We Remember 12

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Gordon,my family were from Coombe Rd the Sedges. You may know the eldest son John "Hammer" Sedge.He joined the marines and later trained with Jeff Capes and went on to be one of the first of the "strongest man in briton" winners.Hammer is my cousin and we are still in touch.I was born in Old Tovil Rd no 118 and my uncle Sid still lives there.I went to St Francis school and was in same class as Sharon Fosher of Coombe Rd is she a relative of yours?All for now best wishes Barry.

freddie burgess Maidstone I remember it well: barry i lived down the road from john sedge he was younger than us he used to knock about with us &he was the guinea pig for anything that happened i remember going home to my mums in coombe rd after i had moved to sussex when i saw this man mountain walking toward me in a marine uniform he said you dont recognise me do you i said no he said its johnny sedge he said do you remember you all used to bully me i thought here we go i am going to get a hiding now then he said well it never did me any harm & it certainly hadnt we shook hands & i havnt seen him since he was a nice lad. you also grew up with my first wife anne farnham in devon rd we divorced after 30 years but are still good friends i also knew the foshers brian & roy many happy memories freddie burgess

hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: Are you the same John Warner who worked in the wages dept at Linton Hospital in the early 60s,when you played footie with Keith Pride and youngsters thursday evenings on the cricket field? I recall a 650 Matchless and your connection with the Witch Doctor club in Hastings.Remember Ian(tap tap)Tappenden,catch it in your mouth.

freddie burgess Maidstone I remember it well: is gordon fosher one of the foshers from coombe road i knew brian & roy their mum used to make toffee apples & sell them from her kitcen window i lived at 170 coombe rd born there 1943 & left in 1965 when i got married had a lovely childhood in tovil lots of good mates from all saints school to southborough school remember seeing little richard at the granada best rock n roll show i have ever seen also gene vincent another good rocker spent a lot of time in fiesta coffee bar & the rat trap in king st happy days

Kevin King Maidstone I remember it well: Kevin King Maidstone. Charlotte with regard to Ray Denning-Duke please contact me at kevinfking@talktalk.net

Surely not the legend Kevin King from Grafty Green the one who nearly blew Grafty of the face of the map.

graham(nick)n Nicklin Maidstone I remember it well: Does anyone know the whereabouts of Tony DiMarco?We went to West Borough at the same time but he was a year younger than me. I have lived in the Portsmouth area since 1964 but Maidstone will always be HOME i have so many wonderfull memories of school and places.

Karen Maidstone I remember it well: To Ken Allen: The Duke Of Brunswick pub stood on the corner of Brunswick Street (West) and Upper Stone Street (now demolished).My father was born there and lived there for 16 years. It was the 'Fortune of War' which was on the corner of Old Tovil Road and Upper Stone street (now bedsits) Great to read the memories people have of this area

Kevin King Maidstone I remember it well: I'm not that Kevin King. Born in Maidstone 1951 and lived in Alexander Street. Nearly killed in May 58 when I was knocked down by a lorry in Randel Street. Spent quite some time in the WKGH. Whilst there two staff nurses looked after me most of the. Staff nurse Taylor and the other whose name I've forgot. Both of them were married on the same day about the end of June early July 58. I was allowed out for the day to attend their weddings. Staff nurse Taylor was married at Bearsted and the other nurse at Holy Trinity. Never saw either of them after this. Does anyone remember them. Have many happy memories of Maidstone. The toy shop where you could put a penny in a slot and watch a train go round was at the top of Week Street next to St Francis church, next to De Marcos. Next to that was a barbers. Used to sneak into the back of the barracks by the Medway and play on the rope swing for the assault course. All good fun until we were caught and taken to the guard room. My dad had come and collect me. Not too pleased. Went to St Pauls and North Borough. Remember one day at North Borough two escaped prisoners from Maidstone prison being chased and caught in the playing field. Moved to Lower Road Foster Clarke Estate in 1960. Went to South Borough. Remember sneaking through the fence to get into the County Show at Mote Park. School children in those days were given a day off to attend the show. Having Mote Park on your door step was wonderful, one big adventure play ground. My granddaughters love going over there. Some things never change. Went on to Oldborough Manor. What a great school that was. Mr Fuller was the headmaster. Everyone wore school uniform, and the first two years had to wear a cap. Woe and betide anyone who did not doff there cap to the headmaster. Joined the Air Cadets which met at Courtny Road. Had great times going shooting at MGS and gliding at West Malling. Saw Elvis a few weeks ago in Maidstone. Still looks the same and as smart as ever. All for now

The hairdressers was called Millers I think Kevin

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Kevin,i to though you may be the infamous Kevin Ki that nearly exterminated Grafty Green while working on petrol tank of his car.What was interesting was you lived in Alexandra St,i have lived in Alexandra ST for the last 26 years at number 7 the big house on the corner.Maybe hear from you Kevin my email addy is wayitwasin66@hotmail.com.Best to all Barry

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: just another small coincidence kevin i was also born in 1951 bet we used the same haunts here and may well have known each other.Barry

Blimey Barry thought you were alot older than that

Kevin King Maidstone I remember it well: I lived at number 13. Paul Morton lived at number 8. Mr and Mrs Steele had the corner shop. Your house Barry in 1964 was lived in by Mrs A Standing. Just around the corner in Boxley Rd at 77 lived Graham Penny. Graham became the manager of the Mall. He died about three years ago. Just below was Hassems the butcher. Next to that was a barbers. I loved going into Goldings. You could come out of there equipt to fight a war. We may have met Barry, but I joined the RAF in 68. I was away for six years. Although I went to some wonderful places here in the UK and abroad, there's no place like home. I have a 1964 edition of Kellys directory of Maidstone. Gives all the streets and roads and who lived there. I,m sure Sringfield library has copies. I saw Jack Mathews name mentioned. Jack worked with my dad, Fred King who was also an ambulance driver. Dad started work as an ambulance driver in 1928. At that time it was run by the St Johns Ambulance Brigade. They were based in Church St oppersite the Opthalmic Hospital. There were only 4 full time ambulance drivers when dad joined. Extra numbers were made up of volunteers. The ambulance service was nationalised in 1951. The ambulance station moved to Loose Rd in the early 60s along with the fire service which was based under the Market Buildings. One of the last times I spoke to Graham Penny he told me that the owners of the Mall wanted to buy Granada House and the old Granda cinema, knock them down and extend the Mall. Granada House is a good example of art deco. The Granada Cinama still retains it's fine painted ceiling and chandler. These buildings ought to be listed and refurbished to their former glory. The Hazlet is all very well but the Granada could be a jewel in Maidstones crown. How do you get a building listed? Went into town today and noticed the plaque at the end of Rose Yard dedicated to the G Ranch has gone. Anyone know what's happend to it. All for now.

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Kevin,good to hear from you.Number 13 is now occupied by my mate Kevin Mcoy and family.Place has changed over the years i have built conservotory on side for him and converted the cellar into living accomodation.The previous owner was an old lady named Edna she always had big bowl of flowers in the window.As for Ron Golding i know his family his daughter Janet is married to Mell Stewart or Mell Smith.He was a wrestler from the 60S you may remember him by his bald head except for a ponytail and fu manchu moustache.He was always on telly and was a "baddie" always in trouble with refs and often got hit with handbags by old ladies on way out of ring but he is a lovely man really friendly.About the missing placque i saw paul Amos just this week in tescos and he told me it had gone missing why steal something that meant so much to a generation.All for now Kevin it will be good to hear any other names you remember.Barry

robert white Maidstone I remember it well: Here is a message for Charlotte Malcolm.........

Your grandfather, Raymond Francis Denning-Duke was in my class at Vinters Boys School. Go into a site called "Friends Reunited" and you can read his entry below....

After a short but successful period in the RAF I turned to academic life gaining the following degrees:B.Sc.(Hons) Social Sciences and Statistics; M.Ed Education. Associate Fellow Institute of Mathematics. I taught mathematics for more than 2 decades.I have now retired from the academic world and am currently running a Landscape Company as a hobby along with my dog Muffin. My favourite teachers were "Smokey Joe" Robinson (He was also my form teacher). He has a profound effect on my overall career. "Dicky" Dearn, Science.He always had a crewcut. I enjoyed his lessons immensely. "Basher" Barnes, metalwork. He could work magic with metal. I am still practising his techniques! "Bill" Graham and Mr Kirby English both could evoke imagination and sensuality of the written word. The little Welsh art teacher, Mr Herbert would always try to find something to praise in my scrawl and daubings with a pencil or brush. Mr Johnson could make history come alive out of a text book and "Shanky" Sheldon always did his best to teach me Biology and Rural Science. He was far happier however polishing his spade and growing his prize onions and potatoes on the school plot behind the bike sheds. I am still in touch with Graham Brown. Does anyone know whatever happened to Alan Edwards or George Collins?

I hope this helps.

Please let me know how you get on. Here is my e mail address... robertclivewhite@hotmail.com

Here is a message for Peter Capon........

Peter, we were at Maidstone Technical College together. You left to become a hairdresser and I think that later you married a "Miss Maidstone". I love your site and it brings back such wonderful memories of the County town of Kent.

Does anyone remember a group called Phase Five? The members were Pat O'nion, Jonah, Tim Huckstepp, Kipper Gammon (who married Liz Graham), and Keith Parks

Bob I thought you were in Canada. Didn't Pat O'nion go to college too

Kevin King Maidstone I remember it well: Well Barry I will try and remember some more that lived in the area around St Pauls. My cousins Liz, Trevor and Mark Edwards lived at 21 Randel St. Billy, Charlie, Divvy and sister Hughes lived at 19 Hope St. On the corner of Alexander St and Randall St lived Cedric Smith. He shot me with an air pistol. Frank White lived at 21 Hope St. He worked for the electic light company as then called it. He had a daughter called Dreena. At the bottom of Lower Boxley Rd next to the news agents lived Bobby Pope. I remember the land lady of the Holly Bush used to make and sell meat pies on Saturday. They were wonderful. Dad as well as being an ambulance driver also did part time coach driving for Fred Apps at Bearsted. Dad often drove coach parties to the coast from the Fishers Arms. Pubs then were more relaxed and friendly. Plus you could afford the beer. Having only just found this site I missed out on the get together last year. Will there be another this year. I think the moto of 75 (New Zealand) Squadron RAF is appropriate for us older ones. Ake Ake Kia Kaha. Which translates to Forever and Ever Be Strong. All for now. Kevin.

peter dean Maidstone I remember it well: Peter Dean maidstone i remember it well. For Kevin King you mentioned that you are related to Trevor Edwards, Trevor was in my class at Vinters, do you know where he is now if you do could you contact me by email, my address is pdean@sandhurst.co.uk

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Robert,i remember "PHASE 5" well they played at most of the local venues.Tim Huckstepp was the drummer i believeTim and i both had a paper round for Tim Holmes at the bottom of Stone street.Last i heard of Tim he was a potter and had a business in Maidstone there was an article on him in local paper.Regards Barry

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: hello pete i believe trevor edwards is working in double glazing im not sure but will make enquiriesfor you .regards bary

robert white Country: Canada Maidstone I remember it well: Thanks Barry Hynes for the information. Yes!!! Tim Huckstepp was the drummer for Phase 5. I bumped into him, one time, when I was visiting Maidstione in the '70's and he told me that he sold his drum kit so that he could put a down payment on his first house.

Yes Peter Capon!! Pat O'nion went to college with us but he was truant most of the time. I think you used to sit next to Keith Hammond? Right? Are you still a hairdresser Peter? I wonder what ever happened to Brian Priest, Alan (Scobie) Bounds, Dave Simmonds, Dave Pott, Keith Sunderland, Chris Simpson....I could go on and on.

Hey...Peter Dean...yes....it's me!!! Do you remember in 1965 when we went up to London to see Sir Winston Churchill's funeral procession? Do you still have hair like Bob Dylan? I met up with Tim about three years ago when we had a 'boys' reunion'. He's doing okay and has a fantastic home.

Will write some more stuff at a future date.

Hi Bob, still a hairdresser but if you read some of the earlier parts you may catch up with our life. Keith Hammond last time I saw him was with an estate agent in Maidstone. Yes still remember the names from college. Wasn't Chris Simpson tall and that laugh....

peter dean Maidstone I remember it well: maidstone i remember it well.i know divy hughes has been mentioned before and i know he died a few years ago,he was a good friend of mine, he was part of a group of us which mainly consisted of trevor edwards,dave moon,keith white,ron tapp,jeff orielly and myself anyone know the where abouts of dave moon or keith white.

Roger ( Hoss ) Banfield rogerb1@btinternet.com Maidstone I remember it well: Bernie Martin, I would really like to get in touch. Do you know what happened to Nigel Wise, Chris Burdett, Rodney Wilkins,Philip Vernaud. Mickey Barnden, Brian Swaffer. One of our best mates Danny Moriarty became a Maidstone Town Councillor but I lost touch with him ....ask Peter Capon for my e address and please write to me... !! Or if any Maidstone IR it Well contributors can help..... please help

Roger Banfield Maidstone I remember it well: Freddie, I always wondered where you went but unfortunately schoolmates always drift apart. I would really love to get in touch with you Ian Edge and Paul Kingsland. I last saw Ian maybe forty five years ago when he married Dorothy and I heard that he had become a high ranking officer in the Royal Navy. I very occasionally see Paul Kingsland. He ran his own business for a lot of years. They were both very successful but I knew that they would be. Do you remember our teachers at Southborough, Gabby Lower, Tug Wilson, Gandy Webber, Basher Beynon, Lanky Evans,Mr James(music), Skip Vanstone, Jack Hodgson et al. How many times the book and cane in Headmaster Rawlinson's office? Gabby Lower's cane both hands ( the artillery ) it really did hurt! Gandy Webber always used the heel of the slipper. Tug Wilson twisted our ears and slapped the back of our heads. Mr James would punish three offenders at the same time using the blackboard ruler across our backsides whilst relating Don Bradman's achievements. What happened to Pete Varney, Alan Guntrip, Vic Dillon, Ray Wrigglesworth,Dave Brown, Deg Leeson? Whatabout our HQ, "Fred's Shed" at the bottom of your garden in Coombe road....what stories it could tell! Shaggy Hoods in Church Street?!!!. Avery's boatyard under Tovil Bridge and the canoes, Arthur's Cafe in Week Street with Pete Varney,a Woodbine and a mug of Tea.....a Senior Service at weekends when we got our Friday pay packets. Swimming in Sandy Bay in the Medway....just down from the treacle mines Your yellow racing bike with drop handlebars and me with my upright Hercules with a chain guard and cycle clips. Ian with his straight handlebars,drink bottles and short mudguards. God was I envious! You mentioned the yard behind the Fish Shop. My mum Rose would put her Dancette on an orange box after school and we would all dance to the best music ever! Diana,Paul Anka. Wandering Eyes,Charlie Gracie. All Shook up,Elvis.Cumberland Gap,Lonnie Donegan. So much great music, so many great memories

Our last meeting was when you gave me a lift home from the Wall in Mill Street to our Fish Shop in Stone Street on your red and white Norton Dominator. Crash helmets were not necessary and 60mph up Stone Street will always remain with me.

We were both 17 .......50 years ago?

Bernie Martin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Barry Hynes, Had a senior moment and didn't finish the last submission, do you know a Calvert Ring , not sure if he is a relation of Angus , also Ray Bowles I worked with these guys at SGB Bearsted. Can't believe someone said they saw "Elvis" the other day , I don't know why but I always imagined he was old years ago. Keep up the good work mate. Bernie Martin.

Apparently Elvis lives but the London Tavern doesn't Bernie

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Bernie,been a long time since we all worked on the motorways hasnt it all young men wernt we?I saw Calvert the other day but not to talk to.He hadnt changed a bit.Im quite sure he is related to Angus perhaps Pete Dean could tell you more.How have the years treated you Bernie are you still scaffolding?My brother Brian sold up and retired when he was 50 good luck to him ill be working till im 90 way things are going.All best mate.regards Barry

freddie burgess Maidstone I remember it well: freddie burgess roger how are you after all these years i remember our school days well pete varney moved to selling near faversham but never heard from him at all. do you remember the game of dare truth or promise we used to play with the girls down my dads shed all good fun. i moved to west sussex in 1967 with my job i was working for texaco in those days driving tankers.i now work for myself i have a car sales site inshoreham by sea with my son, john if you want to havea laugh go on to www.lighthousecarcentre.co.uk there is a video of my self and john see how i have aged no black curly hair now. i always remember your uncle bill and his harry secombe impressions and how ian hedge upset bernie gruber unintentionally and nearly had his head knocked off. the first time i ever tried driving was in your yard in your grandads fordson pick up, what a laugh i dont know how we werent killed i am still biking 52 years on riding harleys now we would have considered them old mens bikes but i suppose i am an old man now at 68 still feel like 18 in my head though. i often wondered if any of the boys from down the wall opposite rootes are still alive and kicking anyway nice to reminisce over the past ps danny morriarty was married to my ex sister in law shirley farnham now hope dont know any more about him all the best freddie b

peter dean Maidstone I remember it well: Peter Dean hello Bernie i see Calvert every day he rides by my house in loose. He is a relation of Angus, when Angus was helping me with the building of my house he used to give Calvert stick about how he always used to beat him at boxing and so on, I will tell him you have asked after him.

Bernie Martin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Thanks, to Peter Dean, Barry Hynes & Roger Banfield and anyone else who has helped me get in touch with people or jogged my memory about people. I am really looking forward to seeing you all or at least as many as I can in July/August.

Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: Hugh Shannon. Good to see you've found the site and put a number of entries on to it. Yes, I'm still motorcycling and if fact have an enviable job testing and writing about motorcycles for the KM and interviewing world-class riders when there's any high-profile racing at Brands Hatch. Barry Hynes: Don't know if you were aware that Jack Skinner passed away a few weeks' ago? Talking about Phase 5 would Kipper Gammon be the same person who runs Chris Gammon Beds at Allington?

hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Jim.You surely have a great journalistic life but in all honesty,at your age you should be road testing a 125 Bantam or a 150 Excelsior to the extreme.From years ago,do you recall Billy Ivy who rode the ChisHonda quite successfully for the Chisholm Bros of Lower Stone Street?Also Roy Francis Mechanic?What is the best bike you have ridden?Just think,in 25 years time the only biking we will do will be as a passenger in a Watsonian Sidecar attached to a Norton Commander.All the best.Hugh.

Donald(Don) White now Whitemore Maidstone I remember it well: We lived in Queen Anne Road, and I attended Eastborough School, left in 1962. I have fond memories of the ABC cinema. I was a wolf cub at St.Lukes, remember "bob a job week?". Does anyone remember Mr. Cook the headmaster at EB or any of the other teachers. I remember also the old Tate & Lyle factory next to the West Kent Hospital at the bottom of Queen Anne Road. We used to play in Vinters park

Bernie Martin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Peter Dean , I do remember a character called Jango , but only remember the name, the guy we need to answer all the music questions would be Tony Bathurst, I met up again with him in 1990 when I came to England for my son's 21st he was over there supposedly to trail for Warrington at Rugby League but got as far as Maidstone found the Bull at Gabriels Hill,fell in love with a girl he met there, played a season for Maidstone Rugby Union Club then took his girl back TO Australia, [ what's that got to do with music ] Does anyone remember a mate of Tony Bathurst's who was training as a classical pianist ,he would practise 8 hrs a day and his hands were so strong when you shook hands with you he would crush your hand. His handshake was stronger than Dangerous Danny Lynch ,anyone remember him ,had a drinking club up at Barming . Nostalgia,not what it used to be. Sorry for waffling on.

hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: To MB Coxheath.Could the rifleman of Aylesford be one Michael Pantony? Ex St.Francis School?

YES!!!! it was Regards Peter Capon

peter dean Maidstone I remember it well: Bernie Martin, from Peter Dean some news for you i was speaking to calvert yesterday and mentioned to him that you had asked after him. He asked me to remind you of the time you appeared in a film as a Royal Canadian mounted policeman.Also in the afternoon Angus rang me and he asked me to ask you if you remembered a relation of his in Australia called Jeff Sallis. Also he said do you remember Geoff Goldup who also was a keeper, Geoff grew up with us in Ringlestone i can remember diving about on the concrete, i dont know if you knew Geoff died a few years ago. The mate of Tony Bathurst you asked about is John Watson he was in Angus class at Vinters, did you know he played in a group called the Mannish boys which included David Jones who went on to become David Bowie. Tony still plays, the only one left of the old group is Mick Forest. Angus also told me that Peter Jones is not very well, exactley whats wrong he does not know will let you know if we find out anymore. Regards Peter.

robert white Country: Canada Maidstone I remember it well: Our family moved to Maidstone in 1959 and we lived in a house in Northdown Close, at the top of Boxley Road, near Penenden Heath. My parents paid 2950.00 pounds for this house. I wonder what it;s worth now?

I attended Vinters Secondary Modern School for Boys, for about four years. Also I was in the 1st Methodist Scout Troop. With my troop we were lucky to go to Luxembough and also Norway.

My classmates at Vinters included Neville Holmes, Frasier Smith, Raymond Denning Duke, Tim Dean, Tom Wellard, Trevor Austin, Mick Raynor, Terrence Friskin, Robin Ditcher, Keith Parks, Chris Hubbard, Stuart Hambridge, Ronald Goodman, Roger Chandler, Ken Forsythe, Doug Beale, Graham Brown, Gus Petters, Paul Durey, John Garner, Richard Krejsa, George Collins, Bruce Bennett, Alan Edwards, Roy Hibbin, Robert Foreman, Keith Sedge, Barry Holness, Chris Simpson, Peter Agombar, Robin Fryer, Howard Nicholls, John Sidwell, Bernard Thompson, John Foreman and John Jessup.

I had a morning paper route, working for Mr. Halse, the newsagents at Penenden Heath and got paid ten shillings a week. I also worked for Telford's, helping the baker do his deliveries every Saturday (for ten shillings). Another part time job was clearing tables at Joe Lyon's cafe at the top of the High Street.

I also attended Maidstone Tech College and my first real job, in 1964, was working in the wages office of Courage Eastern Brewery. My boss was Sid Joyce. In 1965, I went to work at the Kent Messenger, selling advertising space.

I emigrated to Canada in 1967.

I can remember John Watson and Tony Bathurst singing Route 66 at The London Tavern. I always heard that when David Bowie was in town, he would visit John Watson.

Joyce Masters...what ever happened to your brother, Keith Hilt?

Terry McKenna....are you related to Max McKenna who once owned Crabapples Restaurant in London Ontario Canada?

Peter Dean...... I remember Divvy Hughes. Whatever happened to his brother, Charlie Hughes?

Peter Capon....Chris Simpson became a detective working at Scotland Yard. He's probably retired now.

I would love to hear from anyone who remembers me (preferably people I don't owe money to).

That's all for now.

robertclivewhite@hotmail.com

Didn't I lend you one and six for the tuck shop, I'm sure I did Pete

Tina Luton Maidstone I remember it well: I was born at the West Kent hospital. I started my nursing training at Linton hospital October1966. There was still trams going to Loose then. I then had to go and do a stint at the opthalmic hospital where I worked in theatre as well as on the wards. We had matrons in those days. We had to make sure all the wheels on the beds, the handles to raise and lower the bed and the open ends of pillowcases faced away from the door. The uniform was a thin white and mauve stripe with little white cuffs and starched white apron. On our prize day we had the old doctor from 'Dr Finlays Casebook' come to hand out the prizes, when we also had to wear white gloves. The nurses home was off limits to males and there was a curfew where the door was locked so you had to be in before then.It was a great time and I really enjoyed it. I retired from nursing in 2006, having spent the last 25 or so years as a district nurse. It has changed so much, not always for the better of the patient.

Barbara Neill Maidstone I remember it well: To John Everett I remember Jubilee Hall. My brother and I used to go to the childrens Christmas Parties there.

stella wickenden Maidstone I remember it well: l too am a grandchild of Ron Golding,but unfortunately dont remember him as l was only 5 yrs old when he sadly passed away in 1971,but l value all of the stories and memories from my sisters and brothers and people who have taken the time to recall those special memories.

Barry Jones Maidstone I remember it well: Maidstone I remember it well: In the late 60's I played for Turkey Mill Football Club who played at Mote Park in the Maidstone Sunday League. Other team members were Alan Stewart, Mick & Tom Ashe, Arthur & Tony Mitchell, Ralph Luck, Ron Watson and loads more whose names I cannot recall at the moment. We had a good run for a few years and it would be great to hear from any others who were involved.

hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: To Tina Luton.Re Linton Hospital.The prize giving you recall was presented by Actor Andrew Cruickshank,Dr Cameron of Doctor Finlay fame.I worked at Linton around that era as a Ward Orderly.Names I recall are Robert and Andy Pleau{Canadian}.Sue Pontett Trudy Wise Ken Iles Freddie Edwards Gordon Goodhew Bert{strawberry} Ludgate Sister Winnie Organ{Nurses Home MCommandant} Ronny Law {Charge Nurse Headcorn Ward} Kenny Wyatt Lawrie Blade Sister McArdle Valery Hallam Mike Kilgannon Jack Bailey.You may also recall my mother Sister Shannon {Admin Sister}.Kind Regards Hugh.

Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Robert White. Max(Michael)McKenna is indeed my elder brother and he did own the Crabapples in London Ontario and he still lives in Nova Scotia with his wife Susan (Sobey). My email is terrymckenna178@btinternet.com Drop me an e mail and I'll update you. Really glad to see all former Maidstonians from around the world contributing to these pages. Pete does a great job so keep sending the memories. Look forward to your reply.

Bernie Martin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: To Peter Dean : Yes I do remember Geoff Goldup ,sad to hear he had passed away.Didn't know the info on John Watson but thanks for remembering his name, ask Angus how I would know his relative,I don't know the name. Can't believe that's what Calvert came up with when remembering me,I thought he would have gone on about how hard I used to work while somehow managed never to get dirty. Can you ask him for me does he know anything about :Ray Bowles,Keith King or Dave Kemp,if you don't mind could you also ask Angus to find out about Pete Jones for me ,thanks. Hugh Shannon, I knew Sue Pontett,Val Hallam and I was married to Trudy Wise for 34yrs and I know she has a photo of her being presented with a prize by "Dr Finlay",some of the other names sound familiar probably from Trudy mentioning them. Again thanks to all the people who help to jog this old mans brain with so many memories.

peter dean Maidstone I remember it well: Bernie Martin, from Peter Dean just spoken to Angus he told me it is Jimmy Sallis not jeff who is his relative in Australia he said he worked with you boy Sctt. Someone else who knows you is Bruce Ditcher we walk our dogs together he is married to sue whose sister Lana is married to Danny Moriatty, The middle sister Carole used to go out with Tony Buckingham back in the sixties. Another name you probably remember is Chis Garret she lives near me. As for Dave Kemp if it is the same one, the one i remember was about six foot seven he used to be with us all in the fiesta and the tavern, I did bump into him in Bodmin Cornwall about two years ago we had along chat and talked about the old days and characters such as Dickie Peddar, Dave Lloyd, Lou Vinten and Tony Bathurst of course. Regards Peter

Carole Bowles Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Bernie Martin,unfortunatley my husband Ray Bowles died in 2000, we came to Aus in 1972. My maiden name was Vernau and Phil is my brother alive and well living in Perth Australia. I remember some of the names you have been writing about.

Jeff Wilkinson Maidstone I remember it well: I lived in Maidstone from 1947 to 1970 and attended MGS. I returned 'home' back in 1996 but even in between my mother continued to live here. I note that many are asking for photos of Maidstone and would like to say that the Kent Messenger is in the process of digitising its paper the South Eatern Gazette from 1859 - 1945 and will hopefully be available for searching by the end of 2011. For those asking about Maidstone Zoo, Vickie Harris has produced a book about the Zoo (ISBN 0948193 808) which is available for only £8. It does have a picture of the railway at the zoo. Hope this helps.

Terry McKenna E-mail Address: terrymckenna178@btinternet.com Maidstone I remember it well: Reading the pages from friends old and new on this site should make everyone realise their value to your own life. Sadly today i was told that my lifelong friend (57 years) Trevor Miles had passed away and it came as a big shock to me. The good thing is that we met almost every year to reminisce. These are the times i will treasure and can never be taken away. I will post the funeral arrangements on this site as soon as i know them. My thoughts are with Margaret: Feel free to contact me at any time. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

robert white Country: Canada Maidstone I remember it well: Message for Peter Capon........okay mate....I owe you one and six.

Message for Peter Dean......You mention Bruce Ditcher. Please let me know how his brother, Robin is doing.

Message for Peter McKenna....... I just sent you an E mail. Thanks for writing to me.

Bernie Martin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Peter Dean, Tell Angus I will talk to my son about Jimmy Sallis. I remember the Name Bruce Ditcher ,not sure where from though, not sure I know Chris Garrett,I do remember a Lou Lou Garrett I worked with him for SiteCrete erecting concrete buildings. Dave Kemp in Bodmin , Cornwall would be the Dave Kemp I knew. You really are a great source of information and I thank you for that. Carol Bowles , sorry to hear about Ray, I think my sister Trissa Parker, nee Martin told me years ago that Ray's wife was Phil's sister, she keeps in contact with him I havent seen him since the late nineties, where in Australia do you live. Regards,Bernie Martin

Bernie Martin Here's a teaser for all local [ old ] football fans ,How many of these faces can you name without checking the Kent Messenger archives. I will post the names in a week or two. the day that was taken was one of the best days of my life, That so many people took the time to come and play was just amazing. A day I'll never forget. Like a testamonial but without the money. Sadly some people may not be with us ,maybe people who know of someone who has passed on could let me know. Sorry Bernie this is as big as I can make the piccy.

Carole Bowles Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Thanks Bernie. Met up with your sister Trish in Perth one year when I was visiting mum & Phil. Used to visit her & Chris Burdett when they lived at Newport beach.I live in Sydney. I have an old school friend who used to know Nigel Wise, is he still around? Was it you that mentioned Brian Swaffer? I remember him as he worked with Ray over the mill.