderful and you'll be pleased to know my liver has just about recovered from all that alcohol. Cheers, Bernie Martin.

Hi Peter, Just been on the Site again, I do so every so often, I see I'm mentioned about the Freeway band & named as Allen Rider.....well that's an odd one !!!! Often called "Knight" the stage name from the '70's onwards....not "Rider" to my knowledge, although Celine Dion's team refered to me as Alain Glassock-Knight in print....damn french (Canadians)....can't trust them with anything.... !

Had the pleasure of seeing Tim Collingwood this summer when he visited the UK, ah !. old times & old faces...

still going despite a severe stroke, bless him.

Stay safe old friend...

Allen Glasscock..or Alan Knight or Alain Glassock-Knight...but who the hell is Rider.... ???!

Ps latest venture is on www.LA2Duo.com pass it on to those who want to know....

Thought it right to put this on the site as clearly I got it wrong; please take the time to look at Alans site. Good to hear from you again old mate Pete

I'm sure that boy has tinted his hair LOL

Watch this they are brilliant

Duncan Maidstone I remember it well: I used to work in Stone st., between 1970 and 1983, at an auto electrical company, junction of Brunswick st. The company changed changed names from County Electrical Services, to Globe and Simpson, to Globe, Simms and Cox, and then to Lucas Service. I remember J. Emery and sons, (hello again if you read this), with a TV repair shop upstairs. There was Jeffery the woodyard, Mr Froud had the fish and chip shop next door, O.J.Rewinds on the other side of the crossroads, and Mobile distribution down the road on the left, up a flight of steps. J.J.Silencers opened soon after I started at County Elec. Going down the road on the right, I remember a printing works, Joe's cafe, (I wonder if this place was the "Bishops" that Mr Emery spoke of). This was followed by a grocer shop "T. Rouse and son" I think, where we would get our tea and biscuits etc. There was a shop known as "Gingers" that sold kitchen bits, the Pilot pub, the Model shop, and baldocks. A newsagent was next, followed by the well known O.K. cafe right on the corner. From our workshop doorway, I stood and watched as the old Duke of Brunswick frontage was pulled down. Sadly, I did not take a photo of it, and despite having many history books on old Maidstone, have yet to find a picture of it. I have cause to walk back up the street with a camera to hand, and took one or two shots of the street. The model shop is now pulled down, T Rouse no longer there, O.K. cafe pulled down, and JJ silencers pulled down. A shame to see the changes, but no doubt they have to happen,

Phil wood Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Bernie, yes it was very sad about Joe he was liked by everybody the service at east malling catholic church was attended by so many people alot had to stand outside and afterwoods it was packed out as well he will be missed alot a real nice guy, hope you win the lottery i am sure you will remember your friends l. o. l.looking forward to seeing you again when you come back to the uk phil wood

Patricia Gilmore Maidstone I remember it well: I have read with interest all the memories of various people who lived in Maidstone. Not one has mentioned Uncle Mac of The Keg Megs. It was the children's section in the Kent Messenger. I joined in 1945 when I lived in Maidstone and still have my Keg Meg badge

Oh how easily we forget Pat. I lost my Keg Meg badge very early on and was so scared and disappointed I though the police would come along and take me away. Bet they are worth a bit now. Thanks for reminding me again its hard enough getting to sleep anyway without worrying about that badge again. LOL

Ken Evans Maidstone I remember it well: R.I.P. Roger Cable Drummer of the parish. Sorry I was not there to say goodbye Ken Evans

Freddie Burgess Maidstone I remember it well: I went to St Stephens C o E from 1947 to 1951 then All Saints C o E school until 1954 on visiting Maidstone to show my wife where I grew up around Tovil I noticed both these schools were no longer Church of England schools does anybody know why they were changed? Hopefully it was not done by the politically correct to appease our ethnic minority would be pleased to know why if you know Freddie Burgess

Arthur Osborne Country: Philippines Maidstone I remember it well: I attended the Technical School for Boys, Tonbridge Road, 1953-1956. I did not enjoy it because physics and maths were a brick wall. The only subject I excelled in was English. When I joined the Royal Air Force and was taught, in a practical manner, the intricacies of aircraft engineering. I was determined to make good after being told many times at the Tech that I would never make anything of my life. I finished up as the Director of Quality Assurance for a corporate aircraft operator in China. I am now happily retired on my beach plot in the depths of the Philippines. The images I have seen of modern day Maidstone are scary, to say the least.

Steve Robinson Country: United States Maidstone I remember it well: Lots of lovely memories of Maidstone from my youth. My grandparents, Arthur & Lily Wise lived at 8 St. Lukes Road and we'd go and visit for Christmas and summer hols etc. My grandfather was a barber and he'd tell us how he'd cut the hair of a convicted man or two at the jail. I think he had his own shop for a while and I have a vague memory of being there, but I've no idea what it was called. I wish I did, so that I could do a bit of research and see if the building is still there. I'd really love to revisit the town and will do so if I ever get back to old Blighty. My dear departed mum (Jean Robinson/nee Wise) used to work at the Kent River Board before she got married and years later, I I remember her taking me in to introduce to her old workmates. My other main memory is of walking up to Penenden Heath through the hedges and nicking apples from some of the gardens as we walked. Still feel a little guilty about that... Anyway, I know it's a long shot, but if anyone knew Arthur Wise or has any recollection of his barbershop, I'd love to hear from you. Cheers to all.

How long ago are you talking about Steve I thought I was missing an apple or two LOL. I don't recall your Grandad myself but I bet someone will. Peter

Nic James Country: France Maidstone I remember it well: Martins Bank in the high street had a flat above it, my dad lived there when his family returned from India. I remember going into the bank when i was a little lad and dad telling me this, i also remember that day as the bank wouldnt give him any money, overdrawn by all accounts!..

That was my first bank It was such a shame when it was amalgamated with Barclays. Peter

Les Wallis Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Freddie its been a long time,I hope you are keeping well, I see you have been talking to my best mate Stan,I have seen lennie on a few occasions but not recently,bumped into Terry calum the other week and Fran Muggridge, I think you may remember Raymond Graves he sadly is not with us any more, I am still walking the streets of maidstone where are you these days? Perhaps we could have a coffee one day, anyway its good to hear from some of the old school pity there wasn't more,hope to hear from you. Ya little runt LOL

Freddie Burgess Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Les Wallis, left Maidstone in 1967 live in west Sussex now. Don't really have anyone there now so don't visit often. It's good to see a lot of the names we grew up with.sorry to hear about Ray trouble is you hear more & more as we get older.A lot of names on some of the earlier site numbers you will recognise like Pete Varney Roger Banfield Tony Humphries all Southborough boys. Nice to hear you are ok & Fran blast from the past. Lots of happy memories keep them coming all the best Freddie Burgess

Let this be a lesson my e-mail address was compromised by me responding to an e-mail which I thought had been sent by BT. This site is safe but if anyone receives a request for money from my private address I apologise and please disregard.

Pete Capon

This is the exact mail being sent out

Hi,

I'm writing this with tears in my eyes,i came down here to Madrid Spain. for a short vacation to visit a resort and got mugged at gun point last night at the park of the hotel where i lodged.All cash,credit cards and cell were stolen off me.I've been to the embassy and the Police here but they're not helping issues at all,my flight leaves today and I'm having problems settling the hotel bills.

The hotel manager won't let me leave until i settle the hotel bills which is 2,620 Euro or anything you can afford now am freaked out.Please reply back and let me know if you will be able to loan me the cash so that i can give you the necessary details you will need to get the cash to me via western union money transfer, i promise to pay you back as soon as i get home.

Please, Please disregard

Dave Stubberfield Maidstone I remember it well: I got tears in my eyes as well I just sent you the money HA HA

pete varney Maidstone I remember it well: hey les wallis hows u keeping long time no see mate i live in west sussex about 5 mile from my old mate fred burgess you were the only bloke i knew that could beat me running the 400 yds. can still hear you thundering along the track behind me {frightening} i suppose you are still as big as ever, would be good to see some old faces again. last time i was in town was 30yrs ago must have changed some.phone number is 07779752553 if any one wants to get in touch.

Brian Gower Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this page, and refer to the previous entry by Paul Parsons.

I also lived at Howard House Children’s Home and remember Paul and Mr and Mrs Springett well. I was employed as a Residential Care Officer in the early 70’s, but like many before me, was forced to leave. I am Ex Victoria Street, Maidstone and now reside in Western Australia.

I have since found out that Howard House was demolished around 1997, and a quick check with Google Earth now shows a residential development. I would be interested in knowing who owned Howard House prior to KCC ownership. Was it owned by a Howard family? I would also be interested in knowing when The Constitutional Club, Tonbridge Road ceased to exist as a club. Thank you.

Brian Swain Maidstone I remember it well: Brian Swain, Hi Ken ever so sorry to hear about Roger Cable another Vinters boy no longer with us, I'm almost certain that one of his son's works for the same company that i worked for in Paddock Wood,i think the lads name was Nathem he also was a drummer,he gave an L.P.with him playing on one of the track's,i took up the base played for a band in germany our lead guitarest always reminded me of you and a very good clarinetist, have plenty to say perhaps another time takecare Ken,have great memorries had great times got married.best wishes Brian

Shirley Bray Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Peter, I have contributed to this site before, but had to write and tell you that I got that fake email just a couple of weeks ago!! Also, during WWII, Howard House was a nursing home, and I was born there!! This is a wonderful site, and I have just made dinner late AGAIN through getting lost in it!! Kind regards from Shirley Bray.

Well Shirley I'm sorry if you received a scam mail due to my stupidity but it was no excuse to make dinner late AGAIN LOL By the way are you related to Michael Bray. If you are we are distant relations.

Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: Blimey Peter: Poor old Shirley Bray gets the same scam email as you AND is late making dinner again: AND then you tell her she might be a relative of yours!! Talk about kicking someone when their "Down"!! lol Good to "chat" earlier today

Thanks Terry

Barry Wells Maidstone I remember it well: Barry Newman Hi. My dad was a sergeant in the army at the barracks in Sandling Rd. We also lived on that road and close by was a public house called the Flower Pot. Is that the one you are thinking of?

margaret lidyard Maidstone I remember it well: Used to catch the trolley bus all the time, from The Fountain, to St Micheals, to school, in the 50's, as a special treat Dad & Mum would take me all the way to loose, walk down to the valley to the pub, for Vimto and a packet of crisps, and paddling in the stream, Brilliant!! then all through the 60's into maidstone, to meet friends. I can remember the poles coming off. In the early 60's my uncle Charlie was sadly killed when he stepped out to cross the road, tripped over the tow bar, from the trolley in front towing one that had broken down, the traffic lights changed and the trolley was pulled over him

Hi Margaret, I'm told several people were killed by the old trolley buses when people just stepped out in the road, they were so quiet you just couldn't hear them coming along. Peter

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Peter, glad to hear your over the crap regarding your so called trip ha ha you have to admire there balls, however I remember many years ago when I was a frequent flyer in the magistrates court in Palace Ave no murders just motor and drinking offences but do remember another court room very close to the old cannon in the High St, one day to my amazement another playboy of the old days Tony Buckingham somehow opened it up as a bar, even the dock was still there and if you were not carefull judge Buckingham would have you up for not buying a drink and fined you a round for all, to this day I do not understand how that came about, just a wonder down that ever expanding lane cheers Boo.

Shirley Bray Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Peter, Have just had a good laugh at the comments on my post of yesterday!! I am married to Keith Bray, who lived in York Road. I saw posts on here from Ken Allen, who was a friend of Keith's when they were young. Keith still has a photo of Ken when they were playing in the back garden at York Road. I am not related to Michael Bray, but I may be related to you, Peter, as my grandmother was a Capon!!! I do visit the site from time to time. When you get old, nostalgia is a two-edged sword!!! Kind regards from Shirley Bray.

My Grandmother lived in Kingsley Road: I used to visit here most Sunday mornings walking from Brewer Street down to Kings Street down what I recall was Padsole by the old cinema and up to Kingsley Road. My goodness how its changed. I have asked before but along by the len stream or river there was a canning factory but can't remember its name. Peter

by the way don't take any notice of Terry he's as silly as me.

John Shears Maidstone I remember it well: Hi there to Ken Evans, I used to play DRUMS in the KINGFISHERS Group in the Maidstone Kent area.

John Shears Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Peter Capon or Jim Yarwood, you were both friends of my Late Brother, Derek (Del) Shears at Clare Park School, I remember you both as good guys, how are you doing these days ? Regards John

Alas John I am not the Peter Capon from Clare Park School. I am sure that young Jim Yarwood will respond in due course. In answer to your latter question though I am very well thank you and I hope you are too.

John Shears Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Ken I played Drums with you in the Kingfishers in 1964/5 with DaveBalchin, Mick Forrest, & Occassionally Tony Bathurst, call me on 01243 544994 regards John

John Shears Country: Uruguay Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Pete Capon & Jim Yarwood, sorry I mis-informed you about my late Brother, Derek ( Del ) Shears, It was obviously NOT Clare Park school that he knew you both from, it was clearly St Francis, RC Maidstone. We both were there around 1960-62. for more historic names etc; please email me at jkshearsthemanx@btinternet.com best regards John Shears, Chichester W/Sussex.

Diana Carmody Maidstone I remember it well: I was searching online for something for my father, still alive and kicking living near the old haunt The Rose. How strange it was to fall upon this page and see comments and names half forgotten and long buried in the depth of my brain! Some fond memories brought back by the words of entries on this page made me smile briefly.

St Pauls - ah the Jeyes Fluid – I wondered why I always hated the smell now I know how I got that phobia along with the claustrophobia caused by the high windows and not being able to see out! Thanks for the entry above you helped me settle that origin! North Borough – Maypole dancing was good fun and who remembers the air raid siren on it’s regular check to make sure it still worked but I can never forget being humiliated by the headmaster infront of the whole class – lovely man but put the fear of god in me! Then there was the day I cried my heart out when I knew I had failed the 11 plus and was doomed to go the Vinters Girls School (otherwise known as the “College of Knowledge” and not for academic subjects!). Too much to say on Vinters so I will say nothing except I rebelled and at 17 made my escape. I return for a brief spell when I was 20, when I tried commuting to London to work, awful experience. Early rise and a walk to the Maidstone East, standing room only al l the way and back in the evening, followed by the long walk up the hill with a quick drink in the Rose on the way (shame the Rose has gone), then it was bed by 9 or 10 to be ready for the next morning. But my happiest memories are still the simple things like a cycle up to Boxley, the Pilgrims Way and the North Downs with a picnic. Penenden Heath for Tennis, putting or a walk with the dog. The fascinating history in so many village churches around about. Playing rounders in the street – no chance now too many cars parked! But the call of the countryside and the open space was for me so I left again to work abroad. When I returned to the UK (minus the Kentish accent) it seemed Maidstone was changing and expanding so I headed to the wilds of Scotland. That was 1978 (I think!). I don't regret moving to Scotland, it was right for me, but I have regretted the loss of contact with all the people and places I had known and grown up with.

To those who stayed, you are the lucky ones to have your roots and your memories. Maidstone is not a bad place and has lots of good things going for it. It’s history, origins and sense of place today is in your hands and I wish you all the best.

Hi Diana just in passing I'm sure there was a Carmody at St. Francis in my time. Probably most of the people looking at this site no longer live in Maidstone so its as much about fond memories of young days as much as of Maidstone itself. I no longer live in Maidstone myself although I do have a business there in Willington Street. Thanks for looking anyway and all the best, Peter

John Shears Maidstone I remember it well: To Mike Matthews, I remember you as Mick, I was in your Class in 1960-62, I recall harry O'Donnell, he was a Bully, slippered me on several occassions for missing the Bus from west Malling, he gave us a 'Beasting' during Cross-Country as un-beknown to me I had Asthma and couldn't breathe due to the Cold weather, as stated he was beneath his exterior a 'decent man' Can you re-call any class-mates names, Noel Tyneham, joined Irish Guards, David Sabine, killed on a Honda 250 in '63, Peter Levy, Joined RAF as Trainee Officer I believe,can anyone think of any others ? Regards John Shears, just Retired as a Sergeant after 36 yrs in Police.

Don't worry about the police business we all have something to be ashamed of in later life. LOL Peter

hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: Peter.I recall an Audrey Carmody at St Francis.

Hi Hugh, I thought the name was familiar. Peter

Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: John Shears good to see you've found this gem of a website! Can't recall too much of your brother Derek, although you were definately at St Francis around the same time as me and the others (Pete Capon!). Sorry to hear that Harry O'Donnell didn't treat you too well, cos to me he was a saviour and kept me on the "straight and narrow". I think you'll find it was Paul and not David Sabine that was killed on a bike not long after we had left St Francis. Paul was in the same class as me at the nissan huts in Vinters Park and he was the first person I remember from our class having had his life cut tragically short. By the way Pete (Capon) you wouldn't believe how much junk mail I'm getting 'cos I opened your "begging" letter email a couple of weeks ago!!!! Hugh Shannon, hope you're keeping well?

Yeah sorry about that Jim still to the best of my knowledge no one was taken in by that scam. Highly embarassing. Very impressed with your write up about the Ducatti by the way. Pete

Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: Pete: Good to see I have one reader!! Truely awesome bike!!

John Shears Maidstone I remember it well: To Jim Yarwood, glad to see you are still a true Biker, I am 64 and still riding my 1137cc Honda Blackbird and also a Vespa, I remember you wearing Italian pointed Shoes amd being a real Trendsetter, my late Brother Derek (Del) was your class mate and rated you as a cool dude ! we all had hair back then, sounds like you've done well for yourself too, good luck, regards John Shears

John Shears Maidstone I remember it well: Jeez Jim that sent a Shudder down my spine seeing those Nightmarish pictures, especially the so called toilet block, Harry O'Donnel made me hold my frozen fingers under the cold tap, to ' warm them up ' after missing the Bus that never came and walking to School in the Snow, Yes Honestly, then he slippered me for being late, sending me head fist into the Geography Cupboard, he could be a cruel Bas***rd !

John Shears Maidstone I remember it well: My late Dad Shears worked for Rootes Group in the 60's, spray painting & repairing car bodywork, I played Drums iwith The Kingfishers with the Late Dave Balchin (R.I.P) Mick Forrest, Ken Evans & Tony Bathurst 1964/5, every Sunday Night at The London Tavern, great days John Shears

phillip wood Maidstone I remember it well: Doug Lindsay the newspaper in the rose yard was the evening standard run by a man called dudley richardson and stop press was run by Roger ? who went on to be a milkman for Express Dairies. Sadly Dudley drowned off Dynchurch with martin who ran a hardware shop in Larkfield Square. They were out in a boat fishing never knew what happened. Dudley and Smithy were both arrested for fisticuffs at the east station, smithy ran the evening news it was always over who was getting their paper out first

Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: John Shears: Thought the pics would bring back memories (good/bad) for folks at St Francis back in the 60s!!! Me a trendsetter? Nah, just hand-downs!!! You're right about the hair - or lack of - just as well it's trendy to have a shaved head these days. Glad you've still got a bike (even if it's a Honda!!! Only joking) My pride and joy is a Ducati 916, awesome. Perhaps we can meet up? jgpy@talk21.com is my email, drop me a line. Terry Mack, still not too late to ride down to Bristol, keep the kettle hot!! Pete Capon, don't forget my invite to ride any time!!

Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Jim Yarwood: Trendsetter!! Just "lucky" Jim!! Don't know what was on the cards "The Maidstone Set" used to hand out BUT it seems to have worked though. Still a Vespa boy me (how sad is that then!!). I remember Harry O'Donnell too and as you said he was ok; tough but a decent guy. Mr Mcparland was the teacher who i looked up to most. I remember Friday assembly at St Francis primary when he used to "invite" me on stage and give me half a crown out of his own pocket as "expenses" for when i was representing the school, playing for the county under 11's football team. I was the captain and at one time we also had Leon Moodley (really nice guy and family)your old buddy Jim Beal and John O'Shaughnessy and myself all playing at the same time: 11 pupils "Passing" the 11 plus from the same class (never repeated again). I also remember the manic games of football in the "Big boys" playground and Miss Cokely taking PE in the smaller playground (with the 3 bars to swing over at the far end) and seemingly always selecting me to show how things should be done: Hence some of the fellow pupils thought i was "Teachers Pet"!! Not bad for a poor Catholic school I was just adorable really!! Ha Ha. The kettle's always on in Bristol Jim and you'd be welcome any time!! I think your "lack of hair" is more by choice: Mine; i have no choice!! And i'm sure Peter C wears a "syrup" (Well he is a hairdresser!!). Sorry Peter that'l teach you to say i'm daft!!! AND Peter you still owe me a drink!!! Anyone know if Johnny Owen is still around: He was our centre forward at Tekkol Fc and i "made" most of the goals he scored. He was on the Maidstone Council when my late Father Mac McKenna was Mayor of Maidstone 1983/4 and it would be great to catch up with him and any other members of the BEST Sunday league team in the 60's!! Thanks Diane Carmody i'd forgotten that Vinters (boys and girls) was known as the college of knowledge and yet; despite the lack of good facilities, managed to produce lots of decent folk. The Nissan Huts known as St Francis Rc Senior school were pretty dire (the photos on these pages clearly show that). I never went to the Senior school (I was 1 of the "select" 11 and went to the brand new Boys Tech on the Tonbridge Road!!) When at the primary school in Week Street our dinners were cooked at Vinters and delivered by van to the school. The original Meals on Wheels!!! Rice pudding with a skin as thick and as tough as leather!! Gypsy Tart was my favourite and always fish on a Friday!! We never complained cos most of us were just grateful to get a hot meal at least once a day. Was chatting to my friend John Sarjeant recently he reminded me of the Cheese and Grill, which was more or less opposite Union Street in Week Street and the "Hours" he, myself and Trevor Miles spent there trying to "chat" up the girls that worked there: Reckon your Maidstone Set cards would have been very handy Jim!! I only had my good looks and charm!! lol