Even More Memories
Angela Waller (nee Loft) Maidstone I remember it well: Just want to say thank you so much to all the lovely people my friend Sue & I spent Saturday evening with. We both thoroughly enjoyed your company and although the Society Rooms were a little noisy it was great to talk to Old Maidstonians about days gone by and all the things we remember so well.Many thanks to Peter & Terry for arranging the get-together and having made new friends on that night we look forward to further similar evenings in the future. Many thanks also for this site, it continues to be a joy to share!
David P Maidstone I remember it well: My late mother used to work in a bakers/cake shop on the left going down. Might have actually been next door to The Golden Boot shoe shop but I cannot, for the life of me, remember what it was called. Frontage was small. Shop was long and thin! Seem to remember a door next to it leading upstairs to a dentist. Mummery I think was the dentist's name. Anybody enlighten me?
Just a shot in the dark David was it called something like Homebake
Peter Capon I must say how much I enjoyed the evening at the Society Rooms. I was a little aprehensive as I drove there, and, when I went in and saw the size of the bar the thought crossed my mind, how the heck will I know anyone and how will they know me. It did cross my mind to walk up to those standing by themselves and saying ""are you waiting for someone" and then I came to my senses and thought better of it. Fortunately I recognised young Jim Yarwood who proceeded to push me in the right direction, thanks Jim. It was great thank you all for coming. I apologise if anyone was there waiting and did not recognise our little group, perhaps next time we could all meet in a quieter and smaller venue. In passing I must thank the lady, no names, and assure her I will never sit in a cinema under the overhang of the balcony.
trish small Maidstone I remember it well: I had a great night at the reunion.met some old friends and made some new ones!!thanks peter for this site.
Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: Hi folks: Firstly thanks to those that made it on Saturday night!! "Young Jim Yarwood"!! no wonder you kept bumping into things Peter Ha Ha. Sorry if it was a bit noisy but you know what these youngsters are like today!! Never listen to the old folk do they!! I do have 1 or 2 photos that I managed to take but not sure how to download them on this site. It was difficult trying to find a place that suited everyone, especially as I live in Bristol but I think an annual get together would be an excellent idea methinks! Maybe a longer notice time would work better. Always happy to make an appearance me!! See you all then!!
pauline bacon Maidstone I remember it well: Highfield house,a nursery in the war and just after but grew into a fantastic jazz club in the fifties,great bands,and the only place to be seen at ,in those halcyon days
Mike Matthews Maidstone I remember it well: Does anyone remember the Christmas parties held in the Tilling-Stevens canteen for employees children and the Rootes employees children? My dad worked for Rootes and they were a treat to look forward to each year. Mr Pastry and all that. Are there any pics around of the metal bridge that us St Francis kids had to walk over to get to the playing field at (i think) Buckland Road, enduring the smoke from the locos below?
Rene Newman Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: Pam,Yes I lived in Tovil on the Coombe Estate. Mr.Ripper's farm bordered the estate and The Court which was our playground and kept us well fed with walnuts and chestnuts when in season.Tovil Working Mens club also adjoined The Court on the village side and in those grounds the Tovil Boy Scouts had their camp. The scouts had a well with the most delicious drinking water. Those were the days when one could drink from the streams in the hop gardens and have no fear. Alas not today. Remember 2 has some of my history and notes many years have passed me by and I haven't yet seen entries from people I grew up with. Sad. My father lived in Campbell Rd. about the 1920's so remember it well. Rene
Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: Peter, great evening. Just as well you didn't sidle up to any strangers, in these enlightened times they'd probably think you were on the same-sex pull!!!! No offence; and how the heck you recognised me after all these years I just don't know!! However, great night and although not a great turnout perhaps as most agreed somewhere quieter, thanks Eileen/Terry for the initial thought of a reunion. My, how the memories came flooding back as we sat around the table(s), even I had forgotten some of the venues (Cheese and Grill, Rumpy Bar to name two!). As Peter said hopefully no one was left out looking for us. Perhaps somewhere like The Village Hotel near the M20 or The Russell Hotel in Boxley Road (near Penenden Heath)? What do you think?
Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: To Mike Matthews: The bridge you refer to is the High Level Bridge that started at Brenchly Gardens and came out at the bottom of Buckland Hill and crossed the Mudway(Sorry the Medway!!).The football pitches were almost as steep as Buckland Hill itself!! Not sure when you were at St Francis (then Week Street) but I was there along with Peter Capon and Jim Yarwood circa 1954/60. If you "speak" nicely to Jim I know he has a long distance view of said bridge in his photo collection. That bridge used to frighten me to death when Steam and then Diesel Trains used to thunder by the East Station AND I have no head for heights. Not too far away from the bridge and on the river was the "concrete" submarine that we (the brave ones anyway!!) used to swim out to and jump off!! I used to walk miles along the embankment towpath and find a gap in the fencing and mess around in the grounds of the Army barracks, with no regards to my own safety and completely "lost" in my own little world. I'm better now though!!.. Would like to see your "memories" of St Francis, both the school and the church!! on these pages.
Mike Matthews Maidstone I remember it well: Mike Matthews responding to Terry Mckenna. Thanks for the info Terry. The bridge has stuck in my memory for similiar reasons as yours, the trek up the hill and the steam from the locos etc. The Tilling-Stevens factory where my dad worked was quite close by. Least, from memory I think it was, havent been back to Maidstone for some twenty years now and the memory cells havent been recharged. I was at St Francis both Week St & Vinters pk. Started in Miss Strouds class in 1952 (i think). I think the huts at Vinters became the senior school about the time I was old enough to start there, 1958 I think? Leaving in summer 1962, I`ve still got my leaving Missal with Harry O`s and the teachers signatures in. I`ve read Jim`s accounts of St Francis for some time, both on Peter`s site and FR but try as I might I cant recall the name or face. Afraid I cant recall yourself either. Several names I do remember, Peter Levy, Eric Twynam (not sure if spellings correct) Noel Sturgeon. The infamous Hughes brothers, Paul Martin, and others. I`ve posted several memories of St Francis and Maidstone under different subjects on this site as well as FR. Pleased to hear of any other recollections of the old place and the (not so old) names.
Strange I thought you started in Miss Lenten's class like me. Surely you remember Christopher Morgan falling under the swing.
Janice My name is Janice and I remember arriving in Maidstone with my family when I was 7 (in 1955) and being put into Northborough School. I remember the long desks and sitting next to a little girl with a long plats in her hair called Helen who became a lifelong friend. We were then sent to Vinters Secondary School. I remember the long walk to Mote Park playing fields for games, and then the showers where you could not hide your modesty as we had to take them very quickly before the teacher swung back your cubicle curtain and told you to come out, finished or not! I remember enjoying the cookery lessons, especially making pastry on a long pine table and having to scrub it hard afterwards with a scubbing brush and soap to get all the flour and left over pastry out of the cracks. Also the science teacher who used to listen to the cricket score whilst waiting for us to change the flame in our bunsen burners to blue.She was a friend of the P.E teacher, who used to wear the pleated knee length skirts that were fashionable then. I remember they used to have long conversations in the staff room and Miss Brett the PE teacher used to sit with her feet up on the desk and those entering the room were treated to the sight of her knee length pink bulbous, elasticated at the knee, drawers in full view! I shall never forget the needlework class where the last year I was there we were able to make ourselves a skirt. We all stood in a line to be measured for them by the teacher who as she measured me exclaimed in a loud voice to the whole class "good heavens this child has a 42" hip".The other teacher in the room did a sharp surprised intake of breath, my face readened and there started my lifelong agonies about my weight! georgie feltham-parish Country: EgyptMaidstone I remember it well: Big Barry Hynes & Bev. I remember you both well. Billy Kent, I used to rent him a flat. Yes, but who remembers me ? Still clubbing ? Still Living ? georgie feltham-parish Country: EgyptMaidstone I remember it well: The G Ranch, Emilo Tenerini, Bushy Ring, 'liitle Keith Hilt, The Orchard Spot, Star Ballroom, Rat Trap, Judge Dread, Savoy-Bingo Hall Snodland, Elvis, Mood Reaction, The Who'd of thought it, Bridge House CC, TOFTS, The Agi Hall, Art College Gigs drugs, sex and rock & roll, ska & bluebeat, DJ colin judge, & radio caroline, I remember it very well, "thanks for the memories. Maidstone I remember it well: The Web Foundation, anyone? Martin Baldock Maidstone I remember it well: From the age of about 3 - 6 I lived in a house on Tonbridge Road where the Trolley buses turned around (the house has long since gone) - We moved to Penenden Heath then and I later used the Trolley buses to get to school at the Boys Tech -from the Town Centre except in the Summer when we could cycle to school. After school it was great sport to race them into town on our bikes with the conductor getting all upset... Then in 1968 I rode on the very last one to the depot - quite by accident as I'd been asked to see a young lady home to Barming after a dance at the Howard De Walden youth Club - this left me with a long trudge home to Penenden Heath because I'd missed my own last bus barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: hello georgie course i remember you great to hear from you.I have often wondered what become of you .ill give you my emai and be good to keep in touch,keep well. email addy wayitwasin66@hotmail.com frank ward Maidstone I remember it well: maidstone i remember it well, cos i still live here. Went to west borough secondary was there until 1966 with diamond head pheby dept head. I was head of milton house, but never a prefect, too much a rebel. Si jessup was head boy, i remember most of my class. By the way, couldn't put the last bit in Frank you didn't spell it correctly. Joyce Masters (Hilt) Maidstone I remember it well: Reply for Georgie Feltham-Parish,Hi georgie i cant remember you,but you mention earlier remembering Keith Hilt,he is my brother,you might know Dudley as well,we lived in Grecian St,all those years ago. I can remember The Star Ballroom,every Saturday night, also the Rat Trap, and the G Ranch.Great times.
Max Matthews Maidstone I remember it well: I lived in Byron Road near Penenden Heath and remenber a very large Oak tree on the corner near the shops, being brought down in a storm which fell across Boxley Road, traffic had to be diverted including buses, as a boy I was regularly sent by my mother to the top of the Heath to pick bunches of Rhododendrons as there were hundreds of bushes and always gave a beautiful display each year.
Paul Narramore Maidstone I remember it well: One of the musicians in Chickory Tip was for many years the landlord of the Dog & Gun public house in Boxley Road. The 'Son of your Father' gold disc was displayed on the wall in the pub.
clive taylor Country: Philippines Maidstone I remember it well: My parents in the 1950s, on tuesday when fathers larkfield store wasnt busy, in the evening went to the granada cinema. once there was an abstract, modernistic film and my father was enraged and berated the management
Tony FitzGerald Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: 24 Ernest Drive, Allington Park Estate - our first proud home 9 Mar 1963. Commuted to London with Tony Dawe, Terry Smith and others and was one of the founder-members of the Residents' Assn trying to get Sterling homes to get certain things done! Lovely place to live and we enjoyed walking down to the locks through the apple orchards (that was!). All this, as I continue writing our autobiography with photos. Hell, another 47 years years to get through so better get skates on!
Anna Collins Maidstone I remember it well: I remember in 1973/4 the ABC in King Street ran a lot of the martial arts films that came out after everyone had seen Enter the Dragon.
Anna Collins Maidstone I remember it well: There used to be a pet shop just three shops on the left going up from the Methodist chapel, I remember it as we bought our first cat from there in 1967 and she cost 7/6d.
DIANA MCDONALD (LANGRIDGE) Maidstone I remember it well: I was born in Upper road near Mote Park where my grandparents lived then went to Cyrus (dad was in RAF) moving back to my grandparents going to Plains Ave primary school not speaking a word of English my best friend lived 2 doors away called Melanie Davies and we would talk across the back gardens which had a high wall at the back which if we stoon on a pot we could see the cricket pitch in the boys grammer school and every sunday my uncle played cricket in Mote park ooooooooooh good old days or am i just getting old ???????
Brian Kerridge Maidstone I remember it well: Many years ago I was assistant manager at the Ritz with manager Tony Bridger and fellow assistant Harry Bolton
Anna Collins Maidstone I remember it well: I remember coming shopping on a Saturday when there was two way traffic in Week Street. The shop where Superdrug now is had two beautiful blue crystally pillars outside and the Fountain pub that had a small fountain in the window as well as Joyces on the corner of Week Street and the High Street. I bought a red and white check short sleeve jacket in Top Shop (or in the part I bought it Peter Robinson) in 1972 for the princely sum of £4.95.
Anna Collins Maidstone I remember it well: I learnt to swim at the old baths, first in the small baths with Mr Wright - woe betide anyone who wouldn't duck your head under as he used to drop bucket of pool water over your head and the obligatory verruca check before you went into the water. I also remember the vending machines 2.5p for crisps and 2.5p for a hot chocolate and Miss Holllingsworth in her black costume swimming up and down the pool
Titch Price (nee Fletcher) Maidstone I remember it well: I am a triplet and we were taken for our first swimming lesson in about 1955 I guess. My brother & sister obediently joined the class and were taught by Miss Barker (aptly named). I locked myself in a cubicle & screamed the place down! It was thought I needed 1:1 tuition and was put in the care of a Mr Sedgewick. He popped me on his back and swam up & down & in no time I was swimming alongside him! I adored him & often think about him. I went on to swim competitively and also teach swimming many years later. I recently made a pilgrimage to Maidstone & cried for the loss of the old baths. I love this site!
Titch Price (nee Fletcher) Maidstone I remember it well: I can vaguely remember the 'foundry'. I was born in Maidstone in 1951 and my family lived in Bearsted. My Grandparents, Stephen & Jesse Fletcher had the foundry and lived in Brewer St. I was amused by John Roberts entry because I never knew my Grandfather was called Brigadier! My Aunt Anne Fletcher had a huge collection of little rabbits that were made in the foundry. We all loved Brewer St and the fun and games we had there! My father, also Steve Fletcher, worked at the foundry until about 1958. We then moved to Cheshire. Great memories. My very best wishes to you John and I know all my sisters & brother will love reading your memories - thanks.
pam Maidstone I remember it well: hi is there anyone out there who went to south borough girls school back in the 60s when the head mistress was miss petherbridge; who always seem to be larger than life; and scarry but we all respected her, and miss slaughter who took us for geography i was quite frighten of her at first but when you got to know her she was nice.but as a family we had wonderful days paddling and catching tiddlers in loose stream my mum would always sit on the side padddling her feet and knitting.
Lesley Shaffer Country: United States Maidstone I remember it well: Clive Taylor, your dad delivered groceries to my mother, and our german shepard dog nipped him, your dad had dark wavy hair this would have been early 50's. I lived in Olongapo for a couple of years when my husband was in the navy in the 60's he was at subic bay.
Rene Newman Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: Ken(Aussie) Up the All Blacks. Who in Maidstone did not know Bushy Ring or knew of him? He was one of the town's characters and a born survivor. He knew how to make a bob or two and made London spivs look like amateurs.Probably never paid a cent of tax in his life, a wily wise old fellow and chirpy as a cock sparrow. Ken we are going back a few years, spend the pension wisely. Best wishes. Rene
Rene Newman Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: Roger,Tovil had the best fish and chips served by Bill Smith,young brawny lad and we, as,kids, could buy for a halfpenny a big bag of cracklings which we chomped with relish.Today would be regarded as unhealthy but I have had a long healthy life, hardly see the Doc so good tucker Bill served up, especially the fish and chips.I remember the spuds going into the large bowl and spun to clean them and shoved into the chipper, the handle pulled down, all by hand to form chips ready for the fryer.We waited with watering mouths to be served.Across the road was the Papermakers Arms at the top of Tovil Hill. I am sure that Bill in Tovil was your uncle and if he still around tell him Thanks for the memory from a kid from Tovil. John, I saw Frank Sando run that 10000 race in Helsinki,he was also a member of the Reed Paper Mills sports contingent that was in Finland in 1952 and I have a photgraph of the teams, Frank is in it. A brave race with one shoe lost early and almost a medal won. Best wishes to all. Rene
shirley southon chapman Maidstone I remember it well: i went to eastborough school first, then on to good old vinters miss brett and mrs hart were PE teachers we had to walk up to vinters park in the winter to play hockey and mrs hart would bring along her white scottie dog, miss brett was so big for a PE teacher, miss dowding was the science teacher, what an old dragon,mrs bragg the art teacher snotty cow, a few of us appeared in the km when they tried to ban us wearing our platform shoes to school, those were the days, we did have some good times there though.
Richard Emery Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Peter Have copied Johns memories on page 6 below. My father owned the forge (J. Emery & Son)in Brunsick St East. The O.K. Cafe was on the corner of Upper Stone Street and Mote Rd and you could get the best fried breakfast there 7 days a week. Just up the road on the same side was Baldocks where we used to get our work cloths. On the opersite corner (Knightrider St.)was Hitch & Co and behind Hitch & Co with the entrance off Upper Stone St was the old KCC Library before it moved out to Springfield. The cross roads and the area around Mote Rd/Upper/Lower Stone St/Knightrider St was know as Wrens Cross. I never heard Bishops called the OK Cafe but I did hear a lot of swear words when people hit their heads on the door frame entering Bishops.
Allen Maidstone I remember it well: So many memories.....John Horton, Johnny Kibble, Aiden Ferguson...the Virginians I played Lead Guitar for....then Redwing....etc, Kings Arms ? The Gravy Train on Sunday Lunch Times The Barbers Shops (various Maidstone , Lenham....) I'm still out there....UK, Ships from (my studio in Cornwall..... )......
Allen Maidstone I remember it well: On that particular night I was backing you on lead guitar......poor old Dave the Rave....Allen
Allen Maidstone I remember it well: Golding's junk shop?a lot to answer for that place, My very first guitar (I was 12-13 ) came from there, it was made of hardboard & other unlikely bits 7 painted bright blue ! The guitar is long gone.....the boy went on to tour with some of the best & is still out there........ barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: hello allen,i remember that kings arms well i used it for ages and remember country bands playing there i saw johny kibble just a few weeks ago dont know if hes still playing though Rene Newman Country: New ZealandMaidstone I remember it well: Shirley,having another perusal of this wonderful memory project of Peter's. Were your folk Ethel and Frank masters of the Working Mens Club during the WW11 war. If so I would have had a pint or three from their wonderful cellar and slept on their floor a number of times. Floor was always clean, I think, no problems except they were Bloody hard, no mattress or pillow. I have an entry, Remember It Well, which explains how I came to this low part of life. It was Dad's Army experience. You will note the club was our headquarters and Thank God for the luck of beer being available after exercises. We were a formidal force especially with a pint under the belt.No VC's for the HG but there would have been had they sent their paratroopers anywhere near dear old Maidstone.Look at DA on TV and it is obvious how fierce the troops were. No wonder Hitler put off the invasion of Kent,The war would have been over before Christmas. Which Christmas? All the best to the Maidstonians.Rene Jackie Judge Maidstone I remember it well: As well as the Fiesta (after school meeting place, ties off, skirts hitched up) The Royal Star had a fantastic dance hall where I went to my first dance and got beaten up outside. It wasn't all bad, there was always someone you knew if you went into town.The Corn Exchange was another good haunt for dances and acts.
tony blakemore Maidstone I remember it well: to quin the band you are thinking of at the g-ranch was "the Love Affair" the song everlasting love and yes you are right they couldnt sing or play a note!! Do you also remember the reggae band "Mood Reaction" they were one of the first white reggae bands to sign for a jamaican record label and used to plat all over Maidstone in the late 60`s and even appeared on Top of the Pops. they are still together today and playing locally but with a new lead singer i actually saw them at the Dog and Gun a few months ago and they are good friends. happy days indeed and many memories from this really good site.
Anthony Humphreys Maidstone I remember it well: Enjoyed reading David Birds bit about Hanwell Optical and Mr. H. (Mr Jack Humphreys?) from Bearstead was also a Special Constable when I started work there (he was no realation to me) but fond memories of those days. What about Mr. Deaville the man who everybody jumped to attention when he visited from Letchworth. Albert Miles took over as manager when Mr. H. retired. Thanks David Bird
Bernie Martin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: I attended St Francis for the last years of my schooling and spent one term at Vinters Park 1958 not sure if we were the first group to move up there. I remember , Harry O'Donnell & Mr McPartlin [ I think ] teachers and Danny Moriarty,Warwick Ball, Kathleen Matthews,Mick Maher,Eric Tynan, someone Sturgeon, one of the Hughes boys,Sylvia Hoey as some of the pupils. My brother Paul went there a few years later. I remember your brother Paul. We were in the same class at St. Francis and I think we left the same day.
Bernie Martin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Who remembers the Zephys , Eric Snowball, Alan Flood, Les Beresford Maurice Reynolds I forget the rythm guitarists name and also the girl singer. The guy with the glass on his head and standing on one leg we called Elvis he used to sell papers on the corner of Weeke St & the High St , I remember the Kingfishers with Tony Bathurst [what a character ] and all the bands that played at the London Tavern and at the Otham 500, Pete Jones & I were the bouncers at both venues. Happy days and great memories.
Yes they were happy days and there are lots of comments around the site from various people. You may have remembered my brother Jim Capon at St Francis, sadly he passed away some years ago with the dreaded cancer.
Bernie Martin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: I do remember a family of Capons that were freinds of our family, they lived somewhere in East Farleigh the fathers name was Ken he was into electronics , there was a whole tribe of kids ,I remember Adrian who was around my age, a couple of girls about the same age one called Eileen [I think] who was breifly married to a mate of mine Dennis Swift [another larger than life character] but don't think I remember a Jim. |