Maidstone people place and memoriesDavid Wilkins Maidstone I remember it well: Does anyone have memories of Willington Woods? I grew up in Shepway near them and have fond recollections of playing and walking there in the early 1960s. I also remember exploring the Willington Woods caves with some friends, and can picture myself squeezing through them and doing a semicircular exit. Dangerous, but that's what young kids do. I don't think they were natural caves but excavated for building material, like the ones in Mote Park. They are now part of someone's back garden. I also remember that there was a gypsy style caravan in the Woods near the Otham turn off. Don't know who lived in it. There was a tiny stream than ran through the woods too. Have been back a couple of times over the last few years. A sad remnant exists. Stream dried up. A case of gone is gone forever. Les Huggins Maidstone I remember it well: LES HUGGINS...Maidstone I remember it well. Hi David Wilkins The caves you spoke of between Willington Street and Mote Park, were often frequented by "us kids" They were part of the layer of "ragstone" (limestone) that trails adjacent to the River Len in this particular area. Formed from surface, water percolating through the softer "hassock" (forming voids, very dangerous) towards the River Len. There was an established quarry at Spot Lane, Bearsted, (Once owned by Hookers)that quarried the materials for roadstone. Often you would hear them blasting. One of the sub-contractors of the time (late fifties-early sixties)(who should remain annonymous) once used too much explosive and smashed half the windows in nearby Shepway and Mote Park Estates!!. Happy Days Best wishes Les Huggins Ken Allen Country: AustraliaMaidstone I remember it well: Hi Shirley Bray. Yes Keith & I were good mates & as I remember his Mother used to teach piano & his Dad was a painter/decorator. I have many fond memories of sitting in the front room being mesmorised by Mrs Bray playing 'Ivan Skavinsky Skavar' I think that was it - someone trod on toe apparently). I wonder if the photo at York Rd was of his brother's Austin 7 (work in progress). Please get in touch as Keith & I were an unlikely couple of mated from disparet backgrounds - but that was York Rd for you. A great place to grow up. Stan Edwards Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Eddie nice to welcome you onboard this wonderful site I’m sure you have a few recollections that you might want to add. David Wilkins with regards Willington (Welligog) Woods that was one of our main haunts during the fifties early sixties, we used to enter off Willington Street down a dirt path which ran along side the Tudor type house which had a well in the front garden but like a lot of things has been demolished, the hedging along the path included damson tree’s which produced wonderful fruit, on occasions we used to soap box down the path which was quite steep and very uneven so accounted for a few broken arms etc. We used to make camps in the vegetation and try and spot the deer that frequented the woods at this time, the boundaries were Willington Street to Gore Court Road/ Church Road but this also included an orchard with superb Worcester apples, the woods continued beyond the Sutton Road onto what is now Parkwood and in the opposite direction to the quarry which was in the dip of Willington Street hill the entrance was along a road we used to call Wishing Well Road not sure of it’s correct name but would start from what is now Deringwood Drive, Downswood and follow the stream which fed the small well like feature we used to drink from and yes we all survived. Over the years the quarry shut down so we used to take our kids there with off road motor bikes, Health and Safety? The woods hold many memories and were a brilliant place for a kid to explore and enjoy life. Wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year, take care. Edwin Baker Maidstone I remember it well: I'd love to get in touch with Peter Attrill, who posted a mention of my name. We went to Vinters School, but also our fathers were friends from working at Tilling-Stevens together. Later I worked at Sloman & Pettitt in Pudding Lane as a shop assistant, before going to art school. Peter, Melvyn Roy and I hung out together and had many discussions about the Goon Show! Ray crouch Maidstone I remember it well: To David Wilkins,I also remember the gypsy caravan that you refer to in the Willington woods at the junction with the Otham turnoff.As kids walking through the woods finding a gypsy van meant we didn'hang about but then one day the caravan door opened and a man spotted us,needless to say we legged it.It sounds like we grew up exploring the same areas around Shepway.In the late fifties it was a great place to grow up.I remember some of the old buildings on the fringe that were waiting to be demolished such as the original old blue door pub and an adjacent pair of farm cottages.I also remember a cottage with a well in the back garden on the site of what was to be Munns newspaper shop now the Willington street post office.Ah what memories Peter Attrill Country: AustraliaMaidstone I remember it well: Hello to Edwin Baker, I have been trying to find my old school friends for ages now, and at last I have been lucky enough to find someone. I have looked at Vinters School Maidstone on Google Earth and I am disapointed as it seems to have gone. The New School remains as a juniors but Horsa has gone along with many memories, it's sad.Edwin please contact me. Pete. Keith Sedge
I am still alive and living in Northern Ireland. I joined the army in 1962 and served until 2003 when they threw me out. William is Living in France, he has been there over 20 years, Marjorie is living in Oldham, she married a squaddie from Manchester and had 2 boys before they got divorced. Walter, died last May 2011. His wife Cynthia died and he decided to move out to South Africa, A place called Amanzimtoti, he married a girl (I think From Kent), but he had 2 years of bad health and died of heart failier. Calder Road, what a place to live. Can anybody remember when we got fluorescent street lights? The birds thought it was continuous day time and fell out of the trees. What about scrumping down the allotments, playing down the dump, it makes me feel young again just thinking about it. I can go on for days but unfortunately I am not as articulate as Len. Bluebell Woods, Pilgrims Way, they were all happy stomping grounds, not forgetting my favorite, the Malta Inn This is where I had my first pint in a pub, five and one half pence for a pint of Fremlins Bitter, not as good as the Barley Wine but a hell of a lot cheaper.I must stop for now before I suffer from post regression alcoholic excess. By the way Hello Judy and Les pete attrill Country: AustraliaMaidstone I remember it well: Hello Keith Sedge, I used to go to Vinters School and Wally Sedge was in the same class as myself. I wonder if he is the same Wally Sedge who died? I am so sorry. He had a cousin called Christine Sedge who in the 1950s lived in the house at the junction of Marsham St and Wyatt St, I knew her very well when we were very young, I was 12 and she was 11. I visited UK in the early 1960s and actually saw Christine, she hadn't long been married, I visited UK again in 1966 and bumped into her again, this time she had a little girl. I am so sorry to hear about Wally he was a nice bloke, quiet and polite. If you know Chris say Hi for me please. Pete. Sharon Kemp (Spelman) Maidstone I remember it well: Dennis Miah- Hi yes it is me , funnily enough Bushell mentioned he saw you down the sun , i see him quite alot since he lost Josie .I remember you working for my dad all those years ago, i sometimes see Paul and Lyndsay . Hope you are well , Good to hear from you after all this time . Sharon Boo Jones Country: ThailandMaidstone I remember it well: Boo jones, Hi Eddy great to hear from you and Westree is going strong,the club is a credit to you, still keep intouch with Barry the big one ha ha,not drinking what does he do now, as for the night at Greenways I only wore that velvet jacket once, no matter I looked like a fern tree in it, green yuk so for now you be lucky regards to all cheers Boo. roger miles Maidstone I remember it well: Doug Lindsay do you live in St Micaels Tenterden by any chance.Ex Chiesmans? Boo Jones Country: ThailandMaidstone I remember it well: Boo again same wine different bottle, still trying to track down Alan Leedham Ex senacre, Blue Vespa 125cc Sportiqe, worked for his dad in coal yard in Maidstone, then moved to London, although previously believed to be related to a tragic wife death in Harrietsham many years ago, this has proved to be incorrect, if any one knows his where abouts please leave word on this site, or if a member of his family could shed some light it would be much appreciated, its been over 45 years maybe mission impossibe, cheers Boo. dennis miah Maidstone I remember it well: re sharan kemp hey sharan firstly your name rings a bell if i remember there was a kemp family in tovil, or have i got that wrong. bushell was telling me pauls in a wheelchair is that right; what happened do you know.life seems so brutal and yet so delicate all at the same time. are you still in maidstone as i'm in sunny strood of all places love it here. xx Sandra Evenden Country: South AfricaMaidstone I remember it well: In answer to Wendy Gearings recollections of Maidstone I worked at Prunells from 1962-1968 when Barney introduced the Chinese restaurant next door. As many others in this chat line I attended school at St Pauls, North Bourough and Vinters Girls. I lived in Knowel Road and later in Barming where my Dad lived until his death in 2008. I remember Mr Jones and Mr Hopkinns at North Borough and a boy called Max Shingler! Miss Downing and Ms Bret were at Vinters. At our last years talent show at Vinters a group of us blacked our faces and got on stage to bang a drum and sing'In the jungle, the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight. Un known to me then in 1968 I took the free passage offered to South Africa and have lived here ever since. It would be great to hear from someone who was at school with me. Fond memories are of Penenden Heath,Vinters Park, Boxley Hills. The Pilgrims cafe in Bank St. I danced at 'The Star' and went to the Ritz and Granada cinemas. I also attended Anne Thorbans ballet school held in the Old Palace... Hi Sandra was that Prunellas? First Name: TerryLast Name: McKennaE-mail Address: terrymckenna178@btinternet.comCountry: United KingdomMaidstone I remember it well: Hi Peter. The only dance school I remember was Peter Preedys in Market Buildings!! But then i couldn't "afford" the Posh end of town!!: The Palace!!!. Went there sadly to register my mums death certificate and must say what a lovely building the whole Palace complex is: I seem to remember a musical school of excellence teaching the violin and cellos!!.. Also remember going to the Sea Scouts when on "a break" from St. Lukes Scouts, where the Skipper was Ron Leigh. A lovely man who sadly was taken at a very young age when i was about 14!! He lived in Tudor Ave and also had 2 beautiful daughters AND a charming wife. Talking of St. Lukes i remember the "Manic" games of British Bulldog (Always best to get "caught early!!") and the games of cricket between the "Boys" and the Dads. Great fun for ALL the family. I wonder if any of my former team mates: The Corinthians are still around. I did meet Len who used to open the bowling with me (Or was it the other way round?) about 5 years ago when having an Italian meal with my late and best friend Trevor Miles and his wife Margaret. Trevor knew him from i think their mutual love of films, and Len recognised me after what must have been after some 45 years!!.. A just by chance meeting and his wife's cousin was another St. Francis "Old Boy" Leon Moodley (Now living in Edinburgh). Lovely family the Moodleys from South Africa and i think Leon's younger brother Rod has written on this site too. Small world eh folks.. Merry Parker Country: AustraliaMaidstone I remember it well: Hey Peter Dean, I remember Django - he was a really nice guy, played guitar. In the early to mid 60s there used to be a 'youth club' in the old coach house behind a big house on the left way down Boxley Road, just past the old slaughter house and past where the bypass is now - mostly local teenagers and run by Nick, who lived in the house. Django used to go there, and I remember a guy called Tom whose parents owned a greengrocers in Union Street. My friend Mary Pearson (I don't know where she is now) used to go there - on a Friday night, I think. Merry Parker Country: AustraliaMaidstone I remember it well: This is the first time I've seen this website, and it's brought back many, many memories of Maidstone and Penenden Heath. I lived at the Post Office at Penenden Heath from about 1952 until I married Nigel Wise in 1968 (we emigated to Australia in 1972 and broke up in 74). I remember lots of names mentioned but can't put faces to all the names. I remember Dick Sheppard, he sang the Everly Brothers 'Collette' to me and some other girls. And did Tony Bathurst record World's Champion under the name Tony Lord? I've still got a 45 rpm copy which I'm bringing over to the UK with me next month for my friends to listen to while we go back over memories. Hi Merry, there are quite a few on the site from Aussie richard sheppard Maidstone I remember it well: .Hi Merry its nice to have the old memory jogged a bit.The question was asked,was I the Dick Sheppard car dealer the short answer is no.I was born in Ditton 1942.We moved around a bit East Malling New Hythe Aylesford,where my father had a shop Sheppard Bros,I dont know if it is still there,and then to Penenden Heath.Those days remain in my memory,as they say the school days are the best of your life.I have to say the days at the Elms private school on London Rd were not,I could not leave quick enough at age fifteen with no qualifications. My leisure time in those days was mostly playing football on the Heath.Some of lads I Remember were,Paul Richardson,Nigel Bird,Les Green,Brian Scott,Mick Fuller,Tony Bathurst,Tony Weston,Pogdy Pearson,who I think had a sister called Mary I dont know wether thats the same Mary you mentioned.I do remember singing some girls,but I dont remember any names.I got married in 1961 to Carole(nee Barnard).Carole went to Maidstone Tech,I dont know if any of her school friends remember her at that time she lived at Kingswood her father Dick was an inspector on the M&d.In 1966 we emigrated,the original £10 Poms,returned 1968 moved to Norfolk joined the Fire service in Norwich.Last year being our 50th we went to America and did the Elvis tour,Memphis,Nashville,New Orleans,and of course Graceland. We are now enjoying retirement,both us playing indoor bowls. When its a bit warmer i do a bit of carp fishing.Hope thats jogged a few memories,Dick. Lisa Sevenoaks Maidstone I remember it well: Just wanted to say thank you for remembering my dad (Roy Sevenoaks) he was a gentleman and could still dance the legs of me at his last birthday party the year I lost him at the age of 55 rose lane Maidstone I remember it well: brian gower, australia, do you remember the gilbert girls who lived right opposite you, rose,paddy,barbara. mum still lives in victoria street 92 now.glad to hear you are well rose lane Maidstone I remember it well: chris lovelidge, i was at school same time as you. also in livingstone house, left 1958 but do not remember you. what class was you in rose lane Maidstone I remember it well: i attended west borough school between 1954 to 1958 remember my time there as very special, i loved it, picture houses, swimming pool cornwallis park, freedom to enjoy life, best memories of childhood, many friends, are you out there, get in touch. peggy musson Maidstone I remember it well: another family to add to the calder road list they lived next door to the Gambles Les and Nora collins children paul pamela and gary. bill brayshaw Maidstone I remember it well: maidstone i remember it well- I remember going to the granada picture house bottom of gabriels hill on a saturday morning and it cost 6d old money to get in. Now and again i and my mates would go to the RITZ picture house that was along king st which is now boots the chemist i believe. I remember watching the fire engine coming out from under the market buildings back in the late 50s early 60s Where it was garaged ready for a call out. I also visted the swimming baths by the river edge along the lower road leading to sandling lane.The swimming baths were the grotts, not surprised they closed them down.I can remember trams in maidstone, especially going up and down to the wheatsheaf pub and back into town. The tram garage was what used to be v.w garage at the top of tonbridge road, which are houses now.A good show of electric flashing from the overhead arms from the trams and hooked onto the power cables to make the trams run along tram lines in the road.Those were the times when there were ery few cars on the road, and what were , was all black ones.morris eights, ford populars, austin 7s etc, etc. How times have changed in maidstone, and not all for the good, i am afraid to say. You probably can remember the fire engines coming out from under the Market Buildings but do you remember Charlie Wallis racing down on his push bike with a sign on the front saying Fire, ringing his bell for all he was worth. A clever man Charlie he designed a special attachment which fitted on the hose to put out chimney fires. Yes things have changed Bill and I'm sure our children and grandchildren will say the same to their kids.Pete bill brayshaw Maidstone I remember it well: hi pete, i dont remember charlie wallis on his bike, we used to love watching SUPERMAN which was in black and white at the granada picture house. Although i was a sutton valence man, my main haunts were at headcorn and sometimes into maidstone to watch pictures, visit the old swimming baths etc. I see maidstone now as a typical one way havoc town. But memories of bygone days still hang in my memories. regards bill margaret lidyard Maidstone I remember it well: Margaret Lidyard,Can't sleep, so having a browse though the site again, its very comforting.just seen the name Calvert, would that be Calvert Ring, married to Sandra Bishop, my old friend from Heath rd,Barming? The last time I wrote in I emailed my old friend Lyn Page, (Spain) not heard back though. I have so many memories, Barming youth club, right opposite where I lived with mum & dad, Olive & Brian Lidyard.Dad bought the plot of land from the local farmer then built the house with the help of Lawrences, the builders that used to be in Heath Grove, and the oak front door was made from coffin wood from the undertaker,in Heath road! Mum worked at Wickens Dairy on tonbridge rd, working out the milkmens books,trying to make them balance!Dad was the Man from the Prudential, everyone knew him, he was very well liked, and a lovely Man, I still miss them both, very much. The Star days were the best, with my friend Lyn's mum & dad, & brother, Big Bob, Gladys,& Bobby, working behind the bar. He joined the Army Red Devils, free fall team, would love to hear from anyone that has any memories of these people? I remember the floods we used to get out of school go straight down to the bridge to be carried over by the soldiers! till we got a ticking off.loads more to talk about, next time. Keep up the good work, lets hope more people write in its brilliant thanks. martyn brisland Maidstone I remember it well: I was working for Len cabinet works as a driver when it closed in 1973. we had two loading bays. One at the far end of Water lane, entered from Gabriels hill where the entrance to the Chequers centre now is. The river len ran alongside the lane and is now in a culvert under the centre. The other loading bay was reached by reversing alongside the Granada. The furniture factory occupied the old Foster Stacey and Isherwood brewery. When this was demolished the wrought iron decoration from the top of the main building was relocated to Brenchley gardens. Brenda Wright Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: How well I remember, from East boro' primary to working at Foster Clark's in their powers samas office., I have smiled at reading the st names, Holland rd, Grecian st etc, I lived in Wheeler st, anyone older like me remember Jack the milkman in this area, he was my dad, am having a visit in early july this year and guess will see a lot of changes. Mike Matthews Maidstone I remember it well: Mike Matthews re John Shears posting: Hi John, somewhat pleasing to know someone remembers my name, Mick/Mike whatever. I vaguely remember your name but sorry to say i cant put a face to it. Forgotten about those cross country runs around vinters, think Harry O sometimes made us run around the park then out and along the road. Names I recall as well as those you mention are: Peter Norris, who I believe is a priest on the Falkland Isles (think i got that from somewhere on this site)googled it and it seems he is still there. Noel Sturgeon (lived at Aylesford from memory), Eric Tynam or Tynham, Raymond Russell, Peter Thompson, Patrick Carabine, the Pirrozio brothers Attilio (owns a few restuarants on the channel isles) and Antonio who I think has passed on in recent years. Paul Martin, Ann Walsh, Shirley Wilmshurst. My dad was also a paint sprayer for Rootes at the works by the river (think its still a car dealers) from the fifties until he retired in the late seventies. Before that he worked for Tilling Stevens. Passed on now sadly. I retired 5 years ago after running/working in small manufacturing industries, mainly in Bedfordshire. Living (and enjoying it) with my lovely lady Jenny in West Cornwall, 17 miles from Lands End. Apart from being a b....y wet part of the world I find it fantastic. Great Site this thanks to PC. All the best Mick cynthia Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Hi i left maidstone in 67 ,i went to southbourgh girls from 64 to 67 and would like to hear from some old friends linda,barbara or babs as i knew her i am in touch with one yvonne so maybe some one will see this we all lived on shepway estate .iwish i could recall some more names but the brain is not getting any younger.so heres hopeing. cynthia Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Hi pam i went to southbourgh and yes i do remember miss p very well we were not on the best of terms at all,she was very happy when i left for australia.i went from 64 to 67 some friends were pat linda yvonne would be nice to hear from them.i did not like school at all and was a pain to the teachers .i wonder if any one will remember. Brenda Wright Country: AustraliaMaidstone I remember it well: Brian Swain, Do you remember me, I was Brenda Wright,I lived in 140 Wheeler St,right next to the Danish Bacon Co you mentioned. I so remember some of the things you have written about, amoungest them riding up and down James St on my bike and being the only girl hanging around in a group on the corner of Faith St.Just found this web site, it is wonderful. Brenda Wright Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: David Ring. Did your dad Charley live in Wheeler St Maidstone, if so I could be a distent relitive.Brenda Jamieson,nee Wright Brenda Wright Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Jim Yarwood, I also lived opposite the fish and chip shop and Ivy's as we ues to call it, left Wheeler St in 1957 when Mum and Dad bought a house in Bower Lane off Tonbridge Rd,so which house did you live in, yes I'm an old girl, 74 in March. Les Huggins Maidstone I remember it well: LES HUGGINS Maidstone I remember it well: Hi everyone. I thought I would invoke a few memories of some of the shops in Week St. around the mid-fifties. Can you remember? WALKING SOUTH: St Francis school and church. Frouds Fish Shop. Gilberts Toys and cycles. Di Marcos cafe. London Tavern. Honnors seeds. Potters Stamp shop. Lavells sweet shop. Batas shoes.Fifty shilling tailors. British home stores. James Walker. Beehive stores. Littlewoods. Walter Usmar florist. Sergeant and Parks. Woolworths. Lily and Skinner. Marks and Spencer. Boots. International stores.David Greigs.Fountain Inn. Pococks Bakers. Lloyds Bank. World stores. Timothy Whites. Meakers tailors. Haynes bros. WALKING NORTH: Liptons. Sanders furnishers. Dorothy Perkins.Reynolds tobacconist. Burtons. Paynes stores. Maypole. Home and colonial stores. Hepworths. Dewhurst butchers. Armstrong tailors. Norman Carters watches. Importers tea and coffee grinders. Smiths bakers. Foster bros clothing. Halfords. Stonhams chemist. Dunnings. Dunns hatters. Henne butchers. Dolcis. Victor Value groceries. Hinds jewellers. Millets. Lindridges fruiterers. West Kent Hotel. Arthurs cafe. Guntrips bookshop. Filmers butchers. Junes cafe. Kent Messenger offices. Currys. Wilkinsons boot repairs. Rawlings typewriters. Victoria Hotel. Best wishes to all. Les David Ring Maidstone I remember it well: Brenda Wright - Reference Charley (bushy) Ring, No we lived in Kingsley Road. Interesting to see the references to Calvert Ring. I'm pretty sure he was is my cousin. There can't be two people with a name like that!! He had a brother John, and his Dad was Jack. I've been researching the family tree, and have a couple of questions for him to fill in gaps, if he wants to get in touch. pam Maidstone I remember it well: hi cynthia i was at southborough from 63 to 67 but can not recall a cynthia was friends with lilian teresa and glenys miss slaughter was my form teacher but i loved miss wood cookery teacher who got married quite late in life cant remember her married name but a lot of the girls gave her grief now live in derby just came back from weekend in maidstone and they sure know how to ruin a town or maybe thats just my age but sure there is a lot out there who would agree. Jim Yarwood Maidstone I remember it well: Brenda Wright: Hello It's Jim Yarwood here. Glad you found the site! I lived at 150 Wheeler Street around about 1959. My mum (Italian) managed to get the house although it was condemned to be pulled down - guess you'd call it squatting nowadays! - and we lived there for a few years before the council gave us a flat in Westmorland Road up on the Shepway Estate. Have to say I was sad to move although the flat on Shepway was modern and up-to-date, but I'd made a lot of friends around Wheeler Street, Bluett Street, James Street, etc. As I mentioned earlier even Mr Sharp (chip shop) owner became a friend and he used to let us have 3d worth of crackling from the deep fat fryer. I remember the corner shop Ivy's and being smaller than the counter; she used to look down and over the counter when I went in to buy the occasional sweets! Do you remember further down Wheeler Street a Maltese lady used to run a small shop (now just below the car park opposite the RSPCA centre) and we'd go in an buy 1d ice lollies? It's now a private residence ... ah memories!!!!!! Would that be Mrs Wade Jim, well I never realised she was Maltese. Pete Terry McKenna Maidstone I remember it well: Hi J.Y. The kettles still on in Bristol!! Whats the recipe today Jim (sorry couldn't resist!). The "Lady" who sold the 1d lollies was known as Ma Wade. Like Peter i too didn't know she was Maltese. Might explain why she was always cross!!.. And just below her and The Ancient Druids pub was that miserable "G*T Mr Shippey: Newsagent and "Childcatcher" who used to drive around in his car (was it a silver Rover?) with the personalised number plate RS 333 (I think!!). If that's not right then i'm sure "Rainman" Les Huggins will put me right!! Great memory of the various shops of Maidstone Les. A couple of other shops were David Greig (Butchers). Richard Stores (Mainly clothes) and of course Broadmeads THE record store!! Brenda Wright, you be an "Old Lady" but nothing wrong with your memories!! Good to see you keeping in touch on this great site even though you now live in Aussie land!! You might remember my family and our bakers shop and Off Licence: Macs Bakerie 19 Holland Road and perhaps my older brother Michael: Well he was "Top Mod" in Maidstone and very much a "ladies" man!! He has lived in Nova Scotia for about 40 years. Did you go to the Howard-De-Walden youth club? And Sharps chippy was undoubtedly the best in town.. Still hoping 1 day some people might write about the now sadly gone Greyhound pub and Bill and Milly Dodds. Many lovely times and memories of that place!! Peter C: You "still owe me a pint!!.. See you on Skype some time and don't get "arrested" in Spain this year!!" lol David Stubberfield Maidstone I remember it well: Pete I have a list of all the pubs in Maidstone in 1940 if you would like to see if any one can remember them all it is in PDF form have a look at www.djstubberfield.webspace.virginmedia.com/family/pubs David Stubberfield Maidstone I remember it well: The web address above is missing the end bit it should be www.djstubberfield.webspace.virginmedia.com/family/pubs.pdf Sarala Pillai nee Ray Country: IndiaMaidstone I remember it well: I did my SRN training from West Kent General and was in Maidstone from 1977 to 1980. I worked in Preston Hall,Linton and Oakwood as part of my training programme. I would love get in touch with my batch which i have not found in any of the social networking sites. Would love to catch up. Miss Jellis and Mrs Schooling were our instructors at that time. Would love a response. cynthia master Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Pam nice to hear from you,it would be hard with so many girls to know who was who ,i am imppressed you can remember your form teachers name,i do recall miss wood she was nice,and i just thought of one who took maths in my 4year miss horsefield she was small but put the wind up me i was glad it was only for 4 weeks then i left.i cant remember the science teachers name she was old and a bit deaf from behind but could smell chewing gum from a mile away. its been about 36 years since i went to maidstone so i suppose its very different now.my last form room was in the old transportable type down the back looking out on the sports field. do you know a road called bower mount rd i lived there for a short time and looked it up on the google map but it looked different am wondering how much its changed. i also knew a patricia or pat diana,julie,janice thats about all i can recall just now .i also went horse riding in bearstead pam Maidstone I remember it well: your right cynthia sceince teacher was a bit deaf miss Hobson but she could lip read was always best to sit in front head down and talk she could niether see or here you mrs pritchard was lovely taught history what year did you leave i left 1967 was the pat you remember holman mrs nash for pe and made us all run round out side to get warm ok for her as i recall she always had a track suit on Alison Maitland Maidstone I remember it well: Can anyone help me with information on a primary school (private?) at Fauchons Lane, Bearsted/Maidstone which was open during the late 40's? Peter Attrill Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: I remember going to the Maidstone Art School every saturday morning with Edwin Baker, from 9am until noon. It was great fun, there were several girls from the Catholic School, I can't remember what it was called,who also attended,Susan, and her sister Cater, also Alister,who always seemed to have a bag of sherbet lemons handy. I remember the "Central Cinema"in King St. before it burned down. There was also The Ritz Cinema in Pudding Lane, The Granada at the bottom of Gabrials Hill, The Palace halfway down Gabrials Hill, and the little Regal Cinema known as The Bughutch. The Ritz also burned down but was rebuilt on the site of the Central in King St. I remember waiting outside the Granada when I was 10 and an all "A" program was showing and asking someone to escort me in, a done thing back in the early 50s. My mates and I eventually discovered that if we went round the back of the Granada there was always a window left open, it meant shinning up a high drain pipe and getting across onto the window sill, but if we used it on week nights when there were always spare seats, we could always get in for free. I remember going down the river Len under Gabrials Hill on a home made raft and being intercepted by the cops. I used to work as a cleaner for Whites Manchester Goods in King St almost opposite the GPO, when I was 11. 8 bob a week for half an hour every night after the shop closed, and two hours every saturday afternoon. The cashier was a real cow. I also had a paper round and worked for the small news agents in King st. near Church St. it was OK in the Summer but a fair cow in the winter. Edwin Baker and I used to swap comics, I had The Eagle, and he had The Lion. In those days I used to live at 33 Marsham St. and he lived at 22 Harple Lane in Detling. To all Maidstoneites, I hear that the weather is now very cold, cheer up, we in Western Australia have just had a run of temps in the 40c, John Cleese was here at the time and refused to leave his hotel in Subiaco because it was too hot to breath!!!!!!!! Bye. John HurkettMaidstone I remember it well: Tovil and Bridge Mills YES- I worked at Tovil Mills - and so did my older Brother "Mucker" or Alan. I worked with Jack Lang - as a Belt and Bearing Fitter. I used to work with Frank Metcalf - and a guy called "Buller" What a fantastic place to work !!! Our shift won the safety cup one year and we all went up to the Working mans club - where it was FREE BEER all night long. Terrible to hear that the Mill closed. I went to Maidstone recently for a tour round - and even the Rose Pub in Tovil was all demolished !!!!! Be nice to hear from anybody from the past. Maidstone I remember it well: John Hurkett Here. Born in Mangravet 1943 went to Mangravet Primary school in 1948 to 1953 - then onto oldborough Manor til 1958 !!! Often wondered what happened to the kids from Mr Martins class 4B! ? Stanly Powel - Jammy Haytor- Rita Brookman - Doreen Astley - Lenny Waterman .... Ohhhh - happy days. Me ? I'm keeping well well and retired to Cornwall . Be nice to hear from ANYBODY !!!! John Hurkett Maidstone I remember it well: Freddie Burgess That name rings a Bell. Did you use to Ride a Velocett Motorbike ? I was working for Wimpey when they was building the new Motorway - did you used to date a girl with long heair from a Bungalow up that way ????? Maidstone I remember it well: Ahhh - the Trolly Bus..... We lived at Grove Road - so we used to catch the Sutton Road Bus at the Top of the Town by the Monument. I remember as a kid - that it was always the LOOSE that came along and that was no good cos it turned off at the Wheatshief !!!!!! Richard Sheppard Maidstone I remember it well: Hi John,boy have you stirred up some memories.I too worked at Tovil mill,1963-1966.I was also at the free beer night and what a night.I worked as a pipe fitters mate with George Mannering.Ive just found two photos of that night with myself and four other lads the one I remember is Tommy Hollands who was Jacobies mate.I remember Mucker had some good drinking sessions with him and some of the other lads in the Rose.Regards Dick Eddie Henderson Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Peter Dean nice to see you on this website lost touch with crowd that used to drink at the Kings Arms Loose saw your brother Tim just before xmas remember the night the lamp post jumped out in front of your van by the ambulance station your wife was preggy and they couldn't get the door open they were going to try and get her over the back seats we had one more go at the door and somehow managed to put enough pressure on it to bust the lock happy days hope you and your family are well Pete. Eddie H. David Stubberfield Maidstone I remember it well: Some old photos of Maidstone at http://www.djstubberfield.webspace.virginmedia.com/maid/index.html Freddie Burgess Maidstone I remember it well: To John Hurket,noir wasn't me that you remember as I had a Norton and then a Triumph then & I never went with a girl from that area. I went with a girl from Shepway estate married her & moved to West Sussex. Like you I well remember the old trolley busses they were so fast away from the bus stop at the top of the town if you were in a car you had a job to beat them into Gabriels hill. I also remember we used to leave the Wall opposite Rootes garage on our motorbikes to do a tour round Maidstone looking for crumpet we would go round the cannon left into Pudding lane up by Fremlins & the museum out into Week St by the Kent messenger down Week St Gabriels hill Palace ave back to the wall. Couldn't do that now as many of the roads are one way. It's good to look back with many happy memories,great site this I am addicted to it now as I check it every day. I think as you get older you tend to look back on all the good times of your youth. All the best to all you Maidstonians Freddie Burgess |