steve wood

Maidstone I remember it well: my brother peter was the first baby new year 1965. we also lived in west malling at kinghill hostel what a lovely place.

Phillip Wood

Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Jim. Bob Sharp had the fish shop best in the town then, as a kid i used to do his chips for him in a drum that you turned by hand to peel them, then into the chipper my reward was a big bag of chips, i used to live between james street and and well road you went in by an arch way half way down james street, there were three houses and we had our own street lights can`t remember the address, next door to us lived a man we called pudding jones he was heart broken when he had to move threw out loads of stuffed birds in glass domes they were lovely.

Tony Humphreys

Maidstone I remember it well: Thank you Kevin Hemsley, Everyone argues with me about trolley buses going down Tovil Hill and in the end convincing me as well, I argued till blue in the face that I used to catch one to go to school from the bus stop at the terminus the Rose pub, next to Mr. Rowes pie stall which sold peas pudding and faggots on certain week nights. I lived on Farleigh Hill and my gran had a shop next door to the White Horse pub wondering if you remember any of these places, also had wonderful fishing days down through Bydews farm to the river Medway for many years aged 10-20 Thanks again

Les Huggins

Maidstone I remember it well: I have vivid memories of Maidstone and a powerful memory on the years that I lived there between 1946-1965.

I went first to St Pauls Infants in 1951. The teacher of the "babies class" was Miss Yates. There was also a Mrs Sutton, Mrs Primovaisie, Miss Arlen, Miss Dove and the Headmistress was Mrs Marshall. The caretaker at the time was a Mr Axten. He used to fill the stoves with coke, splash Jeyes fluid around the toilets and generally clean up after everyone.

If you were good you went to the office and were given a sweet.

The year 1951 saw the first intake of the baby-boomers (the glut of children born in 1946) and classes were usually large.

I went on to North Borough Primary School in 1953 and my first teacher was Mrs Reeves. The headteacher was Wilf Hopkins who was passionate about Music, Dancing and Art.

Between 1953-57 I remember the following teachers: Mr Jones, Mr Smith, Miss Bonham, Mrs Dearlove, Miss Heron, Mrs Head, Mrs Fryer, Miss Rootes, Miss Norman,Mr Clay, Mrs Burton,Miss Sparrow,Mr Wraight, Mr Mac Farland. The school secretary was Mrs Palmer and the school caretaker was Mr Bricknall who lived in the house in the school grounds. Most of the children came from Ringlestone, Penenden Heath and the area between Peel Street, Gladstone Road, Boxley Road and Scott Street.

I went to Vinters Secondary from 1957-1961. The headteacher was Alf Read.

Some of the teachers I remember from those years are: Mr Johnson, Mr Kirby, Mr Picksten, "Pop" Graham (later mayor of Maidstone), Mr Barnes, Mr Jackson, Mr Huggins, Mr Mackay, "Bongo" Herbert, Mr Sheldon, Mr Hill, Mr Dearn, Mr Lewer, Mr Harvey, Mr Thomas, Mr Kirby, Mr Mayell,Mr McDowell, Mrs Woodford, Mr Edwards. They all had their nicknames!!

les huggins

Maidstone I remember it well: Hello again.

Between September 1956 to July 1957 I was in Form 4B at North Borough School. I still remember every single person in that class. I hope you are all still around and have as good a memory as me. It was 52 years ago!!

Say yes when you recognise your name. Les Huggins, David Simmonds, Richard Luckhurst, Janet Beeney, Pat Mahoney, Lesley Fowler, Sylvia Ashdown, Nicholas Thompsett, Graham Brownless, Richard Humphreys, Martin Bowles, Christine Springett, Colin Hanford, Thomas Foreman, Graham Rogers, Wendy Gibbons, Shirley Joy, Lesley Rogers, John Slater, Robert Howard, Lynn Smith, Susan Hollands, Maureen Skyrme, Yvonne Bills, Pamela Link, Sally Nicholls, Janet Johnson, Judith Merral, Elizabeth Swift, Christine Parker, Pat Carr, Marie Berg, Terry Clark, Gerald Shoebridge, Eddie Burden, Raymond Denning-Duke, Warwick Duffy, Howard Jones, Jack Pavey. Mick Veness, Chris Baker. Hope I have not forgottenanybody.

Go on Les invite them to the re-union 2010

Jim Yarwood

Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Phil, good to hear that someone remembered Bob Sharp's fish and chip shop on the corner of James Street/Wheeler Street. Wasn't aware that I was eating chips prepared by your goodself! I remember vividly the archway to get to your house where it opened out into a small courtyard.Do you or anyone else remember the sawmill down Bluett Street where on the run-up to Guy Fawkes night we used to go and get wood shavings to use on the bonfire to celebrate Guy Fawkes? And there used to be a transport company (also down in Bluett Street) called Reeves, I used to knock around with both the sons - Tommy and Martin - I think were their names(well it was a long time ago!)Like Steve Wood we came from the hostel at West Malling and mum found 2 rooms to rent at 36 Boxley Road (long-since demolished)to rent out. We stayed there for a number of years before my mum managed to get a house in Wheeler Street (No 150 - again long-since demolished)and that's where we used to just nip across the road to Bob fish and chip shop.Sad to see that the Royal George pub at the junction with County Road/Boxley Road is boarded up and possibly going to be flattened (like the Hare and Hounds just up the road) to make way for more empty flats ... is this what we call progress?

Ruby Todd

Maidstone I remember it well: Kevin Hemsley is wrong about the trolley bus going to Tovil and turning round at the Rose & Crown,I was born in Tovil in 1928 and moved in 1990 the Trolley Bus route was from Barming to the Wheatsheaf in Loose Rd where the conductor flipped the lines over for Sutton Rd or Loose Rd at no time did we have Trolley buses in Tovil,I used to go Hop picking too,and we walked to the hop fields.

dawn wells

Maidstone I remember it well: bogie green uniform, yes that was the grottyist colour a school could have chosen for its uniform. good old vinters girls. the head was a dyke, miss austin, who we were convinced was having it away with miss brett, who did not look good in her tracksuit bottoms, does my bum look big in this.... sure does. miss dowding, what an old bag. mrs hart the p.e. teacher had it in for me, so another old bag. school discos wre brill at the pitch black. the school dinners were lush, gypsy tart yum yum, chocolate semolina and shaving foam. mm mm mm. apart from that i hated school, teachers were bullies and i loved every moment when i scived off school and dossed down stoneborough all day. ive never worn bottle green since. xxxx

You didn't like it much did you Dawn

John

Maidstone I remember it well: I can remember well the days out we spent as children at the zoo at cobdown, which is now a golf course, my father who worked for the M and D told me that they called the journey that went round the back of the zoo the jungle ,we also had picnics in brenchley gardens and penenden heath but our xmas highlight was the M and D party in the old palace. Everybody got a present from father christmas ,I also remember the bus company used to do an outing to the coast usually folkestone. We used to get onto the buses in the depot in knightrider street and my brother was always travel sick before we got to the top of square hill,can anyone recall the misplaced article competition when shops would put a totally inappropiate item in their window display and you had to spot it and write the answer down ,also the crowds that used to flock to the market on a tuesday ah happy days.

Well John why not read my own bits about Maidstone Market and I do remember the misplaced article competitions. Regards Peter

john

Maidstone I remember it well: The model shop in Stone Street was Carters there was also Hoods the newsagent ,Gingers the ironmongers who also had another shop on the corner of Knightrider Street, Frouds the fish and chip shop who also sold wet fish further up was another fish and fish shop Smiths,the butcher was Fred Barber,there was also the dutch oven, was Bishops also called the o k cafe ,there was also Rouses the greengrocers.

Rene Newman

Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: Apologies Peter,having fun re-reading Maidstone etc and in my contribution about gaga time I was referring to myself not elder Maidstonians generally. Also a mention about my sister Ruby, I feel a little annoyed, we tasted her lovely fish & chips but were never told about the potato fritters, we missed out and it is too far now to get a taste. She has been here four times and still didn't mention the treat.Oh well.Enjoyed some new stories Peter,thanks, bestwishes. Rene

john

Maidstone I remember it well: i was at all saints from 1952 until 1958 then on to mgsb mr parslow was headmaster other teachers i can recall were mr owen ,mrs judges,mrs andrews and mrs fittle ,it really was the perfect school ,we had our cricket matches at collis field which was at the top of hastings road

Margaret Swan

Maidstone I remember it well: ALLEN STREET

My family The Swans, lived in Allen Street for 81 years. They ran a corner shop, greengrocery and general goods, it was opposite the Post Office. My father's family moved in to the shop in 1915. When Robert Swan died in 1929 it passed to his wife Annie Swan and eventually to my father Doug Swan.

My father, Doug Swan, was an auxillary fireman during the war. He was based at the Market Buildings station, where I remember the C/mas parties given for the children - original Micky mouse cartoons.

When he and my Mother were married at St Luke's Church, they left the church under an arch of axes held by the firemen. I have still got the mantle clock that dad was presented with by his colleagues.

Several stories: Dad was the driver of the pump, one story there was a fire down Linton Hill; the brakes went on the pump and they sailed straight passed the fire.

When the siren went off all the firemen had to leave what they were doing and run to the station. Dad's route from Allen Street was down Union Street; another story was diving through the bass drum as the Sally Army left their citadel. Happy days!

Other firemen I remember Len Court, Holland Road. I saw the photo of the fire at Oakwood Hospital - the resident fire officer was George Darling. I have other photos if anyone is interested.

pete higgins Maidstone I remember it well: Pete Higgins yes i remember terry McKenna and his dad's bakers and Swanns the green grocery's corner of Allen street we all had scooters back in the 60's

pam Maidstone I remember it well: I remember may pole dancing at all All Saints and sports day at collis field it was a great school.

Terry McKenna

Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Peter Higgins.I remember your family well, especially brother Dennis.Your mum had her hands full didn't she! Not too long after moving to Bristol I was the steward at a local Polytechnic (remember them!!)and there was a regional "Dance off" for the original Come Dancing Tv programme. I watched some of the dancing and the competition was "fierce". After the show a "stunning" girl came over and said "Hi Terry, do you remember me? It was your sister!! Does she still dance? And a hello to Margaret Swann too. Your shop sold the best fruit and veg. in the area (don't tell "Ebby" Mr Woodhams!!)and i remember your dad being a fireman on call.I still have a post office account book from over the road from you. My Nan from London used to visit us twice a year and give me a brown 10 bob note, which i used to run up to the post office and "bank".Do you recall the family Grists just down the road at the top of Hedley street and the butchers opposite? Mr and Mrs Court lived over the road from our shop in Holland road and i "bumped" into their son Bob in the now sadly closed Greyhound a couple of years ago.By the way Peter my scooter was a Vespa 150,my pride and joy and was more highly polished than any of my shoes!! On my last visit to Maidstone this year to meet my lifelong friends Trevor Miles and Jimmy Yarwood, i met Betty Warren who lived opposite our bakery and she still lives in the same old house where I was friends with her son Brian.Although now in her 80's she still looks exactly the same and it was great to see her. Keep writing on this site AND have a look at the reunion 2010 page.

Rene Newman

Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: Ken,I lived in Tovil and I knew about Tovil Treacle Mine, it was an awful sticky area and one needed wellies otherwise socks were awful for Mum to wash. Did not know about the toffee mine, missed out there, used to have to buy 5 toffees for a farthing from old Mr.Goldsmith's shop.Dear old fellow, he must have gone to the mine for his supplies. His shop was about next to the forge where we youngsters used to be enthralled watching the Blacksmith working at his glowing forge and shoeing horses was also part of his work.The Ship Inn was a minutes walk from the forge, no doubt the smithy was a good customer. Just across the road from the Ship was Tovil Paper Mill, more customers. It was also the terminus for the bus to and from town. The Treacle mine was further up Farleigh Hill near the top on the right but couldn't be seen from the road so it was really secret. Where was the Toffee mine Ken?

quin partis

Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: yes the trip to the monastery i still have a photo about 1956 i even have the candle stick holder i bought there. we also did trips to the "kleenex" factory. we learned to drive from a school just down from the bus depot in morris 1100 all the mgs boys went there in the late sixties.The Granch ....lord johns club.... i remember an intermission at the granada during some epic like lawrence of arabia when a drinks trolley came out and you could buy a beer. we lived in tonbridge road and walked to king st congregational every sunday, mum gave us money for the collection but we spent half on chewing gum from a machine near the river. the wesley youth club was a great haunt in 66/67/68/. maistone tech college had great dances, and some dark corners!!!!!

john Maidstone I remember it well: can anyone remember ,Harold Broad,Jim Waghorn,Arthur Lincoln,Roger Keyes or Clem ?cant remember his surname but they were all good friends of my dad Harry Clark,they all worked together on the Maidstone and District for years from the 40s till the 70s,as a family we used to get a bus from town to the blue door pub on sutton road so that my dad could have a drink with them,we also sat with their children at the m and d xmas partys

phillip wood

Maidstone I remember it well: good idea for meet up why not make it yearly

Roger B

Maidstone I remember it well: especially my first school some sixty three years ago,St.Philips on Upper Stone Street, all lady teachers,all Misses or that is what we had to call them. A memorable few, Miss Brooker headmistress, Miss Mercer my teacher who played the piano at morning prayers, Miss Beynon a wonderful caring person ( married to "Basher" who taught metalwork at South Borough Boys, my next school, and who lived up to his nickname....daily )

Later I went to South Borough and have vivid memories of the masters and their various methods of punishment. Who remembers these men and their own special ways of peacekeeping and their nicknames?

I was granted a scholarship to Maidstone Boys Grammar but unfortunately was not selected. I wonder if it had anything to do with my address. At the interview I was asked about my home which was 135/141 Upper Stone Street or better known as Smiffs Fish Shop.My Grandfather and uncle were both Bill Smith and our shop was out of bounds to the Grammar pupils.

I have always wondered whether this had any bearing on my non selection?

By the way Barney owned the Chequers Chinese Restaurant in Bank Street wich was the second to be opened after Yuet Yang in The High Street.

So who owned the MGC Roger

Maidstone I remember it well: and if MGC was a red soft top MG 2 seater it was owned by my uncle Bill Smith the REAL "Smithy" who cooked the best fried fish and chips in Maidstone.

My Mother, Rose, owned the greengrocer and fruiterer next door, then Harry and Doris Honey who had the Grocer Shop and then the pub locally know as " The Palace of Varieties " or the Papermakers Arms.

Yep I can't disagree with you about the best fish and chips Roger.

What about the very little people who lived a few doors up from you, what were they called.

Roger B

Maidstone I remember it well: and some of the characters who lived on Stone Street,a thriving community of proud hard working families,some unbelievably needy, itinerant farmworkers road labourers and fairground people living in the "kips" (lodging houses),small shopkeepers and tough publicans.

The little people were the Dalby family (hopefully spelt correctly) Mr and Mrs Dalby had four children three of whom did not grow taller than approx four feet or possibly even less than that. One daughter was known as "Little Ada" and Arthur,her brother who referred to his other sister as " The Tall One " because she grew to a normal height.I never did meet her.

Lesley Shaffer

Country: United States Maidstone I remember it well: Sorry Doug, there were never any U.S airforce at West Malling only U.S.Navy, and they never left the base in uniform, it was against the rules. The M.P. were called shore patrol. The U.S. airforce was at Manston and had far more problems, and they wore uniforms off base. The U.S Navy,were all in aviation,and only there for approx 7 years. the airforce was there at Manston for over 20 years. Big difference says my husband, U.S.N.retired.

Roger B

Maidstone I remember it well: Miss Edwardes ran and owned Highfield House and Chris you are so right " a no nonsense " lovely lady who we all respected so much. I was a regular Thursday visitor and remember feeling quite brave late one evening and called her by her christian name, Julie....the special look she gave still haunts me 40 odd years on.

Do you remember crossing the High Level Bridge and having a beer or some at The London Tavern when Reg was the landlord, then Ken Grover and Sheila. When " Duffey " ran the saloon bar and Tom Record ran the lounge, always manning a brace of half pint tankards one on each end of the bar, always half full of best bitter. His ample girth and bushy moustache were majestic....I ultimately grew my own but I could never drink out of half pint tankards

Come back Miss Edwardes and Highfield House Maidstone needs you!!

Lesley S.

Country: United States Maidstone I remember it well: Roger, I remember when Reg Bearsby had the London Tavern, and Duffy was behind the bar, I was a friend of Pam Bearsby, there was a blonde swedish lady who worked there also. We all used to go to the "star" on a saturday to see Ted Heath, Johnny Dankworth. This would have been in 1957.None of us had cars or even telephones, and we all managed very well. I have come to the conclusion there are a lot worse places than Maidstone to have been brought up in. This is forty something years ago, I have no idea how it would be today.

pam

Maidstone I remember it well: i remember smiths fish and chip shop we went there every thursday dinner time i'm sure there was someone called denver who used to work there i also remember little ada she hit a lad once over the head with her bag because she thought we were laughing at her, also rouses the green grocer's and bishops the cafe and the model shops my brother was probably one of the model shops best customers and hoods the paper shop where all my three brothers were paper boys and they used to collect the money on a sunday morning from the customers as they did there round. They would be mugged for sure if they did that now how things have changed. ------------------------------

mandy Judd

:Maidstone I remember it well: Hello, I don't know if anyone can help me but it is my dads birthday soon and i am trying to find an old photograph of Highfield House Maidstone where he used to go to a jazz club. His name Colin Maytum. If anyone can help I would be most grateful Amanda Judd

Christine Tyler

Maidstone I remember it well: I taught at Southborough Girls School on the Loose Road from 1969 until 1988. If there are any old girls still in Maidstone, I would very much like to hear from them.

Have a look at the re-union page Christine as well

Jim Yarwood

Maidstone I remember it well: Terry, good to see you're attempting to organise the event. Hope it all goes well and that numbers exceed expectations! As Terry said let's start spreading the word/email site around. See you there!

KEITH BOSTEL

Maidstone I remember it well: My lifelong career in the electricity generating industry began, after basic training, at Maidstone A & B Power Stations owned then by the CEGB in Fairmeadow. (These days I think its covered by a road). The A 'Station supplied power for the trolley buses from rotary converters and had a magnificent stand-by reciprocating triple expansion steam engine driving a DC generator. The B 'Station had three chain grate coal fired boilers that supplied a steam to one 5MW and one 7MW Brush Lungstrom steam turbine generators. Cooling water came from the river medway as did the coal which was delivered by barge. It had a happy staff, always the way in small 'Stations. The most chellenging period was the winter of 1963 when we had to shut the 'Station down because the river Medway froze over and cooling water supplies were lost for several days. The 'Station was "twinned" with Gravesend Power Station, each having the same Manager.

Hi Keith do you remember my father Albert (Jim) Capon

pam

Maidstone I remember it well: can anyone tell me why the toffee mines were so called as i have asked no end of people and no one seems to know.

Stella and Phil

Hi all can anyone help me find alan bovis nick name bow - wow lived in james street 40`s / 50`s he went to eastborough school who remembers eric morris who had a garage james street one mad driver he was Happy Christmas and new year to you

Rene Newman

Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: Oops,Just had fun re-reading lots of old and new items from old Maidstonians and so kind they are. I was wrong about the pub at the bottom of Tovil Hill. The Rose it is ,not The Ship. No one castigated me for the error, thank you. This entry is about the intense rivalry of the town and surrounding village football teams in the Maidstone leagues back in the 30's onwards as I remember it as spectator and player. No TV so the pitches were surrounded by keen enthusiasts encouraging and supporting by a couple of coppers put in the tin taken round at half time to help with paying for ground hireage etc. Behind each team a host of locals did the donkey work, washing the kit, organising etc. A lot of time and work given freely. Sadly often taken for granted. To all you wonderful people a belated THANK YOU. Hope some of you are still there and remember those days with a great deal of pleasure. I do. The rivalry and the will to win was keen so plenty of claps and jeers but sportsmanlike. BUT does anyone remember the MUM? at WOULDHAM who used to be on the sideline waving her umbrella at any player who tackled her SON? and if near enough one had to be fleetfooted to avoid the weapon aimed at you for the dastardly crime. All good fun and MUM was designated a village character. Never ever did see the umbrella hit target. Those contests and visits are fondly remembered. Sherrie, Goldings up by the West Railway Station was our son's favourite haunt, hunting through the treasures therein was great fun for all. Nice to read you still treasure your Grandfather. Rene

clare king

Maidstone I remember it well: my first secondary school was south borough school for girls from 1976/1978,head mistress at the time was miss chadwick, hated her what a witch she was always had it in for me and a couple of friends. sylvia turgoose was one of them, she got some stick with that name to and tracy scott. hope you see this one day and remember what fun we had.in 1978 my mum moved house so i had to change schools, wasn't happy about that but glad to be away from that chadwick woman. my next school was vinters school for girls. i also hated the bogey green uniform,but we got to wear black in our last year so that wasn't to bad. i also rememember miss dyke and miss brett they were a coule of old ladys and i also think they were having it off we all used to say it, miss brett died in my 4th year but no comment on that. i lived in wyatt st right outside the school so did run home and skive alot,it was handy living so near,been trying to find sophie armstrong /mandie savage/jackie nunn.has any one else heard of them.we had loads of fun at school,vinters boys was down the road so we loved going to the playing fields for p.e. wouldnt go back and do it again tho.

robert allen

Maidstone I remember it well: all saints school in 1948 had a teacher there named Mr SAMSON and if was alive today he would be in jail. my sister and I are living proof of what he did to little boys and girls for at least 4 years. under his desk and also with his cane !!!.

JOHN PETTITT

Maidstone I remember it well: Another famous former pupil of Maidstone Grammar School is Frank Sando.He ran in two Olympic Games:Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne 1956.At Helsinki he finished 5th in the 10,000 metres after losing one shoe on the first of 25 laps and running the rest of the race with only one shoe!

Barbara Neill

Maidstone I remember it well: I remember seeing The Who live, together with The Herd, Traffic, The Tremeloes and Marmalade at The Granada Cinema, (the old cinema in Lower Stone Street) in 1967. Quite a line-up and it still seems incredible that The Who actually played live in Maidstone!

The Friday night gigs at the Art College were always really good as well. Among the bands I saw there were Barclay James Harvest, Focus and Stackridge. Oh the joys of standing at the bar, ankle deep in beer and cigarette ends!

Barbara Neill

Maidstone I remember it well: Great idea to have a reunion. I was brought up in Maidstone and still live locally.

Terry McKenna; I remember your Mum and Dad very well, as I used to live in St Luke's Road, (for 40 years). My Dad was Bob Neill, the hypnotherapist.

I noticed the remark about the Greyhound closing and it's even worse than that now it has been demolished. The George is boarded up too and the Rose, in Wheeler Street is a private residence but at least it's still standing.

mike matthews

Maidstone I remember it well: St Francis of Assisi. I was there from 1952-1962 starting in Miss Strouds class, austere at best as I remember. Harry O I remember very well, funny how some people seem to stick in the memory. One occasion in the `huts` at vinters a few of us lads were throwing chalk at each other in the classroom with me keeping lookout, waiting for him to arrive and start the lesson. On sighting him striding down the path towards our class I shouted "here comes Harry!" on entering the classroom which by then was quiet and ordered, he said in his usual firm pointed manner, "i`m only called Harry by my friends and i dont recall having any among you lot". On his asking who it was I had to own up and customarily after the lesson met up with his trusted plimsoll on my rear quarter, thrice I think. Many other tales I could go on about. Ah yes i remember it well! Underneath his school image I do think Harry was a decent man.

Terry McKenna

Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Barbara, I remember your dad Bob Neill(Sorry Mr Neill as I did address him then!!). Thanks for telling me the Greyhound has been demolished...Sigh....A bit surprised none of many locals(or their children like me) haven't sent some memories, there must be a host of childhood memories of the childrens room and the swing in the bit of ground at the back!! The Rose was my "Pit stop" on the way to the Howard De Walden youth club. Bill and Milly Dodds from the Greyhound wouldn't serve me cos they knew how old i was....Hope you can make it to the re-union on March 13th, don't forget your coloured name badge!! To John Pettitt: Did your family run the fishing tackle shop in the Market buildings? If so I was always in it cos my dad and I loved fishing and I remember buying my first "Split" cane rod and an "Overlander" fishing reel. Halcien days indeed.... We Remember 6

John Warner Maidstone I remember it well: Iwas born in Maidstone in Dickens Road but don't remember living there. I was bought up in Queen Anne Road and later in Kent Avenue, Shepway. Iwent to East borough school in Union Street and later to Maidstone Grammar School. I well remember the baths in Maidstone as we used to march from the school for swimming lessons. When I got older i also used the baths where the taps were operated from the outside. I worked at the Star Ballroom both as a DJ/Compere and later as the Manager. We had top Bands and Groups on Saturday nights. Local groups on Sunday and a Disco on Monday nights hosted my David Wigg, then a reporter at the Kent Messenger and later to become well known as a Theatre critic on National newspapers. I later moved to the Witchdoctor club in Saint Leonards in Sussex as Manager.I have many wonderful memories of Maidstone especially the Ladies God Bless them.

John Warner

Maidstone I remember it well: Boy do I remember Maidstone Grammar School. Ihad the full range of punishments. The cane on a regular basis from Wacker Clayton the Headmaster. You had to stand outside his office where there was a traffic light. When you knocked the red light meant engaged, the amber light please wait and the green light come in. I always got the green light. The Physics master was Beta Phillips who frequently fell asleep during lessons. My Form master was Milligram Blake. Maths master was Tarzan Taylor who could lift any pupil above his head. I was on the receiving end of Nogger Knights's three foot metal ruler and was given the slipper, a size eleven with a golf ball in the toe by a prefect named west. I gained revenge when I accidently knocked him off of his cycle as he rode through the school gate. I believe that I also had two school records having received seventeen hours detention in one week and leaving school with fifty two hours outstanding. I was one of the few pupils who received a public caning in front of the assembled school in the morning. Oh happy days.

Well I just hope your are better behaved these days John and have a look at the re-union page

Auriol

Maidstone I remember it well: ; I was born in Maidstone and would you believe I am still living there, but I did spend 11 years living elsewhere from 1968 to 1976.

I was born in Brenchley Road, Tovil at my Granny's house during the war and when my father returned from the army, Mum, Dad and I, moved to Scott Street. I remember the barracks in Sandling Road very well. My father used to take me, my brother and sister down to each passing out parade to listen to the band playing. I remember having to walk past the Dragoon Pub opposite the barracks and hating the smell of beer that wafted out. There weren't many kids of my age to play with except David Osborne who lived next door but one to us. (Does anyone know what happened to him?) He was like a brother to me and a year younger. In between us lived an old man who worked as a storeman in Lindridge's Fruit & Veg store opposite and he used to let us play in the store. We used to climb over the bulging potato sacks and get absolutely filthy. Enough to make modern Health & Safety rules a mockery. My mother forbid me to go there but I couldn't resist it.

I remember taking my young siblings to the Methodist Church Sunday School in Brewer Street. We went morning and afternoon every Sunday and enjoyed it.

I started school at St Pauls Infants and remember my first teacher as being Miss Halliwell. She always wore a floral smock. I recall Miss Dove playing the violin for us. Miss Green was the headmistress. I also remember that the girls toilets had no doors on them but I used to go home to dinner so I made sure I could 'hang on'.

Then I went on to Northborough Primary, South Borough Girls and ended up at Maidstone Girls Technical School, all of which prompt mixed memories.

We moved to Westmorland Road, Shepway when I was 15 to a brand new house and I was delighted to have the privacy of a bathroom and an inside loo. What luxury!

I always wanted to travel and I did and I never planned to return to Maidstone but fate had its way and I was drawn back into the fold in 1976. I guess I'm here to stay now and have witnessed so many changes I hardly recognise the place my memories come from.

Max Matthews

Maidstone I remember it well: Chris Lovelidge. The lady that owned Highfield House was called Miss Edwards. I had my wedding reception there in September 1960. I heard later that she had died when her and a friend were in their car on a ferry in cornwall, evidently the car went off the end of the ferry and they were drowned, but this was told to me so not sure how true it is. But Highfield was a great place.