1947 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1940-1949
03 Jan 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Scouts' Good Turn
(Longfield) "Old people of the village each received a sack of logs which were sawn up and delivered by the 1st Longfield Boy Scouts."
04 Jan 1947 Dundee Evening Telegraph
On Strike about Confetti
Rev S J Broughton, rector of Longfield announces he is no longer going to clear up confetti thrown in the churchyard.
10 Jan 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Parish meeting had agreed to buy 39 acres of land with the house shop and outbuildings known as the Retreat Stores [The Retreat was on the site of 84-86 Main Road] (2) Complaints received of surface water on Main Road, County Surveyor to investigate. (3) Schools: KEC say their current plans are to have an infants school for 40 in Longfield and a school for 100 infants and juniors in New Barn.
17 Jan 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Conservatism at Hartley
"Hartley and District Conservative Association was revived at a meeting on Monday. Chairman of the Provisional Committee, Mr F E Todd, gave it as his opinion that apathy in the constituency among Conservative supporters at the last general election lost the seat to the Socialists.
'It is worth reminding ourselves that the Conservative candidate polled only 19,243 votes at the last General Election, as against 38,705 votes in 1935,' he said, 'This represents a drop of over 50 per cent in our poll, and our former big majority of 26,478 over the Labour candidate was turned into a defeat at his hands by more than 6,000 votes. As against our drop of 50 per cent, the Labour candidate increased his poll by over 100 per cent. The number of people who recorded their vote in this Division at the last election was nearly 4,500 less than in 1935, which goes to show that the Labour Party by increasing their poll by over 13,000 votes had been very active during the 10 years that elapsed between the two elctions. In my long and varied experience of political organisations extending over 35 years, I have found that the main stumbling block to success, so far as branches are concerned, has been the formation of cliques among the membership, resulting in the withdrawal of membership of many very good men. The class distinction which was so evident a few years ago has, perhaps by force of circumstances, been considerably reduced since 1939 and I hope we shall not revert to that unchristianlike state again. In a political organisation it should not be found at all. It is most detrimental to the party's work and a decided handicap to the officers. Inasmuch as we fought shoulder to shoulder during the two great wars regardless of social position, creed or colour, so must we fight shoulder to shoulder now in our fight for liberty. We are all of one mind in this matter and a union of fellowship to pull together should be our earnest desiire.' "
Chairman: F E Todd; Vice-chairman: C K Lynton-Harris; Treasurer: A Udall; Secretary: Mr Solly; Committee: Messrs Goosey, Hemsesley, Waters, Townley, Adams, Richards, Alfoord.
24 Jan 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Naturalist Club (Hartley)
3rd annual party at WI Hall featuring film show of animal and bird life fo the Canadian National Park.
25 Jan 1947 Gravesend Reporter
House for Sale at Hartley
Homefield, Ash Road/Stack Lane advertised for sale
31 Jan 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Labour Party
"A branch of the Labour Party was formed at a meeting in the WI Jall on Saturday, when Mr G D Wallace (MP for Chislehurst) [1906-2003] paid his first visit to the village. Speaking of his 'interview service', Mr Wallace said that during the first 12 months since his election, over 1,000 people had gone to see him. He voiced concern over the lack of electric light and good sanitary arrangements in some rural areas of his constituency, and after visiting some of the country schools he thought that conditions at Fawkham and Bean were disgraceful....." Chairman: Mrs S Willmot; Secretary: Mr Barrow; Treasurer: Mrs Driver; Committee: Messrs Benson, McLynn, R Sizmur, W Willsmore and G Willmot.
Kent's Great Freeze Up
RAF Meteorological Station at Teynham recorded a temperature of 1 degree F [-17 C] and 15 inches of snow. River Medway froze for the first time in 20 years. Temperature of 6 degrees F [-14 C] recorded in Maidstone. ".....Several villages around Gravesend have been isolated by heavy snowdrifts. At Meopham, where buses stopped running on Saturday, people in Downs Road were unable to open their back doors. Snowploughs were at work at Istead Rise and German prisoners helped to cut a passage through the deep drifts. Because midday meals could not be delivered, Meopham schools were closed. Mackley's Stores sent their deliveries out by sledge - the first time they have had to resort to this method for 20 years.
On Sunday 37 people attended the 8am service at Meopham Parish Church. One of them, recently confirmed, walked 4 miles through the snow. At Cobham, roads to Luddesdown and Great Buckland were blocked, but a drift on the road to Gravesend was cleared. Buses, however could not get any further to the village than Watling Street.
Southfleet has been completely cut off. A bus which tried to get through to Ash over the weekend got suck and it took several hours to dig it out........ On Wednesday, buses managed to run to Southfleet, but not New Barn. The weekly delivery of beer reached the village which had had no delivery of meat since the weekend. A newsagent walked out from Northfleet with papers on Tuesday. He started at 7am and arrived at Southfleet 4 hours later.
At some places between Southfleet and Longfield snowdrifts were higher than a single decker bus.
People at Luddesdown, who depend mainly on pumps for their water, had difficulty in getting supplies because many pumps were frozen up. Sheep in fields in the area have been brought in to the farms because of the danger that they may be lost in snowdrifts....."
07 Feb 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Proposals for New Schools
"Members of Longfield Parish Council expressed concern at the KEC's proposals to close the present village school and build one to accommodate 40 infants at the station end of the parish, and another somewhre on the New Barn estate for 100 infants and juniors. The school registers showed that there were 70 infants attending from teh station end, 25 from Longfield Hill, 7 from New Barn and 15 from Hartley. With these figures before them the council decided to suggest that a large school for infants and juniors be built in the centre of the parish as the most convenient place......"
Hartley Youth Club
AGM held at Congregational Church Hall. Graham Willmot [1928-2001] presiding. "In his address the chairman stated that the membership had risen from 21 to 38. When the club started a year ago, it was without funds. There was now £48 in the bank. Out of 51 evenings, 6 had been devoted to luctures, 2 to debates, and the remainder spent in social acitivities. Club membes helped with the various flag selling days in the village, and also provided an evening's entertainment at the Social Centre. In outdoor sport the club has been somewhat handicapped by the lack of a sports field, but succeeded in playing 4 football matches and 3 cricket pitches. There were also some enjoyable hikes through the Tonbridge District......"
08 Feb 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) Compulsory Purchase notice for land in Merton Avenue; (2) Youth club AGM - membership up from 21 to 38; (3) Marriage of Pamela Symons [b 1920] of Fairby Lane in India; (4) For sale: building plots in Ash Rd
14 Feb 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) PC annoyed that Dartford RDC don't want their advice on housing allocation. (2) Footpaths. Path obstructed at Gorse Wood. (3) "The West Kent electricity company stated that plans were in hand to improve the supply in the Church Road area. A high power main is to be laid along St John's Lane and negotiations with the owner were in progress."
Poultry for Sale
"8 1946 pullets (full lay) with hse, £16. 10 yearling Rhodes, lahing with Maddison ped. Cock and Sussex Ark £20. 2 Rhode stock cockerels, from above cock, outstanding birds 30/- each - Bennett and Waters, Scotgrove, Fairby Lane, Hartley. Longfield 3249."
15 Feb 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) Parish council complains of RDC's plans for council house allocation; (2) WI - 26th birthday, details; (3) Marriage of Dorothy Talbot [1920-2000] of The Winnatts, Manor Drive to Dr J L Jenman [1923-2007] of Elizabeth Cottage, Gorse Way
21 Feb 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Former Councillor
"One of the members elected to the first Longfield Parish Council, Mr Lancelot Dunmall, 87 of Victoria Terrace, [32] Essex Road, was buried at Longfield after a service in the parish church. Mr Dunmall died at his daughter's home at Eltham. A native of Farningham, he came to Longfield 62 years ago. For 30 years he was gadener at the Briars [Broomfield, Main Road] and always took a keen interest in parish affairs. His wife died 12 years ago and his younger son was killed in an air raid. A son and two daughters are bereaved...."
22 Feb 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) Opening of Childrens' Clinic at WI Hall, weds 2-4; (2) Womens Conservative Meeting attended by 40 despite atrocious weather; (3) Social Centre: lecture on leoprosy in Africa; (4) Adult Education lecture: Post War Czechlosovakia
28 Feb 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley's Young Conservatives
"Miss Patricia Hornsby-Smith, prospective Conservative candidate for the Chislehurst Division, visited Hartley on Wednesday last week to speak to the newly formed Young Conservatives….. Miss Hornsby-Smith congratulated the Young Conservatives on their enthusiasm and the energetic measures they proposed to adopt to reach their target - 150 members by March 31st....."
01 Mar 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) Country Club AGM - retirement of CS Bignell as Hon Secretary; (2) Marriage of Dr Elizabeth Jenman [b 1919] of Elizabeth Cottage, Gorse Way; (3) Dartford RDC - tributes to CS Bignell on his retirement
07 Mar 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Shock for Longfield Council
(1) "Longfield Parish Councillors had something of a shock at their meeting on Monday when the county valuation officer's estimate of the price of 38 acres of land between Bush Wood and Mabel Cottages which the PC proposes to purchase for playing fields and allotments was announced. The vendor's price for the whole site was £6,500 and a great deal of preliminary work on the strength of this figure has already been carried out by the council. The County valuer's figure was £3,500 for the whole site, or £2,000 for about 20 acres." Council to send report to vendor and also had been advised by KCC they should include a carpark in their plans. (2) "Mr T W Dyer raised the quesiton of the present use of a hut near the Rural Council's depot at Longfield. He said the hut could be adapted to accommodate one of the many homeless families in the parish, and pointed out that at present it was used only one of two evenings a week by the Kent House Club. He thought members of the club could be found accommodation in hte nearby village hall. 'It is disgraceful,' he declared, 'that men who have fought for their country should be turned down by the Rural Council, which owns the hut, in favour of a few people who desire to have occasional recreation.' " Council ask him for more details. (3) "The Rural Council has ordered that a hut erected during the war for use of the Home Guard and which had lately been taken over by the Boy Scouts should be removed or demolished. Mr S Hickmott asked the PC to endeavour to save the hut. He explained that the Scouts had done a good deal to tidy it up and fit it out." District Council asked to take up matter. [Hut was on land now rear of 42/44 Fawkham Road. Planning permission for removal 1948] (4) County Surveyor looking at roadside sumps. (5) Streetlights turned off during current fuel crisis.
Late Mrs Caroline Packman
of Sutton at Hone, aged 81. Born in Hartley, she had lived at Cromwell Villas, Sutton at Hone for 40 years. She was a midwife for many years. [nee Mitchell]
08 Mar 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) Rabbit club to be wound up; (2) WI Drama Group, 3 one act plays features first male actor
14 Mar 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) Ministry permission obtained for 12 Airey homes at Merton Avenue. (2) War Memorial. Maintenance was discussed but doubts arose about the council's standing to act. (3) Ash Road - calls for speed limits, especially bad on Brands Hatch days when motorbikes speed along road. (4) Thanks recorded to C S Bignell who is retiring from the district council due to ill health.
Rabbit Club
"A meeting presided over by Mrs Hare was held at the WI Hall on Monday to wind up the club. Mrs Withers resigned the secretaryship and there were no offers to accept the post. A balance in hand of 30s is to be sent to the Children's Hospital, Great Ormond Street."
Welcome Home Dinner
"About 46 Longfield ex-servicemen who were unable to attend the first 'welcome home' dinner and entertainment organised and given by the Longfield Home Guard Association were present at a similar event at Hartley Country Club on Saturday. Mr Arthur Farries of Nurstead Hill Farm, presided. Mr Don Woodward welcomed the guests, and in reply, Mr Harold Sims thanked the association for the welcome and for the cigarettes sent them whil they were serving in various parts of the world.
Silence was observed in memory of the 10 local men who died in action in the war. A toast to absent friends was given by Mr Joe Adams, who hoped for a safe return to those who were still serving in the forces abroad. Each guest received a copy of a poem entitled 'Welcom home to the Forces' which was recited by hte composer, ex P-Sgt Udall. Entertinment was provided by Fred Barts' Concert Troupe, and two of the guests, Messrs Jack Crouch and Frank Day, gave recitations and songs.
The final welcome hom entertainment will be a concert at the Country Club on April 19th to which all local ex-servicemen, their wives and sweethearts are invited."
[Separate news item said a collection by friends at the Railway Tavern had raised £200 to the Welcome Home and Cigarette Fund]
Tender for 52 Airey Houses
Dartford RDC invite tenders. Sites include Merton Avenue Hartley - south aspect (8) [1&3, 7-13 Merton Avenue]; Kent Road, Longfield - south aspect (2) [3&5 Kent Road]; Fawkham Road, Longfield - south aspect (4); Fawkham Green - north aspect (4)
21 Mar 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Dartford RDC Elections
F Goodwin (Ash), A E Edward (Hartley) returned unopposed. Fawkham has a contested election between Lady E M T Shaw and Mr H J Barrow. [Paper of 4/4/47 has result, Shaw 103, Barrow 6 on 40 per cent turnout.]
22 Mar 1947 Gravesend Reporter
House for Sale at Hartley
For Sale: 3 bed house, 5 acres, 300 fruit trees - £3,400 freehold
28 Mar 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Annual Parish Meeting
Lowest attendance for many years. Of the 14 there, 7 were councillors. Several items mentioned including (1) Ownership of War Memorial Site. (2) Blocked footpaths in Gorse Wood and Strawberry, some owners still not identified.
29 Mar 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Hartley Conservatives
Conservative fete at Hartley Manor to be opened by Miss Hornsby-Smith [1914-1985]
04 Apr 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Meeting
19 present. (1) Meeting criticised the county's plans for Longfield Primary School. (2) Recreation Ground - they asked council to negotiate for just 20 acres. The cost of the land would be partly offset by the sale of the council's recreation ground and allotments at Whitehill Road.
11 Apr 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Fire
"A brooder and chicken run belonging to Mr R Vickers, Sunnyvale, Hartley Bottom Road, was completely destroyed by fire at midnight on Wednesday last week. Mr Vickers managed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby farm building, and the flames were finally extinguished by the NFS pumps from Dartford and Horton Kirby. About half a dozen chickens were lost." [Elsewhere in the paper it says Horton Kirby FB had 3 call outs that week, one of the other two was to Goodwin's Corn Store at Ash on Saturday.]
18 Apr 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Proposed Recreation Ground - Dartford RDC Planning Committee have rejected the proposed site. (2) "A letter from the KH Club stated their case in justification of their tenancy of the Civil Defence hut at Longfield. Mr Dyer alleged that many of the members had taken no part in civil defence work and 'most of the leading lights of the club did not reside in Longfield.' The club supporters on the council contended the club admitted all members of teh civil defence in the Dartford Rural District."
Fairby Vacancy
For housemaid. Wages 16s per week at 16 plus board and lodging etc valued at 9s 2d pw, rising to 41s pw at 18 plus board and lodging etc valued a 23s pw.
Eggs for Sale
"For sale, fertile geese and duck eggs. Morgan, Greycote, Hartley. Tel Longfield 3174."
18 Apr 1947 Kentish Express
Henry C Hickmott
Died at Manor Farm, Flishinghurst, Cranbrook, aged 65. Formerly of Longfield.
19 Apr 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Country Club
Country Club - application for widening of food licence refused
26 Apr 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) Fairby High School: accident to Miss Dewar; (2) Social Centre Concert: features BBC accompanyist John Mills
03 May 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) Social Centre: concert featuring Eve Maxwell-Lyte [1908-1955], singer [She was best known for folk songs and shortly before her appearance in Hartley had appeared on television. She was also a descendant of the Rev Lyte who wrote the hymn 'Abide with Me'. An example of her singing is on YouTube]; (2) Country Club: 21st anniversary event on 10th May
08 May 1947 The Stage
For Sale
"New 4ft wardrobe trunk £10; American Trunk £5; Large Feather Fan £5; lovely complete CP Fit up £30. Bassano, Hartley, Dartford"
09 May 1947 Country Life
Hartley Manor Farm for Sale
Messrs Nicholas of Reading Auctioneers (advert). "Kent on the North Downs. 1½ miles Fawkham Station (SR), 7 miles Dartford, 23 miles London. A valuable freehold dairy farm known as Hartley Manor Farm, Fawkham, comprising a bungalow farm residence. Substantial modern farm buildings, including a first class accredited cowhouse for 55. Electric light. Company's water. The land is fertile and suitable for either dairying or mixed farming or market gardening. In all about 102½ acres......"
09 May 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Buses for Scholars
"As a result of action taken by Mr G D Wallace MP for Chislehurst, improvement is likely in the afternoon bus service for school children between Gravesend and Ash and Hartley. In a letter to Mr Wallace, the Minister for Transport, say that a check on the route 489 taken by the LPTB showed that children were often unable to board earlier buses and had to travel from Gravesend at 5pm when congestion was at its worst.
To meet the position, wrote Mr Barnes, the Board were considering the provision of an additional bus from Gravesend to Ash at 4.9pm to cater for schoolchildren, also a relief bus at 4.37pm. They are, however, unalbe to give a definite date when the new facilities will begin, but it is hoped that the proposals will be introduced with the summer timetable next month."
Longfield Parish Council
(1) "Mr S Hickmott, in a letter, thanked the council for its efforts to prolong the licence of the Scouts' Hut, which can now remain until September. It was reported they would then probably be housed in an existing hut in the Rectory Meadow." (2) Essex Road. Old glasshouses said to be a danger to the public. (3) PC to apply for extension of speed limit on Main Road, as surface water is splashed on pedestrians by speeding cars. (4) Whitehill road. PC threaten to report Dartford RDC to ministry of Health if they don't do something about the insanitary conditions there.
10 May 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) Hartley Players: "Ladies in Retirement" (details - 31.5.47); (2) Ratepayers Assn: SW Willsmore [1903-1971] of Copthorne, Ash Rd to be chairman; (3) Buses: additional Gravesend-Ash bus at 4.09 for children considered
16 May 1947 Evening News
More Milk Plea
"For selling 1,828 gallons of milk in excess of the permitted amount during an 8 week period, Harry Parrett, aged 76, of Hothfield Dairy, Hartley, Dartford was fined £8 with 2 guineas costs at Dartford today. His defence was that he was importuned by housewives asking for a little more milk and he foolishly acceded to their requests."
16 May 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Country Club Comes of Age
At the 21st anniversary of the founding of Hartley Country Club on Saturday, Captain C S Bignell, who for health reasons recently relinquished the office of honorary secretary, a position he held for 16 years, was presented by the chairman (Mr H S Goosey) with a wallet suitably inscribed, and a cheque for £150 raised entirely by members. Captain Bignell expressed his appreciation.
Nearly 300 members were entertained by Mr Oscar Natzka, the famous bass singer from New Zealand, who appeared in Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' at Covent Garden last week. Mr W S Phillips (illusionist), Mr Robert Shaw (baritone) and Miss Betty Blagbon (soprano) also entertained. Members of the Hartley Players gave a song scene. Mr Ray Howe was pianist and Mr C Lynton-Harris was compere. Later there was dancing. The one toast was 'the Club' proposed by Mr F J Hitchcock, one of the original club members." [Some of Mr Natzke's work is available on Youtube]
23 May 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
No tea ration for Women's Institutes
Food Office will not allow extra rations for WI meetings. Meopham WI ask members to bring a teaspoon of tea with them. Longfield Hill and Hartley ask members to give what they can. Ash delegate responsibility for supplying tea to one member each month.
Jam Jar Collection
Longfield Scouts collect 1,500.
24 May 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) {NAME} of Elderberry Cott, Gorse Way - speeding charge; (2) Social Centre, application to serve refreshments refused
30 May 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Ladies in Retirment
Generally favourable review of Hartley Players' latest drama. Reviewer wasn't convinced by a couple of the performances "however, the play itself, the players, the scenery and costumes were all factors that contributed to an enjoyable entertainment."
Revision of Bus Routes in the Gravesend and Dartford area on and from 4th June
LPTB notice.
423 - withdrawn between Longfield (Railway Tavern) and Hook Green (this section is covered by 489A) and diverted at Swanley (Lullingstone Castle) to Crockenhill. Revised route: Crockenhill to Longfield.
451 Gravesend and Hartley Court. Withdrawn except for peak journeys on Mondays to Fridays and Saturday afternoons.
489 Withdrawn between Singlewell and Gravesend (this section is covered by 490). Revised route: Gravesend and Ash.
489A. Withdrawn between Northumberland Bottom and Gravesend (this section is covered by 490A. Diverted at Longfield via Longfield Hill to Hook Green to cover section of 423 withdrawn; withdrawn between Longfield and Ash (this section is covered by 489). Revised route: Gravesend to Hook Green (Meopham)
490. Extended from Gravesend to Singlewell to cover section of 489 withdrawn; extended from Longfield Hill to Hartley Court to cover section of 451 withdrawn. Revised Route: Singlewell and Hartley Court (via New Barn).
490A. Extended from Gravesend to Northumberland Bottom to cover section of 489A withdrawn. Revised route: Northumberland Bottom and Hartley Court (via New Barn)."
For Sale
"Frigidaire ½hp motor nearly new & parts - 1 Church Road, Hartley, Dartford."
31 May 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) Conservative Fete: details and picture; (2) Whit Sunday. at All Saints' and Congregational Church; (3) Changes to routes 423, 489, 490/490A
06 Jun 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Council told overflowing cesspools is a district wide problem due to lack of sanitary motor vehicles. RDC to hire necessary equipment. (2) Main Road. Footpath at Woodview receiving attention. (3) Footpaths. Estimates requested to resurface Hartley Road - Station footpath.
Longfield complains of 'noisy' camp
(Dartford RDC) "Longfield residents are complaining about a gypsy encampment and fairground set up on land owned by the Rural Council at Fawkham Road several times a season. At Tuesday's meeting of the Dartford RDC the Longfield representative (Mr W Wright) produced a letter from teh parish council objecting to the use of the land for this purpose. Besides the noise coming from the camp, which it was alleged, was detrimental to children's health, the council complained that people living near the caravans were constantly being asked for water, and that there were no sanitary arrangments. It was decided to bear the complaints in mind the next time an application for use of the land was received..."
Crops for Sale
E J Parker & Sons auction of growing crops includes 5a 2r 0p of cherries at Cherry Orchard Farm, Hartley for Mr W G Campkin."
13 Jun 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Beetles Found
Four beetles found in Gravesend district have been identified by Ministry of Agriculture experts as Colorados. Two were found in gardens in the centre of the town - in The Terrace and Peacock Street - while the others, taken to Gravesend Police Station by farm workers, were discovered at Longfield and Southfleet."
Hartley Parish Council
"At the monthly meeting the recent unofficial strke of busmen was described as 'an unwarranted attack on public convenience'. A resolution was passed condemning the attitude of the operatives, 'who should have used the trade unions as the proper way to negotiate with the LPT Board.' "
14 Jun 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Gravesend Reporter Staff Outing
// presided over by managing editor, Mr A Witt [1886-1961] of Fairby Lane]
14 Jun 1947 Daily Express
We'll stay while the roof comes off'
"The roof of Joh-San, the Shorts' bungalow in Hartley, Kent, will be coming off within 28 days. That was the ruling yesterday of Dartford magistrates. The reason: The roof is pitches at 28 degrees instead of the 37½ as approved by Dartford Council. Sitting under the roof when it is removed will be the Short family - van driver Mr Peter Short, and his wife Lily, their 16 year old son, and 77 year old grandfather. 'We have nowhere else to go', they said last night. // Three weeks ago they moved into Joh-San from a hut - their home after they were blitzed. They are buying the bungalow for £1,050. 'It is paradise,' said Mrs Short.
The builder of Joh-San [Messrs T Graham & Co, Fairby Lane, Hartley - KM 20/6/47] appealed to the Magistrates against the council decision. Mr W Tyson for the builder, said that the altered pitch of the roof gave a £25 saving. The alteration was made through lack of the right timber. It will take a fortnight to put a new roof over the heads of the Shorts." [KM article also says council thought lower pitch would cause felt to rot. Builder said they wanted 18ft laths but could only get 16ft which was why pitch reduced]
21 Jun 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) New pews at Hartley Church; (2) RC School: Stage show at Country Club; producer: Sister Camillus
04 Jul 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Water Committee
Public notice saying that the Minister has extended the time for the works under the 1936 act to be completed. It is now 30 June 1950.
11 Jul 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
"A resolution strongly protesting against the proposal of the Boundary Commission to transfer Hartley and certain other parishes in the rural district to the Parliamentary Division of Orpington was passed at the monthly meeting. It was stated that the parishes had no affinity whatever with Orpington and suggested that, if any change was necessary, the parishes should be transferred to Dartford Division."
Longfield Parish Council
(1) PC welcomed assurance that transferring senior children to urban schools was only temporary, but still concerned no provision has been made for a rural country modern school in the east part of the Rural District. "The council was still of the opinion tha tthe site at present reserved in teh village for a school was not the most suitable, and strongly urged joint action by the KEC and the council to secure Court Meadow for the combined purpose of a school and recreation ground." Especially needed as School managers say Rectory Meadow is used too much for adult sports.
19 Jul 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News In Brief
(1) Rectory Fete raises £129: details; (2) Mrs Willmott of Highlands: application for catering licence refused
25 Jul 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Passing By
"A scheme approved in 1939 for constructing two passing places for vehicles in St John's Lane, is to be proceeded with. It was one of the projects held up by the war. The present estimated cost is £236."
Longfield Man found Hanged
"Mr George James Goodwin, 36, of 1 Siding Cottages, Longfield Hill, was found dead in his bedroom on Tuesday, hanging from a bed post by a length of electric light flex. He was found by his brother. A single man, Mr Goodwin, who had been ill for several years, lived with his parents and two brothers."
16 Aug 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Marriage of Sheila F Witt [1919-1991] of Treetops (picture); (2) Sunday School outing to Sheerness
22 Aug 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Two Fined
"Summoned at Dartford on Friday for failing to maintain the windscreen of a motor van in proper condtiion, John Tyson, Northall Road, Barnehurst, was fined £1. Thomas Graham of Fairby Lane, Hartley, who was summoned for permitting and also for failing to maintain the van in a fit and serviceable condition, was fined £2."
29 Aug 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Ash Parish Council
(1) New Cemetery. Mrs Campbell the landowner to give her decision on the proposed site when she is next in Ash. Tenant of Ash Manor, Mr Williamson is in favour even though site is within 100 yards of the house. (2) Ash do not want to be in Orpington Constituency.
05 Sep 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
Owner of Court Meadow said it was not for sale, but they could buy a strip of land at the east end for £200 an acre but it must run up to the railway. Council to view site.
Speed Limit Extension
"Kent County Council has decided not to recommend to the Ministry of Transport an extension of the speed limit on the main road through Longfield."
12 Sep 1947 Bromley & West Kent Mercury
Bromley to have its Own MP
"Commission Inquiry into NW Kent Boundaries
The Parliamentary Borough of Bromley will probably be divded before the next General Election into two parliamentary boroughs for Bromley and Beckenham (with Penge). As a consequence West Wickham, which is in the municipal borough of Beckenham, will be taken away from Orpington, and Hayes and Keston area will be included in Bromley. The future of the Chislehurst and Orpington Divisions is in the melting pot.
The recommendations of the Boundary Commission were the subject of an inquiry held by Mr R M Montgomery KC at the Council Offices, Dartford, last Thursday.
The recommendations, which were first published last June are: Bromley Parliamentary Borough: The municipal borough, Parliamentary Electorate 46,510 in 1946. Beckenham Parliamentary Borough: The municpal borough and the urban district of Penge, electorate 72,061. Chislehurst: The uban district of Chislehurst and Sidcup and the civil parishes of Darenth, Stone, Sutton at Hone and Wilmington in the Rural District of Dartford, electorate 63,290. Orpington: The urban district of Orpington and the civil parishes of Ash, Eynsford, Farninghan, Fawkham, Hartley, Horton Kirby, Kingsdown, Longfield, Lullingstone, Ridley and Southfleet in the rural district of Dartford, electorate 51,796.
Mr S Critchley Auty, Town Clerk of Bromley, supported the Commission's recommendations. Similar representations were made on behalf of Beckenham and by Mr E T Chater for Chislehurst and Sidcup Council. Mr Stephen King, Clerk of Orpington Urban Council, said that authority supported the recommendations. If the Commission acceded to a proposal that Dartford Rural shold be taken away from Orpington, the electorate of the Orpington Division would be reduced from 51,000 to 42,000. Orpington was losing an electorate of 21,000 to Bromley and Beckenham and did not wish to endanger its independence.
Sir Waldron Smithers MP said Dartford Rural district was part of the old Chislehurst Division which he represented for 21 years. He did not think there was much community of interest between Dartford Rural and Orpington, but on the whole he supported the recommendations subject to any fresh proposal being made. If Dartford Rural were taken away, Orpington would still have a larger number of electors than 9 other divisions in the country. If it was thought desirable to increase the Orpington electorate, Halstead and Shoreham might be included. Mr Allison Beer, chairman of Orpington Urban Council, agreed with Sir Waldron, and added that Halstead and Shoreham were nearer the centre of Orpington than the centre of Sevenoaks.
A representative of Dartford Rural Council opposed the present proposals, but was in agreement with those made in 1946 for a Parliamentary Division to be formed of Dartford Borough, Dartford Rural and Swanscombe.
'Community of Interest' was a phrase used by several speakers, and this led Mr S Critchley Auty to suggest that it was being rather overdone; he did not see what that had to do with polling stations Mr Montgomery said it was one of the things that had to be taken into consideration. Mr Allison Beer said Orpington was the largest urban district in the country, and more than three-fourths of it was rural. Community of Interest should not be taken too seriously. The Orpington area included many villages, and if they took over other villages from the Dartford Rural area they would receive the same service.
On behalf of several parishes in the Dartford Rural area, it was stated that if any change were made they would prefer to be included in the Dartford Division.
Mr T A Tolhurst of the National Union of Conservative Associations, supported the proposals in general, but suggested that Dartford Borough and Dartford Rural District should be one division; if Swanscombe were included there would be an electorate of 51,000. He also thought Erith and Crayford might form a division. Mr Montgomery: Does this plan involve an extra member? Mr Tolhurst: Yes, for Erith and Crayford.
Major Robertson, Conservative agent for Chislehurst Division, spoke in favour of the proposals, as did Labour and Communist representatives. Mention was made of the LCC semi-satellite town which will increase the electorate of Chislehurst and Orpington. It was stated that since January 1945, the population of Orpington has increased by 10,000.
Mr Montgomery said he would submit his report and the result would be known in due course. Sir Waldron Smithers was accompanied by Mr C Knight, Conservative agent. Councillor J Davis, vice-chairman, and Councillor Brittenden, of Orpington Council were also present."
[The paper of 19.12.1947 reported that the Commission had confirmed the proposals locally without amendment. It can be seen that they were prepared to accept a massive disparity in the electorates between the new Bromley and Beckenham seats]
20 Sep 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Obituary of W Richards of Ash Rd (68) [William J J Richards of 4 Black Lion Cottages]; (2) Social Club Dance (with Alan Argent's Band); Country Club Tennis Dance (with Happy Days Band)
26 Sep 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Petition
"During the school holidays, village children collected over 200 signatures to support a campaign organised by the National Society for the Abolition of Cruel Sports, which is hoping to promote a bill in Parliament."
02 Oct 1947 The Stage
Financial Notes
"Individual Music Company Limited (439862) - Private Company, registered July 29. Capital £100 in 1s shares. Objects: To carry on the business of music publishers, photographers, printers etc. The directors are James Sheppard, Gorse Way, Hartley, Longfield, Kent... (and 2 others)" [Company Dissolved 1973]
04 Oct 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Hartley Social Centre
Social Centre: 12 talks on Musical Appreciation at Amphion
10 Oct 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
Hartley and Ash believe new school should be built at Longfield not Sutton at Hone. Southfleet happy for their children to go to Gravesend and Northfleet.
Hartley Parish Council
Council awaitng action on a number of things. (1) Action being taken to clear public footpaths in Gorse Wood. (2) Bus shelter to be built by War Memorial, other site suggested by PC rejected by LPTB.
11 Oct 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Hartley Youth Club Dance; Local MP at Social Club; (2) Kenneth E Kitto of Black Lion - speeding
17 Oct 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Window Dedicated
"At the parish church on Sunday morning, Canon W Parker, a former rector, preached. During the service a stained glass window, given by Miss E Barker in memory of her sister Miss Marjory Barker, who was rector's warden from 1928-31, was dedicated. She died in December 1942. The window depicts St Mary Magdalene. Among the congregation were Miss E Barker, members of the local Cadets Force and several farmers. Harvest festival services were held during the day and in the afternoon there was a children's service....."
Music Teachers
"The Misses Casey, 9 Victoria Road, Gravesend (Tel Gravesend 4155) & St Anthony, Hartley [Knoll Cottage, Ash Road] (Tel Longfield 2181). Professors of Music. Pupils prepared Royal School Examinations."
100 Strong
Hartley Young Conservatives have just enroled their 100th member and have raised £50 for the Chislehurst Association. Prospective candidate Pat Hornsby-Smith said they were the best young Conservative branch in the constituency and their existence did "lay low the Socialist illusion that the Conservative Party consisted of elderly men and women of the 'Blimp' type."
18 Oct 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Hartley Conservatives
Dance to celebrate 100th member of Young Conservatives
24 Oct 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Later Evensong
"As a result of a vote by members of the congregation, evensong at Hartley Parish Church will start at 6.30 instead of 6.15 as from the first Sunday in November."
25 Oct 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
Social Centre: Bromley Baptist Church Choir; Country Club: amateur boxing tournament
01 Nov 1947 Gravesend Reporter
All Saints' Church
St Lukes-tide Music and Arts festival at Hartley and Fawkham Churches includes choir concerts at both churches, art exhibition at WI Hall
07 Nov 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
"A letter from the West Kent Electric Co dealt with proposed extension of cable to Whitehill, which apparently, will not be done unless at least 60 per cent of the residents agree to be connected. There wer also certain consents to be obtained, and other difficulties through shortage of materials and labour. Owing to complaints it wa ageed to restore three more street lamps, one near the Homestead, and two at Longfield Hill.
Longfield Hill WI wrote about an alleged plague of flies believed to arise from the refuse dump at Longfield Siding. Their letter will be sent to the Rural Council."
New Modern School
"Parish councillors from Longfield, Hartley, Ash, Fawkham and Southfleet, meeting at Longfield Village Hall on Wednesday last week to consider a site for a proposed new county modern school, were unanimously in favour of the school being built at Longfield because it is central. The educational authorities are to be asked to receive a deputation consisting of two members from each of the parish councils including Meopham.
At the meeting, presided over by Mr A E Potter, Mr Goff said his objection to a site at Sutton at Hon, which was favoured by the Kent Education Committee, was that it was outside the area served by the Thamesside Committee and quite close to an existing county modern school at Swanley. There was a suitable site at Longfield, large enough for a school, playing field and land for training in agriculture."
14 Nov 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Former Stationmaster
// "The death occurred suddenly on Saturday of Mr Walter Tapsell, stationmaster at Brockley, who for many years resided in Longfield while stationmaster at Fawkham. He was an active worker for the parish church for many years, and was also secretary of the Village Hall and for a short period the Cottage Gardeners' Association. He leaves a widow, two daughters and a son."
Hartley Parish Council
(1) Stamp machine has been installed at Hartley Post Office. (2) Propsed bus shelter at the War Memorial not considered sufficient. (3) Vandalism of Jubilee Tree on the Green. "Regret was expressed that local residents did not appear to cooperate in preventing such damage. (4) PC are negotiating with County Council to vest War Memorial in their keeping. (5) PC alleges that Brands Hatch is paying too low rates.
21 Nov 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
For Sale
// "60 Egg Glevum superior incubator in perfect order, what offers? Mr Free, Perseverance, [Brianne] Castle Hill, Hartley, Dartford."
22 Nov 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Hartley Players
Hartley Players: autumn show cancelled due to lack of male players
28 Nov 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Wedding at Gravesend of Kenneth Ernest Sims
Son of Mrs R Sims of Sims Garage, and the late J Sims." [K E Sims 1926-1985]
Sale
Congregational Church Women's Guild raise £114 for Mase fund.
Shelter
"Thamesside Educational Executive decided, at its meeting on Monday, to press for a large bus shelter to be erected at the War Memorial for children who have to wait there for transport to take them to school"
Friend in Need
"In collision with a bank at Hoselands Hill, Hartley, on Thursday last week, when riding a motorcycle, Mr Collins, Shepherds Cottages, Lanes End, Darenth, received an injury to his head. Miss B Boutcher, Church Road, Hartley, a trained nurse, found him lying in the road and rendered first aid. She accompanied him in the ambulance to Gravesend Hospital and then went with him to his home."
29 Nov 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Roads News
(1) Percy W Dennis [1894-1962] of Clifton, Ash Road - speeding; (2) Motorcycle Accident on Hoselands Hill
05 Dec 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Councillors Discuss Rings Round Village
"To discourage sporadic development in rural areas, town planners have created 'rings' round north Kent villages immediately outside which building should not be allowed. At a meeting of Dartford RDC on Tuesday, members debated for an hour how elastic the line should be.
Before them was a 'test case' - a plan for the erection of a pair of houses at Hartley - which although just outside the boundary, the Town and Country Planning Committee was prepared to approve. Mr E James (clerk) explained that confusion was arising because the boundary fixed at Hartley was tightened considerably two months ago on instructions from planning specialist officers.
Mrs Landen argued that the plan under review should be disapproved in order that the council could be consistent in its discussions, while Mr F Bowyer said that if an exception was made in the one case, the councilwould receive many applications from borderline cases from other parishes. Mr A E Edward complained about the alleged time lag in settling the question, and Alderman the Rev S J W Morgan disagreed with what he called 'playing about with the public'.
It was decided to send the plan back to the North Kent Joint Planning Committee recommending approval."
Houses for Sale
"£5,500 Hartley near Longfield, Kent - A charming cottage resident together with a modern bungalow and 5 acres of land; the cottage contains 3 bedrooms, bathroom, 2 rec rooms etc; the bungalow contains 2 bedrooms, bathroom, sitting room, kitchen/living room etc, mains water and electricity - owner's agents. Ibbett Mosely Card & Co, 125 High Street, Sevenoaks."
Longfield Parish Council
(1) County Road Surveyor endeavouring to get landowner permission to put in sumps for better drainage of Main Road, one already constructed. (2) "It was reported that numbering of houses in certain streets had commenced."
12 Dec 1947 Evening News
The Shorts Stay Put
"The Short family think themselves lucky that they still have a roof over their heads. They live in a newly built bungalow in the little village of Hartley and the Dartford RDC insist that the roof should be stripped down and rebuilt at a 9½ degrees higher pitch. A court order to this effect was made in June. Now the timber is available, but th eShorts refuse to be left roofless at this time of year. Mrs Short's 80 year old invalid father lives with her. The Shorts have no quarrel with their present roof and are determined not to let the builders get near it. The next move, they say, is with the council." [Joh-San, Ash Road]
12 Dec 1947 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) Dartford RDC asked about Public Conveniences, PC reply that the only one in Hartley is at the Black Lion, but they said parish wanted more. (2) Footpaths. Path from Church to Hartley Bottom is obstructed; St John's Lane path is overgrown by scrub at one end. (3) Thamesside Education Committee said they had no authority to pay for a bus shelter.
20 Dec 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Parliamentary Boundary Review
Boundary Commission: Hartley to be part of Orpington constituency
27 Dec 1947 Gravesend Reporter
Women's Institute
WI Play at Country Club: Wedding Eve Melodrama, details