We remember 9

charlotte malcom

Maidstone I remember it well: hello i have been trying to locate my grandfather Raymond Denning-Duke i have never met him neither has my mother would anybody be able to help. the furthest ive got is an address but that is from 1984 and dont know whether it is still valid please help

Sarala pillai/Ray

Country: India Maidstone I remember it well: I was training for my SRN in the year 1977 in West Kent. I did my psychiartry training in Oakwood , part of my training in Preston Hall and my geriatric traing in Linton.I hold very fond memories of my stay here. Had a great time in Maidstone. I finished my training in 1980 and left for India. I have benn to England a couple of time since then but had not had the time to visit Maidstone. I am trying to find my mates when i was there. Hope this will not be a futile exercise.

Trudy

Maidstone I remember it well: In the 60's my family travelled over from Strood to the indoor swimming pool in Maidstone. I remember leaving the train at Maidstone Barracks station and crossing the river near the Sharpe's Toffee factory. We walked through a public Garden or park and on to the old Swimming Pool. I distinctly remember the smell of the Brewery - happy days! I really must visit Maidstone again soon but will probably not recognise anything now!

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...

Maria Bradshaw ( nee Hickey)

Maidstone I remember it well: Wonderful! memories, I remember all ( Or Most) of the things the previous writers have put, and probably the name as well, I started at school , St Francis when I was 5, and living in Harrietsham caugh6 the bus, and then walked the length of Week Street , tell me any 5 year olds that would do THAT today. My Brother Lawrence moved to Australia in or around 1967, and still lives there in Toowoomba Queensland, he was born in 1947 and I ( Now this is a secret !!) in 1944 this site was told to me by Peter Capon, who is my Brothers age. I still live in Lenham where I was born.

MAUREEN FLISHER Maidstone I remember it well: I believe we lived six doors away from you Rene Newman, on the Coombe Estate. Was evacuated to Wales in WW11 but have great memories of dancing at the Star Ballroom and when younger playing over the Court including the time when a bomb dropped close to the Scouts Headquarters. My father and my three brothers all served in the Army, but sadly Dad was killed.

Gill

Maidstone I remember it well: I spent my childhood in Tovil living opposite the church which is sadly no longer there. My father worked as a papermaker at Lower Tovil Paper Mill where they made specialist paper. I was about the 5th generation of my family to be born in Tovil, it was a great place to grow up with the countryside close by. We would be taken hop picking to Kennards farm and it is in recent years that I found that we are descendants from that family.

MAUREEN Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Gill when saying your father worked as a papermaker at Lower Tovil Mill, making specialist papers do you mean Henry Allnutt Mill? Several of my maternal ancestors were also employed there including Emma Davis (my grandmother) who was a rag sorter in the 1890s. All of her nine children were born in Tovil. Two lived in Church Road.

Roger Banfield Maidstone I remember it well: Roger "Hoss" Banfield Maidstone I remember it well. Well I never! Bernie Martin, are you the guy who was a double for Paul Newman and who used to join me at home on Sundays and eat my Mum Rose out of house and home. Do we remember the Zephyrs? what about the ambulance and great nights at the Tav with Nigel, Birdie and Wilkie. Floods of great memories and so vivid even though fifty years have passed.

maureen Maidstone I remember it well: I put my notes regarding Coombe Farm and Henry Allnutt Mill under section nine.(This comes from not readiing the information properly) I was hoping to receive responses from both Rene/or/Ruby Newman and Gill to maybe fill in some gaps for me when they next read the memory notes.

pat shaw Maidstone I remember it well: I remember the river medway bursting its banks in 1968 and flooding the high street the army were called out to lay sand banks all buses stopped

Pat Shaw

Maidstone I remember it well: I remember the Knighthawks group they used to wear purple and black mohair jumpers does anyone remember them also chickory tip they used to practice every week in the pub Barming Workings men club I used to live there with my mum and dad

Bernie Martin

Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Roger, yes it's me not sure about the Paul Newman look alike I thought more a young Tony Curtis. I did enjoy Rose's dinner but I paled into insignifigance in the eating stakes compared to you. Do you ever see any of the old crowd , I was back in 1990 and 1997 and saw quite a few people but not everyone of course. I hope to come over again next year and might talk to Peter Capon about organising a St Francis reunion and would love to catch up with you and anyone you still see or hear from. Take care, Bernie Martin

Wendy Ashbee

Country: Canada Maidstone I remember it well: I lived in Peel Street until I was 7 and then moved to Perryfield Street Maidstone. I went to St. Pauls, Northborough, and Vinters Girls School and played field hockey and netball. I was a Girl Guide for four years and St. Pauls Church Hall is where the meetings were held. My Dad worked at Sharp's Toffee for 42 years which later became Trebor Sharps then Trebor. I was born in 1943 so I don't remember anything of the wartime but I do remember ration books as well as the Parades with the armed forces including the American Airforce marching through the town. I remember getting up early and going to Maidstone High Street to the Land Army Office to get on the lorry that took my Mum and me out to the farms around Maidstone (East & West Farleigh)where she used to work planting vegetables like potatoes, cabbages in the winter and early spring and fruit picking in summer. Come September we always went hop picking and I remember getting on the bus at the bottom of the High Street and us, the children, collecting wood to make a fire to boil water to make tea and jam sandwiches for breakfast; and catching the bus to bring us home and how black we used to look after a day in the hop fields. I worked at Larking and Larking and Sloman & Pettit in Pudding Lane, shopped at Arthur's Ladies Clothing Store, Chiesman's and Dunnings. I loved Maidstone Market on a Tuesday. I remember Saturday morning pictures and Flash Gordon. I took swimming lessons at the pool when it was by the river and then later at Mote Park. I used to walk over the high level bridge by Maidstone East Station to meet my Dad from work. I loved the bluebell woods and the Sheep Wash near Penenden Heath. I remember the flooding and the miner's strike when we had no electricity. I now live in Sooke, B.C. Vancouver Island, Canada. I come back to Maidstone fairly often and how it has changed! But I remember it all so well!!

Wendy Gearing - Now Ashbee

Country: Canada Maidstone I remember it well: Wendy Ashbee (Nee Gearing) My first year at the senior school was the year they changed Eastborough to Vinters Girls Seconndary School. I remember Miss Brett, P.E., Miss Dowding, Science, Mrs. Grant, English, and the French teacher (can't remember her name) but she would always say Tujours La Politesse!! I will never forget her. We were taught German for one year. I remember the invasion of Hungary and the refugees that came to Maidstone. I remember Prunella Hairdressers and Barney with the Chinese Restaurant. My best friend at school was Christine Baker - we lived next door to each other in Perryfield Street.

JOHN HAKEMAN

Maidstone I remember it well: Hello I don't know if I remember any current names Richard Emery & Attilio Pirozzolo are on this site (I went to school with them) My Dad Victor was a man from the Prudential and used to collect around East Farleigh and later Shepway area. We now live at Half Yoke Farm East Farleigh but I do remember Alan Mathews (he had a Triumph Bonny)& I think his dad or his mates dad ran the Farleigh Forge Garage in the '60's "Elvis" still sold papers until not so long ago (but thinking about him he looked a bit like Elvis Costello) He had a really lovely sister I remember. My friend Gerald McDonald worked in Hitches (motorbikes) on corner opposite the OK cafe' He sadly always wanted a M/Bike and nearly killed himself (& paralyzed his arm) shortly after getting one. We always thought (or perhaps hoped) the OK cafe' had a brothel over it. The Fiesta coffee bar (I never hitched my skirt up) drinking frothy coffee and pouring the whole sugar shaker in the cup when others had unscrewed it. Sitting on the other side from the "Rockers" with our scooters parked in the lay-by opposite at the M&D bus station ( the other one at the other end of Mill St. Most of the Rockers were actually old school friends so we never had any fights! Just up from there was the milk bar and next to that Mr, Ginghams opened when they were barred from selling the best hot dogs & burgers in the car park by the good old Maidstone council idiots. they still sell great dogs/burgers etc at Maidstone Market which itself has been systematically ruined by (you got it) Maidstone Council. Yet more to come later

john hakeman

Maidstone I remember it well: I remember my friend Richard Emery at school and used to get lots of bits of metal work made up at the forge sadly it was sold by Corbens who bought it from your dad I assume & is now a couple of flats. Richard are you on facebook? Lots of friend from Southboro' on friends reunited. Maidstone is now getting bigger & bigger, the latest shopping centre being Fremlins Walk as the brewery and all the others closed down (everyone drinks Aussie Lager now)( not me though!).

WENDY ASHBEE

Country: Canada Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Chris Lovelidge where in Canada do you live?We're on Vancouver Island B.C. I went to England last October. My family live around Leybourne and Ditton so I had a lot of trips into Maidstone. It's not the same anymore. I used to love Week St. and High St. and the high quality shops there were. But I always love to go "home" to Maidstone. When I was very young Highfield House was a day nursery that was run by the Nuns and I used to be taken there every day until I started school. In the late '50's it changed and it became the No. 1 Jazz Club. I loved traditional jazz and also saw Acker Bilk and Chris Barber play. My Dad worked for Sharp's Toffee for 42 years. The Social Club put on the Xmas Parties, Day Trips to the Seaside and Ice Shows and Pantomimes that I always loved. We also went to Ascot and Goodwin Horse tracks. But best of all it was going on the big old coaches and when they stopped by the roadside all the adults had a glass of beer and us children had our Vimto!beer -I'll never forget that. I worked at DiMarco's ice cream parlour, near St. Francis Church and then while still at shool I went to Roger's School of Commerce along by the market buildings. When I left school at 15 I cold write shorthand at 100 words per min. and type at about 60 wpm. on those very old clonker typewriters that changed from manual, to electric, to electronic, and then computers and desktops and laptops and ipods,..........

Wendy Ashbee (Nee Gearing)

Country: Canada Maidstone I remember it well: I lived in Perryfield Street and can remember the street party to celebrate the Queen'sCoronation. I went to St. Pauls, Northborough and Vinters Girls School. I remember the dentist office at Northborough and was really scared when I had to go to the Dentist. I remember the Bakers Shop at the bottom of Perryfield St.,A1 Fish & Chips and Telfours Pies. I also remember the fish van that came on a Sunday morning and we bought shrimp, winkles, cockles and whelks for tea. I can even remember the rag and bone man and the coalman delivering sacks of coal into the cellar at No. 89. I had a friend called Vicky who lived next to the grocery shop on Cross Street. My mum and my brother worked at the Paper Mill on Sandling road. I left Vinters School in 1959 and used to go to the Gaggia Bar, bottom of Gabriels Hill and the International Club along King Street and the Star. We always walked to school round by the prison and down Wheeler street past the sweet shop where I bought honeycomb. I went to the zoo a few times. I think we walked from Perryfield Street. My Mum and Dad used to walk long the river to Allington Lock on a Sunday evening to the pub where I always had a Vimto and a packet of crisps.My Grandad and Gran lived at Stangate Nr. Birling and I used to spend summer holidays with them and we'd walk all over the hills.

john Hakeman

Maidstone I remember it well: I am not sure if I have got the hang of this as I wrote a couple of long memories of Maidstone in the years from the 50's 'till now as and 2 of them disappeared! I was born in Newington (Kent) over my granddads bicycle shop. I apparently moved to Milton St when I was 3 or 4 & I lived next door to "Mad Jacks" brother,I didn't know it until I moved here to Half Yoke & an old friend of my current neighbor (Mrs. Foster) who sadly died since turned out to live in Milton St. & he was my old neighbor. I gave him a lift home & his house was chocker block full of bricker brack just like his brothers shop which by then '92 was long gone. As boy my friends & I used to buy army surplus there (mad Jacks or Golding's was next to the East Station). My sister used to go to the Highfield House in the 50's with her husband to be Pat Nichols and her friends Margaret Beale (from Prunellas (maybe spelled wrong) where they worked) I remember a Susan Hoskins as well. They were all friends of "the in crowd" at that time Johnny Walker (he married Margaret Beale), John & Hillary Bradford (the fish monger), the Ashby's & the Firmins etc. I then went to the Highfield House in the 60's (not so much jazz) Miss E (for Edwards) still ran it but sadly she died when her car went into the docks in the west country with her new "boy friend" (she was in her 60' I think) My mate Peter Emmens & his wife Viv lived there for a while & it's now sadly a housing est. Mummery the dentist used to be in Week St. then in the High St. ( I remember gas and lost lot of my teeth as they got more for extracting than filling) Bill Kent (the singer) lived near me in the mid 60's in Shepway. Someone mentions the Orchard Spot it was Otham 500 (owned by the mother of a local antiques dealer/est agent but can't remember his name) I went to School (Southboro') with the members of Chicory Tip who apart from Barry Mager (or is it Major) still play around Maidstone Barry's sister Pam married my late mate Darryl Marchant.

Chris Schwarz Maidstone I remember it well: Maidstone, I remember it well. Well, not really. In 1957 I suffered serious burns to my fingers on both hands, by grabbing a live electric fire (as one does when 3 years old). Anyway, I was admitted to Maidstone's West Kent Hospital and underwent numerous ops to save my tiny digits. I was in and out of the Hospital for about a year. I was cared for by a nursing Sister. I remember her Angel like face, her gleaming white teeth and blue uniform. Unable to use my hands, even to play with toys, she did everything for me. But sadly I cannot remember her name. I remember the accident, the ward with painted murals of Zoo animals on the walls, the beds and of course the jabs and gas mask as I was put under for the many ops. As a terrified 3 year old, the memories were so imprinted on my brain - except her name. I have tried hard to remember, so that I could trace her, over the years - wherever she may be. To me she was my saviour and shining l ight in a very dark time. I am told she cried deeply when I finally left the Hospital. I, being so young, didn't have the wherewithall to keep in touch. How sad.!!

Jim Yarwood

Maidstone I remember it well: John Hakeman, hello. Just read your memories, especially the one regarding Alan Matthews and his dad's Farleigh Forge Garage. I still keep in touch with Alan. He and his family moved out to Australia in the late 60s on the £10 assisted passage as immigrants. I was one of his mates who used to have motorcycles. His final bike was a Triumph Tiger 110 with a Bonneville twin-carb cylinder head, went like a bat out of hell. As a group we also clubbed together and bought a couple of cars that Alan was able to repair and drive on his dad's insurance. Our last car was a Mark VII Jaguar and we always used to be able to "pull" girls boasting that we had a Jag as a car! I remember printing some business cards with "The Maidstone Set" on them and we used to give them out to girls we met, that was always an ice-breaker! He was (and still is) one hell of a mechanic. Alan now lives in Thailand (Phuket) and has recently re-married a Finnish lady. He was over in the UK a couple of weeks ago and we spent some time together. I'll let him know of this website and perhaps he'll contribute?

mark twinberrow

Maidstone I remember it well: has anyone info on my friend graham Mc Cooty who i belive drowned in the pool around 1969-71,we have just had a school reunion and there were many questions about what had happend to graham, thanks mark

Terry McKenna

Maidstone I remember it well: Well well Jim. I always thought your "pulling" power was down to your long hair and Italian good looks!!.. Have to say the Jag was a smart move for a "rocker" type BUT handing out cards!!.. Why didn't I think of that DOH. All I had was my "Charisma" and Trevor!! to help me. Lol. Mind you I did ok 'til they met my mum. Ha Ha. You knew my mum so you know what I mean!!.. Glad to see you are still "Blagging" bikes to go on holiday with!! I might take you up on the Italian lessons (speaking that is). Peter I think it's time we met up again!! Well you do owe me a drink!! Glad to see you're still getting "New" people on this site: Long may it continue I say. Stil hoping some people will write about the much "missed" Greyhound Pub. I'm sure I wasn't the only person along with my dad to eat cockles and whelks on Sunday lunchtimes with our darts, from the man in the van!! Halcyon days...Sigh. And what about my former mates from Tekkol football team. I know I was one of the younger ones but some of you must still be around eh..

COLIN EDWARDS

Maidstone I remember it well: Maidstone i remember it well.My name is colin edwards and i have just stumbled on this site. Lived in Upper Fant Rd,knocked about with Trevor Adams,Lloyd,Ian"Moggsy" Morris,Dudley Hilt,Sam Small and all the "G"Ranch crowd. The Way were a good local R n B group. Ah memories

hilary potts

Maidstone I remember it well: In 1957 I worked as an usherette at the Ritz in Maidstone and was given a complimentary ticket for the Granada and was attracted to working there because of the wonderful live shows,and I was lucky enough to get a job. Among the performers were, Billy Fury, Petula Clark, Alma Cogan and Tommy Steele. Tommy took the staff up to The Ship in Gabrielles Hill for a drink after his show. It upsets me to see the state of the Granada now.

Jim Yarwood

Maidstone I remember it well: Terry, it helped being in print as an apprentice, so I was able to get the cards set and printed. Anyone remember "The Maidstone Set" with the saucy question on the back of the cards? Can't possibly repeat what was printed but it ALWAYS got a smile from the girls!!!! And as for the Jaguar, it was a magnet!!! Sadly we were involved in an accident on our way to Butlins, Clacton and wrote the car off. After that we bought a convertible Zephyr, but it just didn't have the "pulling power" of the Jag!! Yep, sadly the Greyhoud pub is no longer, it's now got several new-build houses on the site. Terry, sadly you'll have to find a new "watering hole"!!!

roger miles Maidstone I remember it well: Was the building demolished to build the Granada a brewery? Was there another picture theatre named Seven Pillars in Maidstone?

roger miles Maidstone I remember it well: Name the pubs down Week street in 1960ish if you can. What happened to the Fremlins Mechanical Elephants that used to be in the annual procession? Remember the Fremlins pub that was built specially in Mote Park when the Kent Show was there?

Ah but can you name all the pubs in old Week Street Roger

Ian Pearce

Maidstone I remember it well: Hi I was born in Maidstone in 1937and I was an apprentice upholsterer at the Len Cabinet from 1952 till 1972 when we were made redundant to allow the Chequers centre to be built.We were flooded by the river Len many,many times but the final nail in the coffin was the severe flood in Maidstone in 1969.

I also remember very well when the fire station was under the market building,where the Exchange entrance is now,and when the fire alarm sounded men came on bikes from every direction to man the fire engine which was a large escape ladder with two very large wheels to enable the crew to man handle the ladder.I can remember alot about the town as I lived in town until 1947 when we were allocated a brand new house on Shepway Ian

Colin H

Country: Canada Maidstone I remember it well: Hello,

Can you let me know, how I can respond directly to a person on a particular question?

Thanks...Colin.

Colin if you tell me who I will contact them for you and get them to e-mail you. Sorry thats all I can do. Peter

Ian Pearce

Maidstone I remember it well: Hi Just a correction to N Morley.The Trolley buses only kept to the main roads "ie" Sutton Rd,eventually to Park Wood,Loose Road to Loose,Tonbridge Rd to Barming Bull,the depot was opposite the Cherry Tree in Tonbridge Rd.Shepway was covered by Diesel via Foster Clarke Estate South Park Rd (this was as far as it went when we moved to Shepway in 1947)Later it terminated at Kent Ave,then Derby rd,then Oxford rd,then it carried on the circuit that it does today.My father was a Trolley Bus driver for many years after WW2. Ian

Michael Johnson

Maidstone I remember it well: I attended Maidstone Tech at the age of 13 having previously attended The Wilderness school, Sevenoaks. I mainly did the Agriculture course as well as the usual 3rs I obtained 2 O levels in Woodwork & Metalwork and left in July 1959. I remember that there were older students at the Westree Rd site,( I think they studied art)but for us younger ones there was Agriculture, Building or Engineering. In the early days we walked up to Oakwood House, further up the Tonbridge Rd where we studied Agriculture ( there was a small farm) and Horticulture (quite large gardens attached to the house).Later on we spent more time at Oakwood doing our ordinary lessons as well as the farming & gardening.

Barry Newman

Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well: I remember Maidstone, but why can't the Maidstone council fund some webcams? Many webcams from around the world are made available by small organisations and individuals, so how about some views of Maidstone?

Mary Smith

Maidstone I remember it well: I used to work at Broadmeads and loved the G range and was wondering if anyone can rememeber the name of the DJ at the savoy in Snodland.

Mary Betts ne Smith

Maidstone I remember it well: I too have just discovered this site. I would like to say hello to Colin Edwards. My mum and dad used to own the green grocers shop in Bower Place. Yourself,Moggsy,Trevor,Lloyd and Dudley used to buy all your records from me when I worked in Broadmeads.

michael daniel

Maidstone I remember it well: I remember an Ivor Thomas who played the piano accordian and saxaphone with the band of the queens own buffs. I remember the shows at the granada in the early sixty's befor i joined the same army band.

john hakeman

Maidstone I remember it well: I will always remember overtaking the Trolley Buses on our bikes as they pulled away from the stop opposite South Boro' school going up Loose Rd but we had to be quick as they soon caught us up. I don't remember them going to Parkwood but know they only did Loose Rd. Sutton Road, through town & up the Tonbridge Rd. A a boy we preferred the diesel buses but boy how peaceful they would seem now & ultra "Green". Maidstone Council (or someone ) must have made a fortune in scrap from the overhead lines (I assume copper)& the poles. I recall the long poles used to switch over at the Wheatsheaf and sometimes they were used to relocate them when they dislodged. They jumped when starting not from bad driving as I think they were brake motors with no gears.

john hakeman

Maidstone I remember it well: Hello Pam I went to South boro' juniors from '55 to '59 when we were not allowed to pass messages from the senior school girls to boys or boys to girls. They then built "Stalag 9" fences to prevent messages in split tennis balls. I then attended the senior boys from '59 to around '63. I was told off by a teacher for talking to my sister Maureen I recall. I went out with Doris Burril from the girls but had to cuddle her when we were well out of school for risk of a 100 lines. Our games master Mr. Nash was keen on the games mistress from the girls school--- perhaps it was the gym slip!

gordon fosher

Maidstone I remember it well: worked there off and on for 12-14yrs,leaving only because of the final shut.I was a Beaterman-in-charge of B shift in the preparation plant Straw Mill Hill.Am still in contact with many friends who worked there,all 4 of my brothers worked there.

Gordon I am sorry but am I right in thinking this was at Tovil Mill

steve wickenden

Maidstone I remember it well: hi im to young but i remember my mum saying there was a zoo at forstal road called drakes, does anyone remember that.

David Maltman

Country: Australia Maidstone I remember it well: Attended Vinters Boys Secondary School 1958-62. Have very fond memories of class mates and teachers.We had a great football team (Soccer in Australia)Celebration supper held at the Mitre Hotel Maidstone Monday 20th April 1959 to acknowledge the achievements of Vinters Juniors,winners of the Maidstone Schools Junior Football League.Sportsmaster was Mr A.F.Thomas. The team were also winners in 59/60 and 60/61. A group of students also saved their pocket money and attended the 1960 Rome Olympics.