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phillip wood Maidstone I remember it well: I remember my school days at st francis vividly 1946/1956 Miss Stroud in the first year Miss Cokley 2nd year last i heard she is still alive in her late 90`s still does her shopping at Sainsbury`s maidstone very strict would rap your knuckles with the sharp side of the ruler.Mr Mc partland not sure about the spelling was the headmaster many times i got cane from him bits of the cane would fly everwhere,i most remember Harry O`Donnell he was not a very big person in size but i have never forgotten him he died just over a year ago.
Yes I remember them all very well and Miss Lenten and Mrs Nolan. PC
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phillip Wood Maidstone I remember it well: back to st francis school again and harry o donnell one day we came nose to nose in the playground can`t remember what i had done and he said if i thought i was big enough we could go round to the pit and sort it out man to boy respect eas instantly given to him.he was my godfather at my confirmation i was the only boy who was dressed all in white my mother did it specially for me.
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phillip Wood
Maidstone I remember it well: I remember german prisoners of war knocking the air raid shelters down in st francis playground and one gave me an eagle carved in wood which i liked very much i couldn`t grasp school work i was hopeless but harry would give me other work stoking the boiler when mr skinner was off sick health and safety ? i also made the cabinet that displayed the cups and shields on the top floor.
You could hear Mr. Skinner coming a mile off his chest rattled so badly in my time. PC
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phillip Wood Maidstone I remember it well: st francis the boys used to walk huntsman lane to the horsa( spelling ) huts for woodwork and the girls went for cookery we also went to some fields at buckland hill for football and sports days register in the morning your name was called you said here sir one day i said here harry wallop!!!!!
I can remember walking from St. Francis to the Buckland Hill sports field over the bridge, it always scared the day-lights out of me. PC
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quin
Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: i went to west borough primary and junior from 1955, i remember it WELL> mrs Flauve? pronounced floyf. mrs cross mr jolly miss drayton mr smith mr diamond. we had 4 teams in sport boxley (red) detling (yellow) charing (green and Wrotham Blue. we went by bus to swim in the pool next to the fremlins brewery. i used to get sandwiched at the shop for the teachers at lunch (they didnt like school diners and there was a fruit machine in it. we had enormous playing fields for soccer and cricket and we played ?stool ball. i pushed valerie drury in the pond in the the nature walk area and i remember the day we watched oakwood hospital tower burn down.
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quin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: we had two resident bands at the maidstone grammar school the ventures and i think the jaguars ...once they did a joint performance and 6 guitars let rip loosening the stain glass war memorial windows and upsetting the head master whose name i will remember later
quin Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: mgs headmaster was Mr Claydon,.deputy Mr Rylands ,lower school Mr Newcombe
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kevin
Maidstone I remember it well: you bunch of losers there is nothing nice about the river medway! you lot need to get out more!!!!!!
I Think you miss the point Kevin we did get out more thats why we have fond memories of the Medway.
Barry Newman Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: Mum, Dad and I used to call Goldings "Smoky Joe's" due to the ever present cheroot hanging from his mouth scenting the air. A real treasure trove.
Dave Maidstone I remember it well: Not sure about the reference to a "Johnny Slater". I DO remember Johnny Morris as "The Hot Chestnut Man" who resembles that description as a story-teller. There was a John Slater who appeared in Z-Cars and one of the advertising magazine programmes of the time, I think. A good site for such-like memories is http://www.whirligig-tv.co.uk They have a mine of information about vintage TV and radio. Make certain you have a few hours spare before you start browsing. There`s lots to see.
I do remember Johnny Morris but if my memory serves me correctly he was the man doing the animal stories and impressions. If anyone else remembers the name of the man who stood roasting chestnuts and telling storys I would love to know. Must look on Whirligig, thanks for the tip. Peter have since looked on Whirligig and it appears that Johnny Morris was the Hot Chestnut Man "Didn't I... I thought I did" So who else did a similiar programme?
Christine Webb Maidstone I remember it well: I used to live in Church St, the Holy Trinity Church was at the top of our Road. Can anyone remember when we had a Circus in Moat Park they used to walk the Elephants from the Railway Station through the town along King Street to the park via Square Hill all the kids used to gather at the bottom of Church St as it was usualy a Sunday afternoon from what I can remember and the Elephants used to parade from the largest to the smallest holding tails with truncks with the clowns running along side with ther buckets for a collection, at least that is how I remember it.
anonymous Maidstone I remember it well: Great site! Brings a smile through dim memories of old people, places & times. I attended Vinters Boys` Secondary School 63-68 & my lasting memory was of the Head, Alf Read, was punched by a pupil & soon after tiny pieces of his broken spectacles were being sold amongst the pupils (a long-term investment?) I remember the Wesley youthclub where I learnt of a new phenomenon called a `French`kiss....yeeuk. Arthur Brown played there & did his crazy "Fire"- spectacular!...especially with the drummer spraying lighter fuel on his symbols & igniting it. Arthur Brown is still going, not quite so ablaze now...I saw him recently & he stops his gig halfway through, saying he needs a little lie down.
anonymous Maidstone I remember it well: Yes, remember well the old Baths, where `Old Ma Hollingsworth` would try to drown us with her pole & her booming,echoing voice - but what relief,joy & pride to swim your first whole length of the pool!
RENE NEWMAN Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: I remember the barges with their red sails bringing timber,corn etc up to the bridge, timber for Smythes yard by the bridge. As a lad in Dad's Army, my father was our sergeant, guarding Maidstone Bridge determined to fight the Hun. Lucky for me none ever ventured near,just as well with a 303 and 6 rounds they wouldn't have stood a chance. We saved the river Shirley for you to enjoy your boating. I lived in Tovil so enjoyed the use of Avery's skiffs. About midnight on HG duty we heard two matelots scrambling over the coal heap next to the bridge, they been on the town and went to sleep it off by the river and fell in. The police came to the rescue and got them cleaned up and rested and promised would be back at Chatham in time to return to their ship.!942 I was called to the forces but not the army, must have heard from the Royal West Kents I wasn.t much of a shot. Cheers.
Rene Newman Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: I learned from Philip the name of the teacher who enjoyed wielding the ruler edge across my fingers 79 years ago. I took action by running away several times, Mr Naylor a kind neigbour gave me a penny to get home, he worked in a bicyle shop. Halfords? nearby. I soon found myself learning at Tovil infants where kindly Miss Brittain? was the head. Enjoyed it there before I went to South Borough with mostly great teachers for the times. At least I have some good memories of it. Cheers.
Rene Newman Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: Haven't read about the Palace cinema in Gabriels Hill, it was opposite The Golden shoeshop and the Ship Inn, landlady nice but tough,Everyone enjoyed her beer and behaved themselves.Ater the stinking atmosphere from the smokers of a cinema visit the beer tasted even better. Back in the 30-40's the Empire cinema in Earl St. was known as the bughutch and Mr.Feast constantly shouted "keep quiet in the tuppenies' and shone his torch on the culprits. The pennies sat on the forms at the front and came out with a stiff neck after watching the film from almost 180 degrees I experienced that, good practice for watching our boys win the Battle of Britain fight. Anyone remember Fishy Baker's just below the Palace?great meal in a bag for a tanner. Cheers.
Thank you Rene, I did mention the Palace in Gabriels Hill in the cinema page but I had forgotten about the fish and chip shop though. Thanks for the reminder
Rene Newman Maidstone I remember it well: By chance just read Reflections. one submission, can only guess the author. Until we get some guts back in society, bury the do gooders and the PC brigade we will never fix the social problems. Our mealy mouthed polititions, so worried about votes and encouraging the lower socio economic group have contributed to the social problems of today. ie.encouraging even children to have no consequence for bad behaviour, no work ethic, why work when the taxpayer will pay you to stop at home and booze, gamble or drup up. Young girls have a baby and t/p's will fund you, so much that no problem if you slip up again and again.Break into a house, get beaten up by the husband and he will go to gaol, you will get a wet bus ticket slap or at most full free board and warm bed in a comfortable place for a short spell,inclusive of TV and you don't even have to work. Will encourage you to carry on with your criminal ways. The poor police have had their powers taken away, their numbers dwindled and under funded. Teachers,parents etc. are in the same boat. We are now pestered with families that are now second and even third generation who have never had a job and kept themselves. Is it any wonder that we have our social problems? Have some guts people,don't put up with it, write to your MP's and the Prime Minister, if anyone uses offensive language etc. in front of your wife or kids say something to the offenders of any age, in fact don't put up with any anti social behaviour. I don't and so far it has been successful and I know it is risky but it is cowardly to not make your protest about these low lifes that been have thrust on us by the do gooders. Alas I talking about NZ but I believe Britain is suffering the same malady. DO SOMTHING.
I really didn't think it was that bad in NZ thought it was only over here in UK. Please move back to UK Rene and I will vote for you.
Ruby Todd Maidstone I remember it well: I lived in Sandling Rd,I ran the fish and chip shop opposite the barracks,and the squadies used to come in for supper on the way back to invicta park,the local kids loved it when I fried potato fritters,happy memories.Ruby Todd
viv
Maidstone I remember it well: So Miss Holligsworth and her long pole was still teaching school children to swim in the '60's I was taught by her in the late '40's. On the first lesson we were all lined up at the shallow end with instructions not to get in until Miss Hollingsworth blew her whistle and that we were to be careful and hold tight to the rail once in. Sammy Halligan promptly made an impressive dive but unable to swim floudered and was going under -in jumped Miss H to rescue him much to the excitement of the rest of us. Another memory I have of the baths is of my father telling me about his stay there with his sister when they were young as their Grandfather was for a while the live in Superintendent. He apparently used to entertain people by swimming a length under water with a lighted cigarette in his mouth and on emerging at the other end would take it out and send up a cloud of smoke. How times have changed !!
Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: St francis RC and Maidstone Technical High 1954/60 and 1960/67 I remember it well.We had the Bakerie/Off/Licence shop in Holland road. My late father was Mayor (Original Liberals) Mac Mckenna 1983/4 and was very proud of that fact.I remember the Trolly buses. 2 fares only: 1 and a half.d and 3d.The Medway flooding Fremlins on a regular basis. I remember playing football with my life long friend Trevor Miles on a "Tiny" bit of green just before Hatheral road,where the buses, No 1 used to turn round.Watching Maidstone United (Danny Wiltshire,Fred Baker,Mickey Angell, Dennis Cutbush and son Johnny,and of course my old school mate David Sadler).The Salvation Army Band playing outside our shop on a Sunday morning and in Brenchly Gardens too! The old cinema The Bughitch in Earl Street, where i accidentally got locked in for 4 hours once by accident, and sitting in the Ritz cinema in King street when the news of JFK's assassination was handwritten across the screen. The JFK 50 miles walk from Canterbury to Maidstone via Ashford,ending at the Army barracks in Sandling road.Walking on the old iron bridge across the Medway to Buckland Hill and being scared to death as the Steam,then Diesel trains thundered by as i was walking over the bridge. My first dance AND kiss at the youth club at(St Pauls?)on the Tonbridge road.40 years in Bristol but Maidstone is still "Home". I remeber it well.
Hi Terry, its a strange thing that I can remember your name but cannot put a face to it (must be something about getting older). I think I was at school with your younger brother. Thanks for stopping by.
First Name: Ruby Ruby Todd
Ruby Todd [ne Newman] I was going to mention the cinema and fishy bakers in Gabriels Hill but my brother Rene beat me to it,he did'nt tell you we spent most of our summer holidays swimming in the River Medway,just past the paper mill[Tovil& Bridge]the water was lovely and clean,and our Dad worked in the mill so during his tea break he used to come out to make sure we were o.k,all we needed was a bottle of lemonade[made with crystals and very sharp]and jam sanwiches,we were set for the day then.where we used to swim we named Sandy Bay,does any one else remember swimming there,Yes I learnt to swim when I was at All Saint's School,we used to walk to the Swimming baths for our weekly lesson,I enjoy reading all then other memories.
Andrew Avenell Maidstone I remember it well: I have also like others that have posted messages have got alot of great memories of Maidstone and of Allington Park where I lived in Trevor drive and of the school Brunswick house from 1963-1966. Remember the Headmistress Mrs.Foster who used to live up on the London Road in a white house that over looked the school playing field and Mr.Impy who was my last form teacher.As a young lad of 11yrs back then I was heart broken at having to leave my friends as my parents sold up and moved to Woodley just out side Reading to be near my older Sister.Joined Frends Re-United in hope of making contact with those I went to school with and some of my old friends from the Allington Park estate. Have made contact with others from those days and Iam still hoping to make contact with others from that period via that web site it takes time if any one stumbles across this site like I have this morning and remembers Brunswick house join Friends Re-United you never no what will turn up unless you try. Andrew Avenell
I hope you find your old mates Andrew, thanks for stopping by
Brian Morgan Maidstone I remember it well: Hello I am Brian my memory of Lenham Court was from 1970/75 when I considered purchasing the property to convert into a hotel.It was and I assume still is a magnificient property and has stayed in the memory ever since. I believe the asking price was £60000 at that time. Maybe I made a mistake but went on to purchase Milestone House in Deal.Coincidentally I am travelling from my home in Shoreham By Sea Sussex to visit relatives in Deal tomorrow Wednesday 13/08/08 and hoped to revisit Lenham after all these years just passing on the motorway.You may therefore notice a light green xtrail with me Brian taking photos nearby,hope you don't mind.
Have a safe journey Brian
Terry McKenna
Maidstone I remember it well: Hi peter. It was my younger brother Shaun you were at school with. I have just made a connection with another contributor to these pages, Patricia Roberts(Walters)who now lives in Melbourne and wrote about her "Memories" of St Francis rather "Stern" teachers AND she too remembered my name but not the face!! So we all must be getting old.
Andrew Avenell Maidstone I remember it well: Since my last posting I remember well two other things, One happy,One sad.On the happy note first...Reading through the Brunswick house school web pages how the memories came flooding back as if it was yesterday,Read that the school still to this day does school outings to Hastings, How I remember well our school outing too Hastings the girls on one coach the boys on the other remember well the boys coach overtaking the girls on the journey down know doubt the coach driver at the time in question wished he had ear plugs in. On not a happier note this time one of the other things I remember about Maidstone was whilst travelling from Allington Park into Maidstone by car remember seeing the terrible site of seeing one of the churches in Maidstone on fire,seeing the flames leaping into the air never forgot that sight...If my memory serves me right I do recall seeing a new church being built next to the burnt out shell of the orginal church. I will post again soon with other memories I have of how Maidstone used to look.
Rene Newman Maidstone I remember it well: Cinema locations? Back in the 30's,40's I remember them as the Central-King St.. Ritz-Pudding Lane.Palace-Gabriels Hill,Granada 200 yards further on the left and the Empire in Earl St.Commonly known as the Bughutch or Fleapit. I have reread the other comments and am a little confused and wonder if Gaga time is here.
Yes your probably right we are all a little gaga.
Mike Matthews Maidstone I remember it well: Ah yes Paynes fruit & veg shop near the top of Week Street where I used to buy a penny`s worth of "specs" (bruised & battered fruit) on the way home from school.
I remember being told years ago that Paynes the fruit shop sold for three million pounds when it closed down. Still who knows.
Mike Matthews Maidstone I remember it well: The Granada was my main venue for saturday morning pics. I think there was summat also going on at one of the other pic houses but cant recall. Hop-along-Cassidy, Roy Rogers, Flash Gordon (alias Buster Crabbe), Old mother Reilly, I could go on. When the Granada was putting on the shows I was lucky enough to see Billy Fury, Marty Wilde and I think Joe Brown on the same bill. My old man took me and I think even he enjoyed it. I recall the Granada being built. Something was knocked down to make way for it but I cant remember what it was. (vague recollection it was an older cinema) I Recall going to see the guy playing the piano marathon, I thought it was in the Regal but not sure.
I think the marathon was at the Palace in Gabriels Hill Mick as were the famous American Yo-Yo Stars. Are we sad or what?
Mike Maidstone I remember it well: While I grew up in Maidstone I havent been back there since 1987. Am I correct in remembering the "Golden Boot" shoe shop with a big Golden Boot outside as part of the signage being in Gabriels Hill? I remember it was the only shop in Maidstone that sold Clarkes shoes. I also remember Hubble & Freeman sports shop. Can anyone tell me where the model shop was that had a model train set in the window and you could operate it by putting a coin (cant remember how much)into a slot at the side of the window?
Yes Mike the Golden Boot is still there. The model shop that I remember was in Lower Stone Street but I have a feeling that at Christmas time Cheesemans had a model railway that you put money into. Anyone else help please.
David Severn Maidstone I remember it well: I remember the folk club, upstairs in a pub near the east station, that was later to be taken over by a pub chain, to become a steak house The Wig and Gown that was eventualy demolishd to become the KCC building.
David Maidstone I remember it well: Broadmead Record Shop This shop was the best place to buy gramaphone records, it had booths at one side to hear the music. The staff were helpful, in particular one girl who was very knowledible and so helpful, really knew the groups, I bought my first LP there in 1962 it was the Shadows although my taste did develop later on. Buying music is easy now on the internet, but never as good as having a real and helpful person.
joan williams Maidstone I remember it well: i remember marsham street number 9 it was my grans home i used to stay with her in the 60s and seventies loved going to woolworths and the museum
I remember Woolworths as well joan I used to go there as a treat with my mother, half way down on the right hand side they had a canteen area that you stood at. The drinking chocolate was wonderful.
phillip wood Maidstone I remember it well: Rosemary it has been reported in the kent messenger that cows maybe put in mote park this is nothing new as there were always cows or sheep there roaming all over leaving pancakes and currants behind spoilt many a romantic evening Oh Yes Phillip
First Name: phillip wood Maidstone I remember it well: skating on the lake in mote park about 1947 and 1962 (drove my car on the ice idiot,mad or both)
phillip wood Maidstone I remember it well: trains the barracks station was built to serve tilling and stevens,sharps toffee works the old malt house oppersite sharps and the granery by tillings
phillip wood Maidstone I remember it well: wheeler street there was a shop run by an italian lady she had a son called ken further up there was a pie and peas/mash shop the greyhound pub sharp`s fish and chip shop 1p for old potatoes 2p for new otterways corner of wheeler street and james street up a bit more was a shop we called cockoo`s right name or not don`t know then the danish bacon yard oppersite james street. there was a rag and bone man who used to come round and you could swap a bundle of rags for a chick they were all cocks and used to be fattened up for chrisrmas dinner
phillip wood Maidstone I remember it well: barges on medway used to deliver malt to fremlins the malt would go up on the conveyer belt over the road we would go on the barge and would be given sandwiches made with marg AND honey didn`t didn`t have the two together at home what a treat
Chris Lovelidge Canada Maidstone I remember it well: I lived in Maidstone from birth to 15 at Palmar Road off the London Road. At that time it was the edge of town with woodland close by. I loved Allington Locks and the Castle run by Nuns. I used to pinch holly at Christmas near the entrance gate to the castle. I was caught in the act once but I was too fast for the Nuns. There was also an old rock quarry off Allinton Road with a miniature railway down to the Medway where the rock was loaded onto barge, we used to play on the cars sometimes. I believe the entire quarry has been filled in and is now a subdivision. I attended West Borough County Secondary school and used to cycle all the way up Queens Road past a cage where someone kept and old Chimpanzee monkey, it would not be allowed today. There was a marvellous jazz club just down the London Road called Highfield House, bands like Acker Bilk and Chris Barber played there when they first started. It was run by a real nice, no nonsense lady, Miss somebody,I forget her name, they were great times in the early 60's. Sharp's sports field was one road over, I used to watch the cricket matches there and next door was a bowling green. The thing I miss most about Maistone now that I live in Canada is the bitter beer my favourite was Directors Bitter made by Courage And Barkley I think.
Oh Yes Highfield House.
Rene Newman New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: Have at home,in daily use,a pottery salt.pepper and vinegar set purchased at the Friars,Aylesford about 50 years ago.The salt cellar still has the original cork.A memento of a lovely day spent there with my family.Personally I have two vivid memories of the Friars.The wonderful feeling of peace and relaxation of being there and the most beautiful carvings on the pews which we were told was made by a Luftwaffe pilot who bailed out over Kent and found peace of mind in life with the Carmelites after his war experiences. Peter it was rewarding to read today about that gem that Aylesford treasures in its area.Perhaps someone can confirm the story of the carvings Yes I know what you mean about the peace there. Lets hope someone is able to confirm the story about the pilot.
Keith Lampard Maidstone I remember it well: The Granada Cinema was quite magnificent before its refit in the 1970s and i'm sure that under the brown paint and the false floor much of it is still there. It was often used for live shows so it must have all that is needed for a theatre. I've since found that it was a significant work for one of Britain's most successful Cinema/Theatre design teams: Cecil Massey and Theodore Komisarjevsky. (See the interesting wikipedia entry on the latter) What a shame that this great asset is in such a sorry state.
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