We remember 20
hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: Terry Mac.Re Week St restaurant.I recall it as The Grill & Cheese.The chef was one Ali(legs nought).When the waitresses had enough of the wind up,Ali would meander up with machete in hand saying "So you make the trouble eh?".The standard reply was "no not us Ali".Good times.
Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: High Hugh: Just testing to see if everyone would spot my "deliberate" mistake"!!! Of course it was the Grill and Cheese: Ali (the mad chef) wouldn't be allowed to "threaten" the punters with his "Chopper" in his hand these days would he!!! You called them waitresses: We always thought they were "fair game" to us Moddy boys AND were on the "Menu". Don't suppose i can say that either these days!! Ha Ha. I remember my favourite food was the flapjacks and syrup (sorry to mention "syrups" again P.C.!!!)... John Sarjeant and myself did actually manage to "Date" some of the waitresses and most of them were good fun and game for a laugh. We used to take them 10 Pin Bowling at Gillingham as a "treat". Well it was the time of the Mini skirts and we used to always be doing up our laces!!! Am paying for that now with my "chronic back problems"!!!. Serves me right i suppose eh! As you said Hugh: Good times eh. I have just had an email on FRU site from a guy called Steve Charlton; another ex Maidstonian boy and now living near Cardiff and who will/might send some emails to this site: So look out anyone who remembers him:
Terry you only knew I had a syrup on because of the chin strap its not that noticeable. Peter
Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: Terry McKenna: The "Maidstone Sets" cards that we used to had out to the opposite sex used to have a risque comment printed on the card which read: "Smile if you had it last night" which was always an ice-breaker, 'cos more often than not the girls used to break out laughing their heads off - not because they had loose morals- more that it was totally unexpected, but always, always got them chatting! Just another one of my designs (being in print and serving a 6-year apprenticeship, I used to run the cards off when the foreman wasn't looking to re-stock the supply of cards we were handing out). Re: the Grill & Cheese I remember the chef Ali who unfortunately had the most mis-shapen legs I'd ever seen and even though he was tall he certainly was formidable! Keep the kettle on Terry, I WILL at some time ride down to see you! PS: Pete still getting dozens and dozens of "rouge" emails - that's the last time I help you out financially!!!
Yeah sorry about that Jim I think I told you they wiped everyone of my contacts at the same time. Pete
barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: ref freddie burgess,hello freddie pleased to tell you that lenny"the mouth"pullen is alive and well and working as a porter at maidstone hospital. Wasnt lenny a pain when he was younger not nasty just a pain, i remember one time he was locked up for the night at maidstone police station for being a nuisance and in the morning he asked for a breakfast which he was refused as they just wanted to get rid of him lennys answer was that once he could have recommended this establishment to anyone and he may not be staying again as you can guess he had many more stays and all with no brekky which was important to lenny as he could eat and go straight to the pub. Ill tell lenny you were asking after him freddy he's now t-total and a lovely guy so quiet would you ever have believed that!!! good luck freddie look forward to hearing from you
John Shears
Maidstone I remember it well: To John G, I remember 'Chicory Tip' after I left the Kingfishers I used to go out with June, Sister of Brian Shearer the Drummer, he was just learning Drums and we used to practice in their front room, then they had a No 1 Hit with 'Son of My father' 1st Band to use Moog-Synthesiser,Pete Hewson was Lead Singer, owned a fabulous Aston Martin DB5 or 6 and lived in Station Road, Ayelsford, he was great mates with my late brother Derek (Del)
David Cruttenden
Maidstone I remember it well: The Carlton Cafe at the top of the High Street, the bread was from heaven and the cafe itself was a treat to behold. Mum coudn't afford treats too often but she always did what she could , we couldn't have had a better Mum. God Bless
I think most of us were in the same boat David but we survived that was the main thing. Pete
richard (dick) sheppard Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Steve yes I remember Drakes Zoo as for some time we lived in Aylesford I remember hearing the roar of the lions at night. The Zoo was actually shut when the Maidstone Bypass was built.
hugh shannon
Maidstone I remember it well: To Dick Sheppard.Are you the same as car sales at Yalding Service Station in early 70s?
Godfrey Medhurst Country: Canada Maidstone I remember it well: I attended Westborough School in Maidstone until 1959 before serving a Machine Shop Engineering Appenticeship at Tilling Stevens. I remember well the enjoyable walk from the main school to Oakwood House for some of our lessons, and running through the bluebells on our long distance runs for our gym periods. I lived in Upper Fant Road and walked to school every day as well as walking home and back to school at lunch time. I too learnt to swim at Maidstone Baths and enjoyed the buttered bun at the end of every session. Mr Diamond was a great headmaster and I remember the times every morning at assembly when we would be waiting for him to enter the hall to greet us. Every one would be talking, but the second he mounted the stage there would be dead silence immediately. He was very well respected. I visit England from my home on Vancouver Island in Canada approximately every two years as nearly all my family still live there, and it is very interesting to see how Maidstone has changed. I emigrated in 1969 and every time I return to Maidstone I see many changes. My memories of growing up in Maidstone and the time I spent at Westborough School were happy ones and times that I look back on with fondness for my school friends and neighbours. I believe our school motto was "Per Ardua Ad Alter" (Through Difficulties to the Heights) a motto that has sure helped me in my lifetime.
Peter Wood
Maidstone I remember it well: Peter I have been reading through all peoples comments over the last few weekes and have many additions to add to youe site when I find the time ,but for now I have just one thing to ask either you or other people,that is do you remember which year I think it only happend once ,In what year did the I will call it either the soap box derby or the soap box races take place ?? I do remember that the soap boxes raced down the little road from the ashford road to the rroad running through the park just before the little bridge running up to the big house,It must have been in the late 40s or early 50s ??. Hope to hear from you ,Regards Peter.
Peter Wood Maidstone I remember it well: Pete I wonder if you could put on your web site a query for me ,I am trying to find a friend of mine a David Jenner (1950/60) he lived at 48 Melville Road with his Mother two brothers and three sisters until he married Linda they then moved to a flat in Mote Road. Dose anybody know where he is now ? For many years we frequented our local Pub the Kingsleys Arms.Do you remember our holiday in Barcelona with Col Brooks, Please someboby help Regards Peter Wood. Also pete is there a section where you put UPDATES could you let me know .
No update section just posted on the current we remember tabs.
hugh shannon
Maidstone I remember it well: Is Bampton a newly discovered volcanic district of equatorial Maidstone and if so,when is the obligatory David Attenborough docu to be broadcast?
Yes Yes Hugh just look at the site its not mine but you might like it. Peter
Jon Blacker Maidstone I remember it well: I first arrived at the doorsteps of Maidstone (Pope Street) in 1976 and dutifully attended West Borough Primary. Of particular note (as far as the teachers go) was Mr King, a kind and gentle man with a teaching method that would now best be described as "Old School". West Borough went some way to dictating my eating habits; Egg and Cheese Flan and some strange rice and jam concoction makes me reech even now. I'd often hide the uneaten terrors under the table/seat. I was probley a quiet kid, but when the spirit took us my friend Richard Bovis and I would perform plays and quizzes to our class. Fishing was my love at the time and I spent many years between Unicumes Lane and East Farleigh as well as the Fishing shop down Bank Street followed by a Wimpy and chips (at that time down the High Street). Then came adulthood, drinks and girls with Maidstone slowly morphing into something unrecognisible from my youth (although I must confess to not having a good look around for a few years) :)
Brian Gower Country: Australia
Maidstone I remember it well: Just a suggestion, but would it be possible to create a section purely to find friends we once knew? I emmigrated to Australia in 1981 and left so many friends behind. I'm now 64 and would love to be able to contact long lost friends. To Godfrey Medhurst. I started Westborough Secondary Modern in 1959 and remember Mr Diamond well. I also used to drink with Mr Pope, Mr Letchford and others that came later (not in 1959 of course). Thanks for these little reminders.
Brian it is done you have your own page. Peter
Rob Maidstone I remember it well: My uncle was from Maidstone, and I've seen a couple of you writing about him (briefly) on here. Pat O'Nion. He died back in 75 and I never got to meet him, I wonder if anyone has any memories of him. Trying to build up a picture of what he was like. Many thanks.
robin beames Maidstone I remember it well: Brian Swain, that rings a bell,I believe you were a year ahead of me at school Brian but met you in Nairobi 1960 ? we were both in the army. Be nice to hear from you. St. Peters Church is still standing ! It was st. Pauls that burned down in about 1960 I believe.
peter dean Maidstone I remember it well: Peter Dean, Les Huggins mentioned previously about the football that was played at Ringlestone in the early sixties. I also go along with him that there was some talent there. I will try here to name some of them. David, Porky and John Fairburn, John Butcher, Syd Green, John Lingham, Lenny and Jimmy Chadwick, Kipper Gammon, Boxer Durling, Micky Pepper. If any one else remembers those times i would like to hear from them.
Dennis miah Maidstone I remember it well: re: sharon kemp speilman hey sharon was your dad frank from brenchley rd tovil, as I worked with him and bushell. I saw bushell in the Sun pub in the High St., he had his grandson with him. I spotted him there n then. He hmm n arred a bit but finally got there as it must be 40yrs now. He made me sing up on the roof on the karaoke. I do hope its you sharon, best wishes.
hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: Terry Mac.Bryan Hampshire lived at"Manby" Hook lane,Harrietsham.Haven't seen or heard of him since St Francis.I remember Jimmy Beale.I recall he had smaller twin sisters Mary &Frances? Jim's Dad Cyril ran the local branch of the Oddfellows friendly society.Also remember playing football with J.Y.,Jim Beale Trevor Miles and John Mankelow? on the green at end of Hatherall Road.Was Trevor's little terrier called Snowy?
Keith Britton Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Been reading this amazing website for some time and feel it is getting in need of some new blood. Here's mine. I lived in Waterlow Rd and had a great time. Lived next to Billy Stone and was mates with Den Swift. Attended East Borough, Vinters and Technical High School. I knocked around with Keith (Kidso) Horton, Stuart Minto. I knew Derek Snoad, Norman Klieser. Pretty sure Les Huggings and I would have crossed paths at some time. I was saddened to hear about Trevor Miles as he was a school mate of mine, although we did have a punch up or two! Remember the best doughnuts in the world from Mac's bakery in Holland Road. And some fine beers from The Royal George and Chiltern Hundreds with its great football table. Jack and Di Small ran it. I was there one evening when some guy set foot on the moon! Still get back to Pommy Land every few years. Keep well all you Maidstonians.
Hey there Bruce was that Derek Snoad of Brewer Street. Peter
Terry McKenna
Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Keith Britton: How can your "blood" be "New"? You're as old as i am!! Derek Snoad is the brother of a lady i know, Christine Dean, nee Snoad and Derek was a friend of my late and sorely missed lifelong friend Trevor Miles. I wrote and read an Eulogy about him at his funeral AND yes i do remember your good self. I think you may have known Mickey(Noddy)Holmes, who also lived in Waterlow Road and he too is sadly no longer with us either!! As for the best doughnuts in the "world"!! That was 1 of my duties to cook; Do my paper round at Hoods News agents, at the Wheeler Street end of Union Street (and i'm in touch with Christine Hood too) jam and cream them ready for the days selling "BEFORE" I went to school EVERY day!! Bet you "Miss" the fine beers from such pubs as The Chiltern Hundreds; The Royal George and in my case The Greyhound too, now you're an "Aussie". Look forward to the new blood info you're going to write!! Note to Hugh Shannon: Trevor Miles's terrier was indeed called Snowy (Wonder who listened to Dick Barton Secret Agent??). Where abouts in Aussie do you live then Keith? I might have gone there myself BUT couldn't afford the £10 fare!! lol
All this talk of new blood, I think you lot must be sooo much older than me. Pete
LES HUGGINS Maidstone I remember it well: Hello again everyone. Hi to Keith Britton. I remember you more than you remember me, I,m sure. You were a nice lad who attended Vinters from about 1957-58 when you passed for the Boys Tech, If I remember rightly you wore glasses and were usually dressed in a smart grey uniform. You were great friends with people such as Kidso, Trevor Miles, myself and Geoff Masters. (I was the kid who used to keep Charlie Hood (Union St ) in business by buying his "old stock" These were sweets that sometimes (due to their age ) ran out of the packets.!! However, I used to share these sweets with my mates and we all enjoyed them! Trevor Miles was a good mate and I remember him best of all as a bloody good footballer, underated. We often shared a great match together usually because were put in a group who were not up to our standard. We used to score about 4 each on each match in games lessons. Happy Days!! Best Wishes Les
dennis miah Maidstone I remember it well: hey barry hynes. my first meeting with lenny i jus left school must have been all of 15,and having my first drink in town. i was with teddy marnie lenny friend n gypsy joe taylor, we was having a drink in the star tap my mates seemed to know lenny so stood close, when in walked tony buckingham i was so surprised and glad to see him i just shouted out oi buckingham! tony swang around and walked up to lenny n punched him his beer went flying.they was fightin for ages as no one seperate em, i felt so guilty n sorry for lenny.
Keith Britton Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Terry and Les, You are right my blood is mature, I'm 65. I do remember you Les, and thank you for your kind response. I did indeed wear glasses and a grey suit. If I remember we were in 1A and 2A together. Geoff Masters was a good guy, as were we all! I remember Trevor with fond memories, we didn't actually ever come to blows but he did push me over once. We made up. I also Remember Dave Bradford and was shocked to see his grave next to my Dad's at Boxley. Good guys gone too soon. Thanks for the doughnuts Mac, and for your early morning travails. My brother Dave did a paper round for Doughy Hood and often mentioned his daughter in radiant terms. I didn't know John Mankelow as he was a bit young but was in the same class at Eastborough as his sister Margaret. I left UK in 71 and worked in Papua New Guinea on an island called Bougainville and then journeyed down to Oz and married and had three daughters and lost the rest of my hair. Worked in Borneo for a while. Still doing a bit and enjoying pushing my bike and kayaking. Weather is warming up. Derek did live in Brewer St on the right going down. I did athletics at school and was no footballer but still look for how the Gills are going and am an ardent MAN U fan.
Robert White Country: Canada Hi Rob... I remember your uncle, Pat O'nion very well. He was a friend of mine at Maidstone Technical College in 1964 and he was quite often truant! Prior to this he went to Maidstone Technical School for Boys and he sat next to David Sadler who played for Maidstone United and then went on to play for Manchester United. On Sundays Pat and myself used work in Joe Lyons, at the top of the High Street, cleaning tables and pouring tea for the customers. We both enjoyed working there and he decided to make Lyons his career. He went to London to take management training. Pat was a singer for a group called Phase 5. Their drummer, Tim Huckstepp still lives in Maidstone, and perhaps he can tell you more about your uncle. Why don't you look him up? Another band member was Keith Parks who now lives in New Zealand, i think. I can remember that Pat and myself would often hitch hike up to London to see football games at Charlton Athletic. Once we went to see Arsenal play Manchester United. In 1964 Pat had a girlfriend called "Ooby" but i am not sure of her real name. Your uncle Pat was a joker and a fun loving guy and when we were together, we laughed and giggled all the time, seeing the fun in everything. I left Maidstone in 1967 to emigrate to Canada and i never saw Pat again. I think someone told me he was working on construction on a motorway and fell off a bridge and died... bit i don't know if this is true or not!! I know i have some photos somewhere of your uncle Pat and, if i can find them, i would send them to you. My email address is robertclivewhite@hotmail.com Best wishes... Robert Ps The founder of this site Peter Capon was also with us at the Tech College and he too worked at Lyons. Yes I did work for Joe Lyons and remember your uncle a good guy. Peter
Lesley Shaffer Country: United States Maidstone I remember it well: This is for Boo Jones, I knew you when you were very young, because of your sister Maggie. I used to come to your house to visit her and Jim, I was engaged to his twin brother. I remember your mom and dad very well. I left Maidstone in 1958, and lived in Africa, P.I. Hawaii. Germany, Spain, and all over the U.S. I come to the U.K quite a lot and used to see your brother Dave once in a while in his store. My husband is an American, he was at West Malling in the 60's. He is a retired engineer and spent a lot of time in Thailand.
dennis miah
Maidstone I remember it well: hey boo jones allan leadham is living in harrietsham as i see himm on the telly, apealing for witnesses for a hit n run. someone hit his poor wife and never stopped that was maybe 2yr ago but no-one ever came forward, how terrible for him. i went to senacre with him n his brother dave. allan worked with my brother in law alec smith on the coal, hore gothard & bond.
Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones many thanks to Leslie and Dennis, Im sorry to say Leslie but do not remember your name but of course the names you mention do remember and my family but its very nice to hear from you many thanks, Dennis that is sad to hear about Alans wife but great that you have seen him its him for sure I do remember his younger brother Dave, my e/mail address is jjphuket@yahoo.com if you see either one could you pass it on and ask them to contact me, many many thanks and to your w/site Pete never lets me down. Boo
John Brough Maidstone I remember it well: Maybe I should say 'Maidstone I don't remember it all that well'. With my parents I moved from Lenham at the age of around 12/13 1957ish. My parents needed to find accomodation quickly as the business they had been managing in Lenham (The Singing Kettle Cafe) had gone bust. Not their fault but that's a different story. My parents took on the tenancy of The Duke of Brunswick aka 'The Blood House' I remember that the pub had been closed for a considerable time and that the clientel were mainly from the two common lodging houses situated futher up Stone Street.I don't remember there being major problems with the customers and their behavior. I attended Southboro' Secondary School. Not the happiest time of my school days.Do I remember a maths teacher called Mr Wise? I made a good friend called Alan Hudson who introduced me to the wonderful world of train spotting. Many a happy Saturday spent on the 'Push and Pull' from Maidstone West to Paddock Wood or Tonbridge. Happy days. When I lived in Lenham my aunt who was on holiday with us had taken me out of school for the day and taken me shopping in Maidstone. Long story short we were crossing the road by the Post Office and I managed to finish underneath a car. A few days in hospital and a red faced aunt who was a deputy head mistress and was the cause of me being in Maidstone when I should have been in school.One other memory was of Beales toy and pram shop at the bottom of Stone Street. My father became firm friends with the owner Wally as we knew him and they kept in touch for many a year after we left Maistone and moved to Dover (another place another host of memories.Where has the time gone?
Judith Maidstone I remember it well: Hi, just found the site. Interesting reading. I lived in Edna Road during 40's, 50's & 60's. & remember all those mentioned in Calder Road, where my gran & grandad lived next door to you I think!!
Sadly not next door to me Judith I lived in Brewer Street. Peter
Don't know who is responsible but please stop sending me advert sites for viagra. A/ I don't fall out of bed B/ I don't tiddle on my slippers Thank you for for being so understanding Peter
Oh and a merry Christmas to everyone
Boo Jones Country: Thailand
Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones, Hi again Dennis Miah, sorry but there seems some confusion, after your last post on subject Alan Leedham I searched on the web and found some reports that it was David Leedhams wife that sadly was killed not Alans but still would like to contact either cheers Boo.
peter dean
Maidstone I remember it well: to judith who lived in Edna rd ringlestone, do you remember Pat Sheafe who lived near Topper Morgan, also do you remember my brother and i Tim and Peter Dean.
Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones, I remember Peter and Tim ha ha Peter you were too fit and a bloody great footballer, me and Tim chasing you up Sutton Rd huffing and puffing and Tim well he was just to good looking, we had no chance with the birds when he was around, oh what great old days, I might have a trip back next June and of course we must meet, blimey as you know me and Tim have contacted each other but not the same as a drink and chat, perhaps we could do a ferry trip ha ha or a meal with a few more friends we all know, Pete you take care thought I would jump on you this time and will e/mail the old boy soon cheers Boo.
LES HUGGINS Maidstone I remember it well: From LES HUGGINS Hello Judith You must be Judith Wallis. You had a brother Les who I went to school with and a sister Sheila. You were related to the Sedges and I believe your Mum was Lilly Sedge.Your Grandad was called George and they did indeed live next door to me.I remember they had a dog called "Trixy" and I remember Colin, Marion, Tony. Raymond,Ivor..their children.(This was between 1946 when I was born, to 1965 when I was married and moved away.) Eddie Burden was a good mate who lived in Edna Road there was also Chris Gammon, Christine Springett. Pete Fowler. Pete Dean I remember you and Tim well.Pat Sheaf was about your age.....Topper (Roy) Morgan and his brothers George (Porky) and Douglas. Do you remember William and Keith Sedge who lived next door to the Morgans.? Best wishes LES
pete golding Maidstone I remember it well: Does anybody have any memories of the warehouse on forstal road aylesford that was once monros.....next to the new harley davidson showroom......many thanks.
John Shears
Maidstone I remember it well: Hi again Peter, would it be possible to open a Blog on Sport in Maidstone ? Especially Footbal & Rugby, I played for Aylesford (Reeds Paper Mill)Rugby Football Club in the early 70's and would love to hear from anyone who played at Aylesford, Brian Swaffer, Dave Bowden-Brown, Neil Wiltshire etc, regards to anyone who remembers me, John Shears
Not sure about the Blog I'm not so good on the computer but maybe another page lets try
John Shears
Maidstone I remember it well: Can Ken Evans please make contact with me, we played together, I was the Drummer in the Kingfishers with Dave Balchin,Mick Forrest and Tony Bathurst, Pete Gamble took over from me, I recently became aware sadly that Dave Balchin had Died last year 2010, and would like to chat about the old days, playing around Maidstone etc
First Name: Peter
Country: Australia
Maidstone I remember it well: I was looking for RWK Maidstone Barracks using the Wig & Gown as a pointer when I found your pages. Ref Potters Stamps Shop, the funny little thing that went into the mouth was probably a "swazzle" that made the voice of Mr Punch. Well I'm blowed its taken me fifty five years to learn that snippet of information, you would have thought they could have written that on the instructions wouldn't you. Thanks Peter
Anon
Places I Have and Have Not Been --- I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone. I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore. I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often. I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm. Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older. One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart ! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get ! And, sometimes I think I am in Vincible but life shows me I am not ! I have been in Deepshit many times; the older I get, the easier it is to get there. A Deep Thinker
roger miles Maidstone I remember it well: I lived in Maidstone until I was 9 then moved to Adelaide where we lived for 10 perishing hot, flyblown, dusty, unfriendly, uncouth, inhospitable, no culture etc years. Moved back to good old Pommyland and Maidstone. Why do so many Australians come to the UK to live I wonder???
I get the feeling Roger you didn't like it down there. Peter
Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Peter, its not what we say, its the way that we say it and its not what we do, its the way that we do it, straight from the song mate. Merry Xmas to all from Boo cheers. Malia Rachele Country: ItalyMaidstone I remember it well: La Spezia (Italy), 16/12/2011, in Italy time 11:40 (in England 10:40) Dear Peter and Family (I remember it well), thank you for your messages, Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is software and more beautiful. (Norman Vincent Peale, 1898 - 1993). Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year from Maria Rachele Hi, Peter, John Kibble's funeral was today. I couldn't be there.There is a Tribute (obit) on the Studio Website www.desertwind.webeden.co.uk if any of your readers want to visit it..... Allen Another good guy gone Margaret Simpson Country: United StatesMaidstone I remember it well: I attended St. francis during WW2, was evacuated to Wales - hated it - my Dad had to take emergency leave from the RAF to come and bring me back to Maidstone and back to that dreaded school. Hated Coakley and Mrs. McPartland, Mr. McPartland was always nice to me. Attended the Girls Tech. at Albion Place, loved every minute, even old Amy Thomas, my favorite was Miss Morley for music and drama class and Miss Ransom for history, oh I must not forget Miss Rawlins for shorthand and typing, I cried when I finished at that school. I would love to hear from old friends, Pauline Bradford, Joan Thomas and Sheila Warner. Thanks so much for the memories!@ You know I can't remember Mrs Mcpartland although I was caned by Mr. on several occassions. Probably deserved it. Hope you find your friends Margaret. Happy Christmas Peter Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: Very funny account of life in Australia Bernie; you may well end up in Poets Corner when you shuttle off this mortal coil!!.. It's great reading ALL the various memories over many decades of some people, spread far and wide and those still living in Maidstone!! Maybe someone from the Kent Messenger might take a look at all these wonderful thoughts and cobble them together in a weekly section: Perhaps called Maidstone Now and Then!!.. What about it then Peter?? When i lived in Maidstone as a youngster (Yes even i was young once!!)i always felt safe wherever i went and folks "looked out" for their neighbours, including some of the Big Employees like The M&D, Sharps and Tilling and Stevens (and many more)!! To Mr Cameron and co: That was the "Big Society" he now craves for!!.. Like many political groups around the world he should look back to go forward!! The "Bankers" (think i spelt that right!!)have done more damage to this lovely country of ours than Hitler and Thatcher ever did and that is saying something!!.. My late father Mac McKenna (former Mayor of Maidstone 1983/4) would be appalled at the cutbacks on public services that ALL the country is now going through. When is it all going to end?? I want to take this opportunity to wish EVERYONE a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year: Family and friends too. And lastly well done to Peter for this lovely site. See you all next year, God willing. Are you sure you were young once Terry lol Have a great Christmas my friend. Pete Peter Wood Maidstone I remember it well: Peter I did E mail you about the soap box races taking place in mote park althrough I remember the day well I do not remember the year can you or any other person that visits your site remember this event.Best wishes Peter. Bernie Martin Country: AustraliaMaidstone I remember it well: A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Bernie Martin in Queensland ,Australia where it is 30c and chucking it down but we need it . A little more humour: At last , Honesty.!! BRIAN SWAIN Maidstone I remember it well: Hi there Robin,I think that you are getting me mixed up with my brother Tony,it was him that you met in Nairobi he spent about twenty months there doing his Nat,Service in the RAPC.he loved every minute of it,i phoned him up just before Christmas and he remembers you very well, myself i joined up into the regular army in September 1960 i signed up into the Parachute Regiment had a very bad fall and finished up in hospital from there to a army rehabilitation unit in Blamford Dorset,being now classed unfit for Airborne duties i was lucky to be able to join another Regiment i was advised to join the RASC by the welfare officer,after going to yeovil driver training i was posted back to Borden Hampshire i was posted to Germany after having to go on a drill coures and a small arms course i was made straight to a full Corporal i was then posted to a company and became a small arms instructor and was put in charge of the armoury and all munitions, I kept myself in great shape so that i would be able to get into Para Brigade things went very well until i had carry my heavy full kit around 7o+ pound on my back doing a firemans lift with a chap on my back plus with full battle kit my legs broke down i ruptured both achillies tendens again back to hospital from there i was sent to Chester to another rehabilitation unit from there i got discharged my heart was broken i wish that i stayed in Germany where i had great mates and lots of great fun,i played base guitar in a band for about 30 months the Germans love the good old rock @ roll made some good money,and the army's PRI paid for all of the equipment and supplied all the transport until we got our own ex German ambulance which we converted so we could use to carry our equipment Tony was very lucky he spent about six weeks on a safari he had a great time,took some great photo's of the wild life and sent home great wood carvings,Tony got married in 1964 lived in London retired sold up and moved back to Kent he has three children two of them also sold up and move down to be near him and his wife,myself i got wed in 1968 i have one son and three daughters, i live near tunbridge wells so ive missed out on what's what and who's who,i meet up with a couple of old school chums every other week in Maidstone we had a reunion a few months ago about twelve of us turned up we met up at the Chilton Hundreds other then that that's about it,i can't moan had a great life had great mates and got too know a lot of trash i'll let Tony know that i have replied back to you ,i wish you a happy NEW YEAR ALL THE BEST BCS |