Maidstone people and memories

Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Jim. I can't remember the name of the team either that you and Mick Shirley played, for but i certainly remember playing against him a lot. Always physical games as i remember but mates after which is how MOST of the guys i played against were. I was always "years" younger than a lot of the guys (apart from yourself!!). Still not heard from those guys who i played with at Tekkol!! Somone MUST still be around surely!! Jim you'd be welcome to come to Brissle any time. Let me know and I'll get you a "password" sorted. Any one remember the Stevens family that used to lived in Wheeler Street. Sisters called Glenys: Jean; Margaret and Christine I think. Nice to know how you are girls!!

Sorry Terry couldn't manage to get you on the last page but as to the reference of young Jim its probably as well. :)

Martin Taylor Maidstone I remember it well: Alison who left the comment below, that was so so so nice to read. My grandmother Phyllis married Percy Wright I am the Son of Phyllis youngest daughter Janet. I always called percy grandad and in the short time i knew him he was such a lovely caring man an amazing person. I had no idea he had a brtoher

Alison Llewellyn-Jones

Maidstone I remember it well: I remember the Maidstone Old Baths. I have been reading all the entries with sheer delight and I am very proud to be able to say that Mr. Percy Wright was my grandad's brother. My "Uncle Percy" was the best swimming teacher there at the time. I am so proud to know that others remember him too. From that frightened little girl emerged a woman who now teaches children to swim as her career!!! A little kinder than the old way, however it must be in the genes.

Who remembers the horrendous water spiders that seemed to survive from week to week to terrify you? And the small balcony overlooking the small pool? And the small room where the crisp machines were... I used to stand there for ages trying to choose a flavour, but always opted for the salt n vinegar in the end. And the bus journey home to Barming with stinging eyes, but so proud in my Maidstone Swimming Club tracksuit with all its badges on down the sleeves. There was also a man by the name of Malcolm, who moved to the "New pool" in the 1970's.

Anyway, Percy Wright was brother to my grandad, Charlie Wright. It was my grandad that drove the buses, for those that remember him. Percy would have been seen hanging around the old bus station in Maidstone. My dad was Tony Wright from Barming, a sportsman involved with the cricket on the heath and football. He never learned to swim, and sadly died before I had a chance to teach him...

Martin Taylor Maidstone I remember it well: Hi, I was amazed to see the nice comments and remarks moved me quite a bit. The instructor Percy Wright was my grandfather who sadly passed away in 90's he was married to Phyllis Wright (Elliott) mother to Janet and Pamela elliott. Percy from what I recall (I was very young) was an amazing man, loved his job and loved helping people. He suffered with pooly feel at end of his life due to the chlorine used in the baths. I still have his whistle that he used in his job. Its nice to read such nice and fond remarks about him.

Martin Taylor

Martin forgive me I have changed poorly to pooly if that is wrong let me know and I will change it back. Peter

Sheila Watts Maidstone I remember it well: I went to South Borough Girls School from 1956 until 1958/59. My dad died in 1958 and we moved to Morecambe in Lancashire. My short time at the school was good - I remember some of the teachers - Miss Edgar was Head Mistress, Mrs Baxter taught Deomstic Science, Mrs James - Music, Miss Horsefield - Maths, Mrs Slaughter -Geography, Miss Sayer - Needlework, Mrs Fordham - English, my form teacher was a very tall, slim and well-spoken but for the life of me I can't remember her name. The games teacher - her name also I can't remember, was going out with a teacher from the boys school. Her name I think began with an 'S'. Can anyone else remember any other teacher.

Sheila Watts Maidstone I remember it well: Regarding my previous input - I have now remembered two names - Games Mistress - Miss Swift and my form teacher was Mrs Grice.

Janet Taylor Maidstone I remember it well: For Allison Llewellyn-Jones and and all of you kind people who remember Percy with such lovely memories.My Youngest son found this on the internet tonight.Percy was also my swimming instructor at Maidstone Baths and became my stepfather after marrying my mum Phyllis in 1954.He was such a wonderful man and never moaned about anything.Allison I knew Uncle Charlie but unfortunately was always under the impression he was Percy's brother-in-law I can also remember your Father Tony but sorry I do not remember you, as I married a soldier and moved up to Co.Durham North East in the 1960's and have been here since. The last I heard my halfsister Pamela was living in Brighton although I have not had contact with her since Mum passed away in 2000. Thank you everyone for your kind words about Percy. He would have been overjoyed and proud to read them ... Janet

Lets hope we can find your half-sister for you eh.

LES HUGGINS Maidstone I remember it well: FROM LES HUGGINS

Message for Jim Yarwood:

Hello Jim

Thought I would give you an update on the Beautridge family you mentioned, who used to live in Boxley road.

The family were well known for running fruit and veg shops. Alf Senior had a shop in Scott St. His mother had one in the Market Buildings as I remember and another had a shop in Tonbridge Road.

I have known Alan for over sixty years (I was best man at his wedding and he was best man at mine) He married my wifes Sister and we are still close after all these years. So close in fact that he lives a few doors away from me.!!

Alan run a successful haulage company until his retirement recently. His Brother Alf owned and run Maidstone Glass Company in Pudding Lane until his retirement. Unfortunately Alf died recently at the age of 69.

Best wishes

Les

Robin Grimes Maidstone I remember it well: I think you may have overlooked one of the best papermills in the heart of Maidstone, Springfield mill in the Sandling Road. W & R Balstons Mill gave employment to many local people, both my parents worked there for most of their working lives. I was an apprentice there from 1952 to 1957 when I was called to do National Service.

Brian Swain Maidstone I remember it well: Brian Swain,------ Hi Alan,I remember a builders in Wheeler St,and that was Palmers & Sons they was next door to the Danish Bacon Company also i remember Sargents & Parks i use to love watching the old chaps there cutting the glass, a Mr Dale drove for them and his son & i used to go out on the road for trips out, made a change,forgotten the sons name,the art of getting old,its all gone now just great memories full of fun & games.

Paul Parsons Maidstone I remember it well: I lived in Maidstone from when I was 5 and lived in Whitmore Street and later brought up in Howard House childrens home. I use to go to dancing lessons at Peter Preedy school of dancing. I lived with my grandparents at Stanhope Close at Ringlestone Maidstone. I worked in the Army and Navy stores as a despatch porter in the early eighties I remember the Star Hotel used to go dancing there. My grand parents names were Mr and Mrs Springett, my nans first name was Winnifred but everyone called her Win; I live in Eltham Greenwich now. Do they still have the river festivals? I use to love them. Paul Parsons

Yes I can say with some certainty that Maidstone does still have a river festival once a year.

paul parsons Maidstone I remember it well: I would like to know the history of 51 Howard House Lower Fant rd Barming Maidstone as I was one of the childrn living there when I was 7 in the very early 70s; Also anyone having any photos of it. I had a picture taken with mr Pastry. the building was demolished in late 90s. Thanks paul

Brian Swain Maidstone I remember it well: Hi there Jim,------Yes i remember the sawmill in Bluett St, it was a part of Burrows builders merchants i use to have to go there to collect the sawdust and savings for the rabbits that he use to breed for the table for my uncle georges butchers shop at the end of James St,also for my grandads chicken,i use to help Bob Sharp getting the chips ready for the frier and cutting the paper up. I got 5 bob for that, also use to spend a lot of time helping Eric Morris in the garage he rented from my grandad, he paid well, i remember the stables at the rear of the Royal George; spent many a happy day mucking around in them i use to take his dog for walks ,he had a boxer. As you say we call it progress its all gone now The Royal George, Greyhound The Rose in Wheeler St. so ive been told and the Hare&Hounds, i had some great times in that pub playing the piano,i shall never forget the great times i had and great friends thanks Jim take care Brian

Mike Williams I wonder if anyone still remembers a couple of bands I was in through the 60s and into the 70s?

The Web was formed in 1964 with a line-up consisting of Steve Bush (drums), Chris Gammon (vocals), Tony Skinner (guitar), Mick Williamson (bass) and myself on guitar.

In 1967, we found ourselves short of personnel as Chris Gammon and Tony Skinner left to pursue other interests.

At the same time, Phase Five also found themselves short of members as Tim Huckstep and Pat O’Nion had left. The band had been formed in 1963 with a line-up consisting of Rod Baker (bass), John Bray (guitar), Tim Huckstep (drums), Pat O’Nion (vocals) and Keith Parks (guitar). When Rod Baker left he was replaced on bass by Keith Parks. Brian Cook (keyboard) joined at that time. Mick Card (sax) joined the band in 1965.

It was decided to combine the two bands and The Web Foundation was born. This merger left the band with two bass guitarists and Mick Williamson switched to baritone sax. In 1968 Steve Bush left the band and was replaced on drums by Roger Cable and in 1969 Colin Middleton (trumpet) was welcomed aboard. The band continued with this line-up until the mid-1970s. Keyboard players through this period were variously Brian Cook, Chris Hocking and John Watson.

In 1997 and 2002 the band held two very successful reunions and since 2002 have been working together under various titles (Mick’s Bunch, Old Pals Act and BC among them) and with varying personnel. In 2010 it was decided to adopt the original name and The Web Foundation was re-born. With four of the original band – Mick Card and Mick Williamson (saxes), John Bray (guitar) and Colin Middleton (trumpet, flugelhorn and keyboard) – the line-up has been completed by Tony Bathurst (vocals), Pete Gamble (drums) – who joined when Roger Cable was forced to retire due to ill-health – and Don Vann (bass), who replaced the late and much lamented Dave Balchin. The band play at venues around the South East and occasionally in South-West France where they perform with members of a band formed by ex-Maidstone guitarist Mick Forrest.

Sadly, I now live too far away to be a regular band member but have joined the others for one of their French outings.

If anyone would like to get in touch with the band, they can be contacted via mick@pentype.co.uk ... I know they would be delighted to hear from you, as would I.

Hi Mike, I was at school with Tony Skinner and in fact had an e-mail from hime last week. Strangely I had not heard of him for nearly fifty years, he going on to Tech I think and me at St. Francis. Pat Onion was at Tech. Coll. doing business studies at the same time as myself and its probably forty five years since I have seen him. Tony Bathurst scared the sh.... out of me so I never really knew him untill many years later he came into a hairdressing salon that I was working in sat in my chair and trembled I mean really trembled saying sorry mate I just have a thing about having my haircut it scares the sh.. out of me. I thought if he only knew how he scared us kids in the old days.... Funny old world innit.

Howard Stanley Maidstone I remember it well: I moved to Maidstone just after the Palace in Gabrials Hill was pulled down and a Sainsbury's supermarket was built in it's place (now Robert Dyas). The Ritz in King Street was given a major refit and became an ABC "Pre Release" theatre, often showing films before general release. The Granada was a magnificent building as previously discussed. The Neesons sweet shop became Granada operated "Miss Candy" with an opening into the main foyer area of the cinema. The first floor restaurant closed down in 1966/67 and became a ballroom dancing studio.

ROGER HUMPHRIES Maidstone I remember it well: Hi. Although not from Maidstone, I remember so many of the Maidstone venues mentioned as I've been & still am a musician for over 50 years .... In the early 60's I was the bass player in a band called The Scapegoats and we played gigs at places such as The Royal Star Hotel & Shepway Manor Youth Club ... in the 2nd half of the 60's when I was in a rock band called The Plague, we used to play regularly at Invicta Barracks, The Howard De Walden Youth Club, The British Legion Village Hall in Ditton and many other venues in the area. .... In the 70's I was in a country band called "Whiskey" and we regularly played places such as The London Tavern, The Queens Head Hotel, Barming Village Hall as they all had country nights and since that time I've done gigs at The Hazlitt Theatre, The Maidstone River Festival and The Corn Exchange .... Eric Snowball is a great mate and has just retired and sold his shop in Upper Fant Road, but I was a regular customer at his shop in The Broadway as well as recording my very first album in the studio that was in the bassment of the old shop and run by Dave Tewes.

ted mercer Maidstone I remember it well: essex on the coast.I REMEMBER MAIDSTONE MARKET EVERY TUESDAY AS A KID WITH MY MUM AND DAD. DAD AND I USED TO LOOK AT LIVE STOCK SALES OLD TOOT STALLS HAVE A BOWL OF EELS PLATE OF COCKELS DAD USED TO HAVE A FEW PINTS AND OF COURSE I HAD A FEW LEMONADES AND USED TO DO SOME SHOPPING THEN WE ALL HAD A NICE PIECE OF FISH AND CHIPS LOAD UP THE WAGON WITH ALL OUR GEAR AND GO HOME. WHAT A GREAT DAY OUT.NEVER BE THE SAME.WHY DID THEY HAVE TO CHANGE IT.MISS THE OLD DAYS.MY KIDS WOULD HAVE LOVED IT.MEMORIES.

Sally Country: Spain Maidstone I remember it well: PS When I separated I moved from a detached house in Marion Crescent to a two-up, two-down terrace in Brewer Street. The house used to shake whenever a train went into/out out of Maidstone East. There was an air vent chimney for the rail tunnel just beyond my pocket-handkerchief back garden.

Sally I know exactly where the air vent is I used to see it from our garden, we lived in those days in 63 Brewer Street and the vent itself came up at the back of the butchers Mr. Mosely's. Not sure what the shops are now.

Sally Country: Spain Maidstone I remember it well: I lived in and around Maidstone from 1970 to Jan 1985. I arrived on my boyfriend's houseboat, having travelled from the Thames near Hampton Court to East Farleigh! I found work at Rawdon Road Garage as a petrol pump attendant for a friend of mine whose father owned the garage. I later worked the coffee bar at Dunnings. After marriage, I lived in one of the terrace cottages at the top of Tovil Hill, in front of the old graveyard there (and behind the smelly rubbish tip!) We then moved upmarket to Marion Crescent and I worked at the garage in the parade by the Wheatsheaf and after my kids were born I did an evening shift at The Swan on Loose Road. After I separated, I worked days and 2 nights a week at The Royal Albion, near the museum, in the town centre. Very normal during the day shift, but a riot at night, when all the students, bikers, etc would descend upon the place! But I used to love working the live band nights - and the landlord at the time was a retired all-in wrestler from the East End with a heart of gold, but who stood no nonsense from the punters, and ended up as Landlord of the Year for the Hurlimann's Brewery, winning a trip to Switzerland, the home of the brewery. No previous landlord had been able to control the punters before him!

A little boy wanted $100.00 very badly and prayed for weeks, but nothing happened .

Then he decided to Write to God a letter requesting the $100.00.

When The postal Authorities received The letter addressed to God, USA They decided to send it to President Obama.

Obama was so amused that he Instructed his secretary to send the little boy a $5.00 bill.

He thought this would appear to Be a lot of money to a little boy.

The little boy was delighted with the $5.00 bill and sat down to write a thank-you note to God, which read: Dear God: Thank you very much for sending the money. However, I noticed that for some reason you sent it through Washington , D.C. and the Sods took $95.00 in taxes.

boo jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones, hello to T. Smith if I am correct you took care of me in hospital and many others of course but this was in 1960 when there was a batch of young guys including me with a number of broken legs myself broken femur we were at the West Kent then transfered to Linton this was when Neil ? was in with one leg gone, Terry from London both legs shattered and the old fellow Walt Farleigh paper seller from Maidstone who fell over drunk. Due to our young ages it seemed great fun at the time, especialy at night with the syringe fights using them as water pistols perhaps not for you, anyway thanks a million Boo.

Barry Wells Maidstone I remember it well: I spent my early childhood in Maidstone 1939-1945 when my Dad served in the West Kent Regiment. We lived in the Sandling Road and I recall attending a private school for 12 months called The Elms School. I also recall a hardware shop run by a Mr Norley and have other very scant memories, being only 7 years old when Dad left the army and we all moved to Northampton. I also recall Dad was wounded and we visited him at a convalescent home, possibly Barming Heath or Bromley. I am trying to research those early years and would appreciate any memories from others at that time.

Good Luck Barry it could be interesting

LES HUGGINS Maidstone I remember it well: LES HUGGINS- Maidstone I remember it well

Hello Barry Wells

I remember NORLEYS in Week Street. The chap was in his mid fifties to early sixties and used to sell clothes,I remember my Dad called him Bill. As well as being a tobacconist. I also seem to remember he ran a pawn-shop at one time. The contents of the shop were similar to the type of goods you found in the local Beehive Stores at the corner of Union Street.

The only Elms school I can remember was in London Road, it was between Buckland Hill and the old Maidstone United FC Athletic Ground. I believe it was a private school, but not sure.

Hello Mike Williams. The first "pop-group" I remember when touring the local youth clubs at the time (around 1962-63) were THE HONDAS. The line up was Chris Gammon (vocals) Pete Gamble (Drums) both old mates from Ringlestone,Graham Bromwich played lead guitar, John Talbot, Bass One of their specials was their own rendition of Johnny Kidd and the Pirates "Shakin,all over"

Another group at the time was THE WHIRLWINDS. I knew their drummer Mick Stephens quite well. His Mum use to own the Broadway Pie Shop, whilst Peter his brother had a wholesale pie-factory in the old George Yard (Gabriels Hill) I worked for Peter for a while as Night Baker. His pies were fantastic, I have never tasted a pie better before or since.

Best Wishes

Les

Graham Bromwich was my patrol leader in the scouts and he taught me the culinary delights of one eyed egyptians. My grandchildren still laugh when I tell them what it is. Pete

boo jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones more on T. Smith and Hospitals, just remembered a colleague of your Mr. King I believe he was head nurse at Linton or was it the other way round, a lot of the lads used to sneak out for a beer, believe the pub was called the Bell, me being only 15 had to wait for the odd stout that was given out in the wards,ha what a great dark beer do hope Mr. Smith reads this cheers Boo.

Yes yes Boo I've put it in the hospitals as well

norm gearing Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: i was in a band with graham bromich called the CLASSICS the singer was chris gammon ,graham worked at james walkers a jewellers i believe in the high street we got our photo in the kent messenger as an up and coming band with 500 pounds worth of equipment!!!

Yep I was a school with Graham. His dad was the manager of Walkers in Maidstone. Pete

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones, hi Peter thats an interesting subject, based on many situations however one of the hardest men I ever met in Maidstone was from the gypsy community, from the Mathews family, he was Tom Mathews who was the father of Wally Mathews who run the scrap yard top of Stone St, Hunts back of the Eagle pub, when Tom was a young man he worked for the fairgrounds, the attraction customers could break a road kirb over his chest with a 14 pound sledge hammer, wow try that for fun you hard men ha ha amazing, the next contender would be our lovely Barry Hines because when I used to box for Westree Boxing Club, welterweight he was heavyweight and used to beat me up and plenty of witnesses ask Jock Henderson, oh lovely days I loved a whack from Barry, only joking big guy any ideas on your hard man Barry cheers for now Boo.

Please refer to Hard Men Of Maidstone Tab

hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: To Boo Jones.I was in C Ward at linton in 1960.Neil was Neil Hanson Arch enemy of John Mepstead.There also was one flatulent Fred.Ronnie Law was Charge Nurse in C Ward.The Mr King was William Foord King known as Bunny King,told a good story with a booming voice.The Bell is now a curry house.

hugh shannon Maidstone I remember it well: i recall graham bromwich was known as Bomrag at St Fannys

barry hynes Maidstone I remember it well: Ref Roger Humphries,hello roger i dont know if you remember me i live in the big house at top of hope street.We often spoke of country music and and your old gigs playing country music.I started playing country guitar about 7 years ago and i bought a guitar from eric snowball it is a washburn festival that once belonged to you.It is still in original case and beautiful condition its a lovely guitar.Bet you wondered what happened to it bought back old memories well now you know.Heres my email addy if you wish contact wayitwasin66@hotmail.com lot of people ask if that was the year we won world cup but 66 is the year i left school, anyone else want to contact me on this addy please feel free.

Patricia Gilmore Maidstone I remember it well: I remember living in Maidstone from 1945 to 1950. I lived on Rocky Hill, London Road and firstly went to East Borough School when Mr Mansfield was the head master then I went to the Elms School on the London Road. Originally a boys school. There were very few girls attending when I was there. I also remember snow in June 1947. I had a friend who lived in Wheeler Street. - Yvonne Broad - her father had a taxi business. At the Elms, the head master was Mr Piper. His daughter Flora was also taught there. There was also public swimming baths I believe situated by the river at the bottom of Earl Street. On the Broadway there was also 'The Farm Shop'and I also remember very well St Peters Church where in the church hall many social evenings were held and in those days a band was a band - not just a couple of guitars. Stan Martin and his band often played there. I have no time to write all I remember but have come across some small booklets 'bygone Kent" mentioning names that are familiar to me. Would any genuinely interested person like them? as I am old now and they would only be thrown out.

I hope someone claims the Bygone Kent mags Patricia but if not in a month or so I will ask myself. Thanks for writing in and yes the baths, swimming and for cleaning were on the riverbank next to the electric company where my father worked. Can't remember the farm shop though but hey ho perhaps it was before my time.

Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Patricia Gilmore. If you can bear to part with the booklets I would love to have them. Sadly St Peters church was burnt down and the blaze could be seen for miles around. Wasn't the Farm Shop very close to Drake and Fletchers and Lampards bakery?? You're NEVER too old Patricia: You just feel it sometimes like we ALL do. My email is terrymckenna178@btinternet.com Keep writing your memories on this lovely site (Mr Capon told me to say that!!)cos there are some terrific memories from a whole variety of people. One more thing: Where's the memories from my Ex Tekkol football team guys, such as the Quested Brothers who worked in Loader and Payne in Bank Street??? Wyn: I know you're still around!!

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo Jones, To Hugh Shannon hello mate, sorry the names I cant remember but you are right about the nurses who took care of us King, Law and even the Surgeon Dr Shepard who was fantastic, I was in traction for 17 weeks with a broken femur, apart from the names mentioned also there was a guy called Dennis that had been crushed by a paper reel at Reeds paper mill again leg problems, now not living in the cold I have no problem with my leg only lean a bit ha ha cheers Boo.

phillip wood Maidstone I remember it well: re football photo`s from st francis from bernie you have joe micalf`s name there sad to say he passed away a few weeks ago.

I am very sad to hear that.

Brian Swain Maidstone I remember it well: Hi there Boo,I dont expect you remember me i once played the piano in your brothers band along with Kenny Evans,Roger Cable,Dougy Bricknel and some other chap i cannot remember his name for love our money. We had some great times. Anyway it seems you are doing quite well over there so Dave tells me, good on you, i had the chance to go to the USA just after i came out of the forces in 1965 but sadly i lost my father and that sort of messed things up i had to take care of my mother. Did you know that Roger Cable had a son called Natham he like his father plays the drums, he's very good,he gave me an LP he had a track on it, i still have the LP that he gave me. I have not lived in Maidstone since 1967 the year i got married and very rarely got into Maidstone until the past couple of years and started getting in touch with some old school chums,it's nice to keep in touch i see you do very well,i have seen dave a few times over the WAR@PEACE show had some great chats about the good old days,i see and hear that quite a few of the old boys are still playing,thats it for now please forgive any mistake this is all new for me my kids kept on@on so i thought i would have a crack at it,cheer's and take care BRIAN

Paul Brown Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: I was born in Maidstone in 1962 now living in Sydney, Australia. My best mates were Johnny Mills and Kevin Mills. We all used to live in Beaumont road. I was number 15 I think. My Nan had the council house there. I've looked at it a few times now houses have changed. I went to East borough Primary school. i think it was East! Ive been back a couple of times to see where I grew up even tried to chase up my old mate Kevin Mills. Went to the Fox and Hound and asked around they knew of him but didn't know where he was.

Well lets see if someone can locate him for you Paul

Boo Jones Country: Thailand Maidstone I remember it well: Boo, Hi Brian, if Im correct you lived on Shepway Est the same as us and you where close friends with was it Joan Little, also I remember something about hop picking with my brother Dave and Dave Kirby but its so long ago its very vague sorry, as for the members in Daves band you would have to have a list to remember all the guys who played with him, at that time there was so many great musicians around people who could play not gadget music makers, wow lets not go there, nice to hear from you Brian cheers Boo.ps trying to get Dave on this site, see what you can do bye.

jan mundy Maidstone I remember it well: hi miss tyler, I was at southborough until 1978. You taught pe I think. I was Janet Cox. Friends with camille castle, carol dalton, mandy knowels, tracy godsen & sharon spelman

Ray Crouch Maidstone I remember it well: I lived in Ringlestone until aged 9 when I was told we were moving to one of the new houses being built on the Shepway estate. The year was 1953. Ringlestone being close to Drakes zoo meant that on summer evenings we heard the roars of lions and Hyenas echoing across the river. The same river we used to swim in or watch drowned sheep float past before being caught in the locks at Allington. I remember Mrs Ring from Egerton road where I lived a widow always dressed in black waiting on the river tow path with her sack shouting to the men on the coal barges to throw lumps of coal to her as she followed them slowly up river where they would off load the coal at the gas or Electricity works in Maidstone. I remember us kids picking up some of the coal to take home ourselves only to be shouted at by her to leave the coal alone as it belonged to her. I remember looking for lizards and slow worms in the Allington quarries amongst the corrugated iron and battered and rusty rail trucks loaded with rocks leading from the quarry to the river where they discharged into barges. As a kid I remember being shown around Mason’s brewery which was situated in the same road as the swimming baths just past the Fremlin Bridge. I remember lunchtimes coming from Maidstone College seeing coopers making wooden barrels for Style and Winch. They worked in a building on the London road adjacent to the road bridge that spans the West station railway line and on sunny days would sit outside and work. After moving the huge building site that was Shepway was paradise for us 10 year olds growing up. Encircling Shepway at that time was continuous woodland and farmland immediately beyond. The woods stretched from the county police station on Sutton road, through to Otham village then all the way down to a quarry at the entrance to Moat Park at the bottom of Willington Street. As kids I remember us stalking a herd of deer that had amongst it a white Hart. A good mate of mine at the time was Norm Geering “Maidstone I remember it well 15” we lost touch after he left for Australia some 47 years ago. So Norm if you read this contact me through Friends reunited.

Brian Swain Maidstone I remember it well: Hi there Phill,i still think of the great times that we had in jolly old James Street you Allan and me, i often wonder what happened to Allan he joined the Airforce and the last time i saw him was just before we moved out of James Street to move up to Shepway Est,he came to see hes gran an Lill Bill & Chris,we had them as our next door neighbours in Medway House. You know Phill we certainly had some great times we went miles by foot,and some of tne things us three got up to but we never caused any trouble what so ever but a lot of people blamed us for things other kids done. It is wonderful to see that your mother is still alive she could knock up some good spaghetti meals thats for sure,did your dad make his own eggflip?i still remember one day that you opened your shed and there was a massive bucket full of eggs in some sort of liquid with a lot of froth,remember me to Stella still have lots to chat about take care Brian

Dave Stubberfield Maidstone I remember it well: How many of the Pubs Do you Remember on this web site nearly 200 in Maidstone at http://www.stubberfield.net/pubs.pdf

steven foreman Maidstone I remember it well: kings street and shops and alleyways hello looking on your site i have come across a jim clinch talking about a shop in kings street and would like a photo of it. I have a photo of the shop and am a relative of his. my nan was his cousion i belive and i was always told the golden boot in maidstone was made by james clinch and did he know if this was correct. could you pass on my email adress please

david last Country: Spain Maidstone I remember it well: looking for the email for my mate ivor thomas as i was in the band with him but also met him in australia