Maidstone its people places and memories

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Freddy, blimey mate your going back, the Granada had some great shows and your right all the old rock stars performed, Marty Wilde is still going although after the show he takes his wig off, I also remember some guys who owned Ford 5 hwt vans that used to do some crazy things around Rootes petrol pumps after they closed ha ha, those where the days, after that we all got posh it was either Vauxhaul Crestas or Ford Zodiacs, I wrote my Zodiac off in Wales whoops, and the watering hole was the Wheatshief on the corner of Loose and Sutton Rd, thats when you had to wipe the snuff of the pork pies due to the old barman Les taking the snuff, Bob Shaw days Jenners garage also Loose Rd for petrol and Mote park for courting happy days cheers for now Boo.

Mick Nash Country: Spain Maidstone I remember it well: I remember, during the late fifties, watching the Fremlins horses being shod in the Upper Fant Road area. Does anyone have any pictures or remember the location.

Alan Barrow Maidstone I remember it well: I attended Nettlestead County Primary School where the headmistress was Miss Goodchild and the two other teachers were Miss Clewes and Mrs Holmes. From there I attended West Borough Secondary Modern School in Tonbridge Road where Mr Samuels the metal work master used to wield a metal ruler to good effect on anyone who misbehaved in his class. I remember with affection Daisy Price and Don Letchford who were both my form mistress and master, but the one us lads used to gawp at was Miss Wanstel the PE mistress. I left school and started work at Sid Williams Hairdressers from there to Michaels in Water Lane and then Henry Paynes in Bank Street.

Alan I was Sid Williams last apprentice, you wont remember me but you will my cousin who worked at Sids at the same time as yourself, Andrew Summers. I'm sure you were a mod in those days you little devil. Pete Capon

Pete Fisk Maidstone I remember it well: Hi. Does anyone remember the Ham & Beef Dealers at 30 Gabriels Hill in 1938, run by a Mrs Lillian TURNHILL? Mrs TURNHILL is still there on the 29th September 1939 National Registration Number census, but shown as a Manageress of a Restaurant/Shop. This is obviously the same place, so does anyone remember either of these businesses being there? From what I can make out, it looks like it's a nightclub now! Also, I notice mention here of a bombed building - could this possibly have been number 30? I'm 250 miles away, so any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, Pete

Keep watching Pete I'm sure someone will know.

Karen Taylor Maidstone I remember it well: I remember Sunday afternoon picnics along the lake side in Mote Park (followed by a paddle in the very silty waters - no worries about Weils disease for us ) but can anyone tell me the origin of the stone, circular feature by the side of the miniature railway track ?

Nope I can't but I'm sure someone can.

geoff lee Maidstone I remember it well: any one remember the motown/soul nights down the tudor house early 70S WITH DJ dave and lou, just wonder does any one know what happend to them are they still around, thanks for any replies.

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Hello P.Dean, hope you received my direct e/mail to you, the old days at the Kingsarms and the Motley Hall are embedied in my mind or is it my liver, however they was great old days, as Peter from this web/site would agree, in Thailand now the drinking days for me are Thurs-Fri- and Sat only mainly due to the fact the drinking times are just a little longer over lunch time untill you fall over, thats some time the following morning, oh dear please tell Tim it might be nice to return to Belgium and France just for old times ha ha regards Boo Jones

keith smith Maidstone I remember it well: My Mum and Dad owned Smith`s Fish shop in upper stone st.They ran the business from about 1947 or 48 till they retired in November 1984.I too worked in the shop from when i was 11 years old on saturday mornings,and earned 5 bob for it. Then i left school at 15 and went into the family business,and stayed there till my mum and dad retired.and Roger B must is my cousin and Denver is my brother.I can remember Dad`s red MGC very well, borrowing the car from dad on a saturday afternoon sometime`s and driving around town with the soft top down in summer.The number plate was NKE 444F and about 14 to 18 miles to the gallon around town.A thirsty 3 litre beast,but good for 130mph by all accounts.Sadly my mum died in August 2000 on her 73rd birthday sadly,and dad died recently at the end of April aged 90.

Hi Keith I'm sure most of us old Maidstone Lads and Lasses remember mum and dads business. I remember very well standing in there waiting to be served after a drink or two in town. I also remember your dad had trouble keeping the carbs tuned on that little beauty. I thought you must be millionaires at least to own such a car. Dad was a very nice man and you were all big lads in the shop, I bet you didn't have much trouble in there. Sorry to hear about dad. Pete

peter attrill Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: I did not go to Maidstone Grammer School but I do know Alex Hatcher who attended Miss Mclean's class 1 at East Borough Junior School. One of the writers Alan Freeman also attended the same class as did myself. I remember John Pratt, Peter Brown, Jeffery Hayes, Till Meyer, Susan Emby, Delia Mosely, Barbara Hamilton, Madelein Wise, Irene Kelly, Ernest Foreman, Elaine Stutely, and Nora Muggerige. There were many others in the class that I can't quite remember now, it was a long time ago. I do know that Alex Hatcher went on to become a Doctor, but as to the others, they all vanished into the mists of time. To Alan Freeman, I remember you well, I think that your sister was called Christine and was a little younger than you. Live long and prosper, from Pete.

pam higgins Maidstone I remember it well: I can remember smiths chip shop we had fish chips there most thursdays when my dad got paid, used to think denver was the best ever, my brother derek was one of their best customers right up till he died in 2004 age 54 there was always a queue and they always tasted good, opposite was an off licence and they had a alsation dog that loved chocolate, I've have tried to remember what the off licence was called but I cannot does any one know?

Gary Kemmett Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: I was born opposite Oakwood Hospital, in Hermitage Lane. My dad worked there, first as a fitters mate, and later in the boiler room. I can remember going around the hospital grounds with him at dusk, to turn the street lights on. We drove around in an old electric milk float. I was a member of the judo club for a couple of years. I also remember going to some really good Staff Childrens Christmas parties.

Do you remember a chap who worked as a nurse called Bob Shilling, apparently that really was his name. He had one one of the first Honda bikes that I had seen, think it was only about 125cc but it looked a monster.

Gary Kemmett Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Don Westerman. I remember the Daleks at the Corn Exchange. I went with my mum and sister. I was allowed to go inside one of the Daleks, and my sister was screaming that the Daleks had taken her brother.

Gary Kemmett Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: I remember going to the 'Old' Maidstone swimming baths. We used to travel by bus, every tuesday morning, from West Borough jnr school. I can remember the first vending machines there. One of the lifeguards was the son of the butcher in Fountain Lane, Barming. I can't remember the name of the butcher, but I can remember that he was the first person I knew to have a colour TV. His son became the first coach of the Barming under 16 football team. I was goalkeeper, and I was rubbish!! I can remember gaining my lifesavers certificate at the old swimming baths. We had to swim around in our pyjamas and then retrieve a brick from the bottom of the deep end. I also remember the red rubber wrist bands and the clothes baskets. Happy days.

Gary Kemmett Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Peter, are you any relation to Ted Capon. He used to live in Fountain Lane, Barming. Ted used to take me and a few other boys fishing at Farleigh Locks every Saturday. I'll never forget having to push our bikes up the hill to come home.

Hi Gary, not related as far as I know but I really don't know too much about my fathers family.

Gary Kemmett Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Karen. The circular piece of concrete at Mote Park was for model cars. They were petrol driven and tethered to a pole in the centre. YouTube has some film of it being used.

LES HUGGINS Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Again MAIDSTONE I REMEMBER IT WELL. From Les Huggins

The Butcher in Fountain Lane was called SKELLHAM.

The site has shown what a small world we live in and how we make associations. Names crop up who you suddenly remember.e.g Peter Dean. Are you the Peter Dean that lived in Lushington Road and had a brother Tim.? If you are, I remember when you were in my patrol at St Faiths scout group. Your brother Tim was a particularly gifted scout who gained the "Scout Cord" (quite an honour in the scouting world)

Peter Dean, as I remember, loved football and was particularly gifted with the enthusiasm and spirit required for teamwork.

In those days it was not uncommon to play 3 hours of football per night, usually in the recreation ground at the bottom of Calder Road and Egerton Road.

I can honestly say that there were some players there who, although only boys, could have made it in the big time, if they had been given the opportunity. Oh happy days!

Peter Smith Maidstone I remember it well: I remember going inside a Dalek in Maidstone - must have been around 66-67. We used to have goffas as a rare treat in a coffee shop on the High St by the bus stop back to Willington st. Cant remember the name. My Mum used to work in a gunsmiths/fishing tackle shop just off the High st. I left when I was young but am going back in Aug for a day to revisit some distant memories. Bet the youth club in Cumberland Ave has gone!

Blimey you were a bit old to go inside a dalek at 66/67

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones I believe the gun shop that Peter is refering to was called Saunders and indeed it sold every thing to do with hunting, great shop

MARION Maidstone I remember it well: Love all the memories of Maidstone past,I was born ,bred and stayed in Maidstone,lived my youth in Shepway educated at both Oxford road schools and finishing up at Southborough school for girls,sadly now long gone.Miss CHAMPION (head of infants),MARION ??(head of juniors)and Miss Pethybridge (head of secondary)the latter and her team!!!Mrs White (english)Miss Hobson(science)Mrs Macmillan and Miss Sayer (sewing etc) Miss Godden (cooking)and finally Miss Horsfield (maths) who is still going strong! saw her JUNE 2011 and she still has that way about her that you would give her the utmost of respect,what a teacher she was,one look from her and you felt you'd been given a spell from a HARRY POTTER!!!A very strict school I felt but it did me good.Who remembers the SAUSAGE HUT & THE MANOR YOUTHCLUB at SHEPWAY?What about the OTHAM 500 club? run by COLIN BENNETT.Is he still living in LOOSE? I know Sarah passed away sadly a few years back.Does anyone know what happened to REG NICHOLLS,banqueting manager of the STAR BALLROOM ?he was quite a character !My dad worked for REEDS PAPER MILL for many years so therefore I was able to go to the xmas parties and outings,my mum worked at Foster Clarkes,a cleaner at the ABC cinema(now BOOTS)and lastly at Paynes fruit and veg week st.Lastly someone wrote re memories of KING ST,my grandfather lived and worked(paper seller) opp the old POST OFFICE that was,his name was JOHN SNASHALL can anyone remember ? and finally for all you SENIOR footballers out there does anyone remember MICK SHIRLEY?he was involved with lots of players in Maidstone,he is alive and well living in BOURNEMOUTH and sends his regards.

Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Marion, give my regards to Mick (Shirley); played and captained his team (Parkwood Rangers, I think ... it was a long time ago!). Yep, well remember the sausage hut and Manor Youth Club from the 60s! What about the get-togethers at St Martins - just across from the sausage hut; anyone remember that? Peter Smith the youth club at Cumberland Avenue is still there (just) known as the Manor Youth Club. But with the cutbacks in KCC spending there's a possibility that it will close Cllr Marion Ring is doing all she can to convince KCC otherwise, but I fear in this current economic climate she'll be unsuccessful. Of course the other youth clubs at the time were Barming (in the tin-hut village hall) and Howard De Walden in Bluett Street, anyone remember those?

boo jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones, yes the Sausage Hut and Raggets Hall was venues where Bill Kent used play with his various bands also a great mate of his and mine Dave Kirby who sadly has passed on, he was also Mr Kent in the body building event many years ago, I believe the price to get in to see the shows was 2/6 old money or half a crown, it was a great time.

glen allen Maidstone I remember it well: To Ken Allen Australia,When are you back in England Lauren my daughter says she met you in the Horseshoes in Langley with Dick,Mary (Allen) was going to tell me when you were over but she never did.

Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Jim. I most certainly do remember the Howard De Walden club in Bluett Street. Had to sink a pint or two in the Rose (not far from where you once lived!! cos Bill and Milly Dodds wouldn't serve me in the Greyhound; I was too young lol). It was a brand new place when I went there and I was the captain of the football club for 3 years. Apart from yourself and Trevor Miles the only other name I remember David?? Firmin. Remind me of some others somebody please!! Parkwood Rangers and Mick Shirley were fixtures I remember well and he was a great lad. I remember once being "dragged" out of the London Tavern to play for Tekkol on Barming green, even though I could hardly walk!! (A footie AND beer injury!!) and getting changed in the Fountain!! played the game and dont remember a thing about the match which I think we won!!.. Happy days Jim eh..

dawn wells Maidstone I remember it well: james street,grew up there and spent many a day playing 40 40 with the gang. used to enjoy exploring a place we called burrows which was the remains of some factory at the bottom of bluette street. then their was the old broom factory in james street ,it was run by two ladies and a man that used to scare the heel out of us when we peered through the letter box..the good old days

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones, hey come on Peter get your hands in you pocket and get the software you need and put the photos I sent you ha ha, the entertainment history of Maidstone and local area has so much yo reveal, bands galore the guys that sung and played should get cracking on get some news to you, hey what happened to Tony Storm, Peter Husten both singers and last but not least my older brother Bill Kent come on Dave you have it all the Kent history of rock-n-roll.

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones, my first address as a baby was George St, off Stone St is not in my memory banks, however then moving on to Shepway Est great days and finaly on to Loose Rd, would just like to add that in my opinion that Boxley and the Heath has always been a credit to the residents of the area and the local authority, a beautiful place and the pubs a treasure to the English way of life, living in Thailand I do miss that so much.

Don't know when you last came over Boo but Penenden Heath which I presume you mean is getting quite built up now but still a nice place to be. Pete P.S. It wasn't you that shot me with an air rifle back in the fifties, at the back of the Heath was it I still bear the scars.

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo, if thats what they have done to P/Heath then shame on the council, Pete I could not shoot anyone, not even a country and western singer, get cracking on the photo problem, loads more to come.

I've now got the software I just need to sit down and figure out how it works.

margaret featherstone-nee french Maidstone I remember it well: I remember Maidstone baths so well,and Percy where every one was (a bad little duck!) and miss Hollings Worth who took us for life saving .....I was a little sad to see that miss Tirral has not been mentioned she was the lovey lady that was always in the kiosk at the front in her white coat. I spent many an hour at the pool and belonged to the M.S.C. from 1947 to 1960 when I went to Warners Holiday Camp to teach swimming and met my husband .....the sports organizer (and celebrated our 50th aniversay last year 2011 )all thanks for the coaching I received at maidstone pool...as age catches up and the body begins to wear out, I now belong to Maidstone disabled swimming club!! ....before joing the club I swam in the river Medway at Teston,and Mote Park Lake.Looking back swimming has given me a wonderful time, I will never forget the people that trained me.....'thank you'.... by the way , moat park pool will never have the heart that Fairmeadow had .....despite the 'echo' which one could hear when cossing the bridge..where I saw the 1948 Olympic torch cross...I was on my way swimming.

carole dalton Maidstone I remember it well: In 1970, My Mum Molly Dalton was working as a bus conductress for the Maidstone & District bus company, she saw this tragedy and when she heard the poor man had died, it effected her badly. Rumour had it that the call was a hoax, I seem to remember there was a spate of hoaxes around that time as there was in the late 70s

carole dalton Maidstone I remember it well: I attended All Saint's from 1967-1973, the headmaster then was Mr Fulljames. Miss Saunders was the secretary and teachers were, Mrs Andrews, Mrs Spiers, Mr Malet there is one other and I'm ashamed to admit that although she was my favoutrite teacher, I can't remember her name. I don't remember the christmas parties, but I do remember the christmas pantos, the busy bees club, and the tuck shop in the playground, where apple fizzy was sold in glass bottles and the crisps were to die for but seem to have stopped being produced. Mr Fulljames was scary till you moved up in years, and he always favoured the boys over us girls :) I remember in the winters, there was a sudden influx of people wanting to join the choir ( this was because we got to rehearse during lunchtime, in the warm) whilst those not in the choir would have to have outside play. Mr Fulljames soon wised up to this and would go along the rows and put his ear to your mouth to make sure you wasn't miming :)

Mike Shirley Maidstone I remember it well: Bournemouth, Hy Jim the football related motivated me to ''pen '' some comments thanks to my sister-in-law Marion for giving me a plug ...and Terry McKenna you could play a bit aye...Jim paesano''hope you are still working hard, any bikes now?/? Senacre at the time was the team!!!Im still the game mad ......Any more out there remember me???

Sharon Kemp (Spelman) Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Carol , i was trying to look for you on facebook the other day and couldn't find you, then I come on here and find you after all these years. Youv'e got a good memory, i can remember Mrs Spiers i use to have to sit next to her son Gavin !!!! and Mr Fulljames what a character he did love his choir , actually i think i was in it at one point .I have to drive through Tovil each day and i always take a glance at the houses where we lived .Take Care xx sharonkemp46@yahoo.co.uk

pete varney Maidstone I remember it well: pete varney here maidstone i remember it well to roger banfield/fred burgess how about a reunion one weekend be good to chat over old times get a few of the others together as well see you soon i hope

Mike Shirley Maidstone I remember it well: What memories mikeymouse gas masks on in week street during the war...week street shops nobody has mentioned David Greigs and Liptons great shops I went to St Pauls school on to North Borough my best ever master ''Nobby Brian Lloyd'' used to see me home I was short then!!!! to Maidstone Grammar 1947 good footballing mates Ken Stevens Jonny Ring, Ray Clements used to play games on Barming Heath team called the'' dazzlers'' ( we played rugby at MG School you see) joined RN IN 1952 after working short time at Smedleys canning factory at Barming anyone remember it ????away from our town on and off till'' 1967 discharged time served RN..Back to live at Senacre involved in lots of football great memories.

carole dalton Maidstone I remember it well: Sharon, sent you an email, but heres my e mail address carole313@hotmail.co.uk

hope to hear from you soon xxxxxxxxx

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: hello all,i was in maidstone today and saw mell stuart the wrestler known to many of our generation he sends his regards to all that remember him from maidstone and from the telly on saturday afternoons regards all

Mel Stuart Maidstone I remember it well: Mel Stuart, i remember it well,it was nice to see Barry Haynes yesterday, i now live in Minster an visit Maidstone about 3 times a month.Barry still looked the same, not seeing him for many years the last time i called to see Barry at his home there were two little boys,but when i saw them yesterday Two strapping lads it makes one think where have the years gone.Glad Barry told me about your site i found it most interesting.

Good to hear from you Mel one of our hero's

Pamela Smith Maidstone I remember it well: I attended Eastborough, then Vinters girls leaving in 1969. I was in form 1M I can't remember the name of my teacher then she taught RI and we called her the battle of the bulge because she was pretty big, I don't think she stayed very long.In form 2M the teacher was Miss Burwood who taught History she was great and when she left every one was upset . History was never the same after that. I can remember Mrs Hart Miss Brett PE , Miss Dowding Science who I found ok although she could be scarey , and the story that went round was that she locked someone in the store cupboard with Willy the skeleton and forgot about them. I think this was a story started up by Miss Dowding herself to get everyone to behave. Miss Dibble was the French teacher and if you got her talking about her ducks tht was the lesson over , no french learnt. Although we did learn the French National Anthem and I can still sing it all the way through today. I spent a lot of time outside the headmistresses office but can't recall her name. She was very fair though

Pam

Stan Edwards EMaidstone I remember it well: Message for Boo Jones are you the same 15 year old that went to Oldborough Manor in Mr Martins class 4B1, owned a white Vespa GS while I had the red Vespa Sportique?

Lawrence Maidstone I remember it well: Does anyone remember the Deli that was in Medway Street that sold the best cheesecake I have ever tasted,it was run by an Italian family I think.

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones, blimey are you Stan Edwards that wanted long hair but the old chap was having none of it ha ha and if my memory serves me right you had one of the first Honda twin 200cc which was a great bike, yes Stan it must be around forty five years since we last meet, living abroad for over 26 years now ending in Thailand, do you still see any of are old mates and are you still in Maidstone cheers for now Jj.

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: hello boo,little story i recall.Do you remember we used to have a little gamble every saturday and did an accumulator? neither of us being gamblers we did it for fun and had small return waiting for the big one.Well on this saturday we picked our horses then got roaring drunk and never put the bet on. Ill never forget when we went in kings arms and asked results and were told our horses had come in first. We didnt believe it till we looked at the evening news racing results and there were 2 of our horses ill never forget their names fighting kate and woodland poacher and they came in at 14-1 and 11-1 plus our other three horses involved in the bet had places and good odds.We worked it out that we would have won roughly £1,500 a lot of money over 40 years ago still not bad now!!.Well that was the end of our flutters as that result dosen't come along twice does it and we carried on doing what we were good at drinking.Cheers Boo be safe

Stan Edwards Maidstone I remember it well: Yes JJ the very same, the bike was a Honda 250cc Super Dream and quick for it's day but was in the workshop nearly as often as on the road, remember you once asked the old man if I could stay out late as you had arranged a birthday party for me but really we and the boys were off down the coast on the scooters doing what we did best but as you say I never did end up with long hair, anyway loads of news and updates if you would like to contact me this is my email address:- stan_edwards@hotmail.com look foreword to hearing from you Boo

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: sorry just a little correction to my latter memory it was of course just ove 30 years ago not 40 that this dreadful incodent took place!!! cheers all

Its a good job I read all this stuff first Barry, you originally said it was ninety years. I thought blimey he can't be that old and changed it to forty, but ok I can believe it was thirty. lol

Boo jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones, hi Barry me old darling, remembering all the drinks we had together now is a bit of a blur, due to the fact that no one including me could drink with you and stay sober, although stupid old me tried and tried, your legendary drinking powers was amazing, perhaps if you was drinking now and me being 65 I might stand a bit better chance ha ha, one night stands out at me, when we both had the same cars and color at the Kingsarms after a session I got in your car, only to find milk crates every where, ofcourse chucked them out thinking some one was having a laugh but then my keys did not start the car, whoops happy days you take care big guy cheers Jj.

Sheila Watts Maidstone I remember it well: Richard Emery. So good someone remembers the Segoe and Jeffery rag and bone business. This was my paternal Grandmothers family. My dad used to help out on ~Saturdays - it was a very smelly place!!! with dead rabbits hanging down as I remember. I know Stan used to make bespoke fireplaces - we visited them a while ago but our family ties weren't close. I remember the house in Loose with its own postcode!! Found out the other day that Segoe left a lot of debt and the partnership was dissolved in 1930. Thanks again for your information.

Brian Swain Maidstone I remember it well: Hi there Dawn,I lived in james street, your name rings a bell but i cannot picture your face, but i remember joan free Vallerie Flood,Pat Hills Mary Thornton Pam Otterway,Jean,Linda & Barbara the Harmer Sisters Linda Bovis & Christine Skinner, i also remember her three cousins that use to come down from London for there summer breaks they all spent two weeks holiday at a time there was Jean Reggie & Joyce Jean Ball married my brother Tony. I remember the brush factory it was owned by two men Haywood and a mr Harris he had a very good looking daughter name of Pamela,the ladies that you use to see Mrs Free Molly & Katty Verral fixing the bristles to the broomheads also the inmates at maidstone prison assembled a lot, the brush factory being an old school us boys use to play football in the old play ground, us boys use to sit on the steps with the girls playing dare through kiss & promise, eyespy, tell jokes,and always having a good old sing along we had great fun in them days. Do you remember little Sheila Morris her father had the garage in James Street next to my grandads old pub that he turned into two properties, my uncle George had the butchers shop at the bottom of James Street and all of our fathers and grandads had an allotment each so we never were out of good fresh veg and meat, then there was Bob Sharps fish & chip shop and otterways shop, what wonderful memories to still have.

james walsh Maidstone I remember it well: the ritz was built in 1920/21 by messers g.e.wallis & sons ltd it was gutted by fire on the night of 27th june 1955 and the same builder did the reconstruction i know this because i have a souvenir brochure of the reopening that i would like to donate to any interested museum type organisation in the maidstone area if no interest then i will ebay it

Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: Jim Yarwood: Mick Shirley, "paesano" here! Good to see you've found this website, great memories, how's Bournemouth? Can't believe you've migrated down to the coast with all the other "olds"!!! Give my love to "Babs", now perhaps you can confirm the name of the football team I/you used to play for at Park Wood all those years ago? Yep, still riding motorcycles! Brian Swain I used to live just across the road from Sharps fish & chip shop and the Otterways corner shop on Wheeler Street. Bob Sharp was a real gent and I remember frequently getting 6d-worth of chips and free batter. The Otterway's shop was a mine of goodies! Do you remember a haulage company that used to operate out of a yard just up from the Howard De Walden Youth Club from memory it was called Reeves and there were 2 sons Tommy and Alan - I think? I can vaguely remember the garages; and I do remember the butchers shop, could it possibly be you that I befriended all those years ago that we'd go into the separate stables part of the Royal George pub and rumage around to see what we could find, my mum was Italian; and do you remember the Beautridges? They were a fruit and veg family living in Boxley Road; their 2 sons were Alan and Alfie - I'm talking around the early-mid 50's. I travel fairly frequently past Boxley Road and it seems impossible that we used to play football in the road just up from the defunct Royal George, it's so busy now. Terry McKenna, I will get down to Bristol sometime to see you!!!!