1949 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1940-1949
01 Jan 1949 Limerick Leader
Greyhounds Wanted
"English Advertiser requires top class dogs only. Distance 460 to 700 yards. Communications to W O'Riordan (Licensed NGRC Trainer), Clifton Kennels, Hartley, Dartford, Kent, England. Phone Longfield 3232"
[Clifton Kennels was where Green Way is today]
07 Jan 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Too Expensive
"British Railways have told Dartford RDC that it would cost £2,500, which was considered too expensive, to put chain link fencing along the 2 mile stretch of electric railway between Fawkham Station and Longfield Siding in order to prevent children getting onto the line. In their letter, read at Tuesday's meeting of the council, BR doubted whehter such fencing would be effective. Mr Brian F Kirby (Surveyor and Engineer) estimated that the cost wold be just over £1,000. It was decided to ask BR to place barbed wire along the stretch concerned."
14 Jan 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Bowls
AGM of Country Club Bowls section. 22 playing members and 20 matches arranged. Chairman, Mr Goosey, secretary: Mr Bennett.
Hartley Parish Council
(1) They have the list of names to add to the War Memorial and are seeking quotes for the new plate. (2) "Offer of the Central Office of Information to show films on Marshall Aid in the parish has been declined as the council considered they would not be appreciated." (3) Shortage of oak causing delays in erecting seat in Church Road.
21 Jan 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Boys' Club Opened
(Ash) "The Boys' Club was officially opened by Mr E Guy, headmaster of Gravesend Technical College. Present at the opening ceremony were 15 Ash boys and visitors from Hartley. The leader of the club is {NAME}. Members will meet every Tuesday in the parish hall."
Country Bus
(poem) 1st verse:
"Ascending at Hartley with a ring of friendly faces,
The townsman, caught unawares allows himself spaces,
To absorb parish news and reflect on the graces
Of travelling on a bus in the country......
22 Jan 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Wedding of Gladys May Dennis [b 1907] of The Elms, Ash Rd; (2) Childrens' Party attended by 140
28 Jan 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Plans for a Bigger Gravesend
Gravesend want to take the following areas into the borough - Northfleet, Swanscombe east of Mount Road, Betsham, Westwood, Southfleet, Cobham, Shorne, increasing the population from 42,000 to 60,000. Northfleet and Swancombe in favour of joining together but don't want to be part of Gravesend. "Longfield had not been included because it was in a dip and drainage would prove too costly. Moreover, Longfield had natural links with Dartford". [This comment suggests that the motive may have been a grab for rates income, Longfield didn't offer a profit to Gravesend it seems. Map in paper of 4/2/49.]
Fawkham Parish Council
(1) 1949/50 precept to be £20. (2) Need for village hall and playing fields identified. (3) Confusion on whether road to Longfield was called Fawkham Road or Valley Road. (4) Castle Hill said to be dangerous but nothing can be done at present.
Hartley Wedding
At All Saints' Church, Hartley of Alan [Edward] Alexander [1919-2009] of Cavan, Church Road, and {NAME} of Elderberry Cottage, Gorse Way. (Picture)
29 Jan 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Sunday School Outing
Sunday School visit to Chatham Theatre
Pratt Wedding
Peggy Sylvester Pratt [Sylvester Vivienne Day 1923-1972] of Downs View, married at Dartford Reg Office
Alexander - Bigwood Wedding
Marriage of Iris Bigwood of Elderberry Cottage, Gorse Way to Alan Alexander (b 1919) of Cavan, Church Rd
Choral Society Founded
Choral Society: inaugural performance at WI Hall
05 Feb 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Council Houses
Tenders invited by Dartford RDC to build 26 houses at Ash Rd [1-14 Hoselands View, 2-12 Wellfield, 1-11 Larksfield]
11 Feb 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) PC want St John's Lane to be one way pending construction of passing places. (2) Road flooding near Willow Lodge [Mintmakers, Church Road] to be reported to KCC.
Still Waiting
(Longfield) "The parish council heard on Monday fromt eh county planning officer that while it was appreciated that playing field facilities must be provided, teh reservation of a site could only be undertaken when the detailed development plan for Longfield had been prepared as part of the county plan. The site suggested by the PC would be considered together with any other suitable sites which might be put forward."
Newly Weds go to Canada
"At any time marriage means a change, but few couples have found it so complete as Mr and Mrs Norman Goodwin, who 10 days after their wedding at Gravesend, in January, flew to Canada to set up house as two of the dominion's latest immigrants. Mr Goodwin used to live at 1 Siding Cottages, Longfield..... In a letter to his wife's sister... Mr Goodwin has reported a comfortable and smooth trip to Toronto via the Azores and Newfoundland. Plentiful and appetising food provided the first big contrast and Mr Goodwin confesses to mild indigestion for the first day or two!
Canadian youngsters took his eye for their extreme telephone sense, ringing up one another and talking for ages instead of making visits he writes. Although outside sheet ice is everywhere, the houses are the warmest that Mr Goodwin has ever been in because of the central heating. Cars and buses are heated too, and it is possible to travel across the city - about 15 miles - with a flat rate ticket costing 6 cents.
More British type cigarettes are smoked than Canadian, it seems and drinking places, 'unlike anything I've seen anywhere,' open from noon to midnight apart from the 2 hours between 6 and 8pm. It is against the law to tand and drink; one is served by a waiter at small tables.
When Mr and Mrs Goodwin landed a man gave each arrival 40 cigarettes and said 'Welcome to Canada.' Since then there has been so much feting that Mr Goodwinhas not yet had time to look for a job or anything else!"
12 Feb 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Hartley Social Centre
Social Centre: lecture and film "Young Mr Pitt"
Dances
Dances at Hockey Club and Social Club
18 Feb 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
They Shone Too!
Favourable review of Hartley Young Conservative drama production at Coutnry Club
Dangerous Practice
"Geoffrey Towell [1917-2003], Gorse Way, Hartley, was fined £1 and 10s coss, at Dartford on Friday for trespassing on the railway line at Fawkham. Jack Crouch [poss 1915-1968], Kent Road, Longfield was similarly fined. It was stated that the two men walked across the line in front of a stationary train. Mr G A V Connolly (solicitor) said in the case of Towell: 'If the train had started he woudl not have been here. Maybe he should be thankful he is before the court today.' "
19 Feb 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Industrial Injury
Thomas Stevens of Downs View (56) injured working on a farm
Young Conservatives
Young Conservatives Play "While the Sun Shines " big success
25 Feb 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Surgery in Parish Hall
"Local doctors now hold their surgeries in a room in the Parish Hall. Patients waiting to see the doctors can sit in comfort in the main hall. This innovation is the result of action by the Parish Council. Previously, the doctor's surgery was a room in a private house. This was unsatisfactory because accommodation was limited and peoplehad to wait outside the house until the doctor was ready to see them. Different arrangements had to be made when the owner of the house died and the room was no longer available."
Hartley's Aim
"Hartley Parish Council is applying to Kent County Council for a small part of Ash, west of the Black Lion to the turning leading to West Yoke, to be transferred to Hartley. Reason given for the application is that people living in the area are much closely identified to Hartley than they were with Ash. About a dozen houses are affected. At present the side of the road on which the Black Lion stands is in Hartley Parish and the other side of the road in Ash. When the matter was considered by Ash Parish Council, it was decided to take no action until further information was received from the County Council.
Ash Parish Council
Other matters (1) War Memorial - work in hand. (2) Burial Ground. Formalities for acquisition completed. (3) Post. New box in Hartley Bottom Road at bottom of Idleigh Hill, and Turner's Oak box moved from wall of almshouses to telegraph post. (4) Fire Hydrants, new hydrants in Hartley Bottom Road at bottom of Idleigh Hill and by Glover's Farm. (5) Bus shelters, request for them at White Swan and Hodsoll Street rejected. (6) Electricity, request to extend mains to cottages in Hodsoll Street. (7) Swan Meadow, caravan dwellers there have moved away. (8) Footpath at Holywell Park blocked on 2 occasions.
Three Germans in Longfield's Soccer Championship Bid
"Longfield Sports FC, Gravesend League side, consists entirely of ex-Servicemen, but with a difference. Eight were in the British Forces and the others, 'Joe' Jorez, Stalberg and Hans Pwelka - are ex-members of the German Army who were prisoners of war. Stalberg is the centre-half, Joe the centre-forward, and Hans, aged 23, the right-winger. He is considered to be one of the best in the league. Jorez, Stalberg, and Pwelka lodge in Longfield, and work on farms in the district.
They joined the club at the beginning of the season from a side run by the Kent Agricultural Committee. Several other former German POWs wanted to play for the club. 'We are very happy to have these German boys,' said Mr George White, licensee of the Railway Tavern, who is hon-treasurer of Longfield Sports. Pwelka is a very fine player indeed, fast and tricky, with a terrific kick. He has scored several goals for us, including 5 in one match. Jorez and Stalberg are well worth their places in the side. All three get on splendidly with the other members of the team which is a happy family.'
The sports first team have scored 127 goals this season against 37. Tehy have won 16 games, drawn one and lost 5. The Reserves have no former German POWs to help them, but are doing well in Division 4 of the Gravesend League. If both sides manage to win the championships of their respective divisions, there's going to be a big celebration at the Railway Tavern, where football is one of the chief topics of conversation. S Day, Thameside Amateur's goalkeeper, used to play for the Sports."
04 Mar 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Old Resident's Death
Funeral at Longfield Church of Mrs Emily Jane Burch of 6 Pondowne Villas [17 Main Road], aged 80. Born at Plymouth, lived in Longfield 26 years, widow of T Burch. Original member of Mothers' Union and until recently member of PCC. //
Fishy talk at the Tavern
"People who go into the Railway Tavern, Longfield, are much struck by some fine specimens of fish tha tadorn the wall. One is a trout which weighed 3lb 2½oz an another a bream which weighed nearly 6lb. They were all hooked by Mr E L Wollason, a prominent member of the Longfield and District Fresh Water and Piscatorial Club, one of the village's youngest and most flourishing societies.
It was started in 1945 mainly through the efforts of Mr G White, landlor of the Railway Tavern, a keen angler who caught his first trout as a boy with a piece of piano wire. The club has 32 active members with Mr H Stay as Hon Secretary, and every week during the season the fish in ponds at Bean and Sevenoaks Weald and also in a stretch of the Medway. Regular outings are made to the coast for sea fishing. Each year members go off for a fortnight's fishing to various parts of the country. So if you should be in the Railway Tavern and hear talk of fishing, you will know that members of the club are discussing a subject that never fails to interest them."
Dartford Rural Rate up 4d
Now 15s 4d in the pound. Individual parishes - Ash 15s 10d, Hartley 15s 9d, Longfield 16s 5d.
Women Conservatives
Hartley Women Conservatives now has 277 members. President: Lady Hohler; Chairman: Mrs MacKenzie.
Housing Tender
"Dartford Rural Council has provisionally accepted a tender of £31,524 for the erection fo 26 houses at Hartley".
Office Ransacked
"Thieves who broke into teh office of Messrs Pilley and Talbot, The Parade, stole a typewriter, money and petrol coupons. The premises were left in disorder."
05 Mar 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Merger of Dartford Borough and District Proposed - Dartford BC proposes taking over rural dist except Southfleet. (2) Burglary at Ash Road - Break in at Messrs Pilley & Talbot, The Parade, Ash Rd
05 Mar 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Missionary Work
Miss Mary Edmunds [d 2009] in going to India with CMS [Her obituary says she grew up in Meopham and went to Gravesend Girls Grammar, and worked as a teacher at St Thomas Girls School at Basharwa, where she also ran the school hostel from 1948 to 1979, when she returned to look after her mother]
11 Mar 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) PC report state of footpath at Whitehill Road to County Council. (2) Hartley Bottom Road tip. Mild weather caused a plague of flies in February. Sanitary Inspector attributed it to refuse not being immediately covered with earth.
Hartley Parish Council
Council want boundaries changed to take west side of Ash Road from Black Lion to Chapelwood Road from Ash, and small site at Ash Road by railway bridge now used as allotments from Longfield. Council also supports Dartford RDC's oppostion to being merged with Dartford Borough. (2) Fund opened to purchase new plaque for war memorial. (3) St John's Lane. PC told passing places too costly now. New seat provided by F Todd to be placed at end of St John's Lane.
Kent Man's Promotion
"A Kent man, Mr Geoffrey Allchin [pictured] of Broomfield, Longfield, near Dartford, has been appointed first British Minister to Luxembourg [ambassador] and will take up his duties there in a week's time. Mr Allchin who is 53, was born at Longfield, and apart from 10 years in Morocco at the outset of his Foreign Office career has lived there all his life. He began his service at the Foreign Office 20 years ago. He served in the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment in the 1914-18 war after leaving Cambridge. Going with him to Luxembourg is Mrs Allchin, who told a reporter that she was very thrilled at the propsect of living in such an enchanting country. 'We motored through it and spend 2 or 3 days there soon after the war, but little did we realise that one day we should be closing ur Longfield home to go and live there,' she said. Hitherto the Diplomatic Service in Luxembourg came under the authority of the British Ambassador to Brussels."
19 Mar 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Failed to Stop at Lights
// Frank Woodall [probably 1926-2009] of Ash Rd - case of not stopping at traffic lights
19 Mar 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Hartley Women's Institute
WI - Jane Austen Talk in costume by Miss Minnis
25 Mar 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Ash Parish Council
(1) PC object to proposal to transfer to Strood Rural District 140 acres and 21 houses of Hodsoll Street, bordering on the Gravesend Road, in return for an area adjoining Longfield Hill.
Only Four Interested?
"Four women were the only members of the public who attended the annual parish meeting on Wednesday." District Council rep mentioned his efforts to prevent felling of large oak trees on the Old Rectory estate, and get tree preservation orders on other fine oak trees in the parish.
01 Apr 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Lack of Young Cricketers
"A warning that unless more young players were encouraged to join the club, the future of its cricket section would be in the balance, was given by Mr C Ellerby (chairman) at a meeting of Hartley Country Club Cricket section....."
Gravesend Reporter 2/4/49 has Letter from EC Harris bemoaning lack of young cricketers coming forward in spite of excellent facilities at Country Club
08 Apr 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Girls' Friendly Society
(Hartley) "Over 40 associates, apprentices, candidates and members were enrolled in the local branch of the newly-formed Girls' Friendly Society in the parish church on Sunday…."
26 Houses - £33,562
"Estimated cost of teh Ash Road scheme for the erection of 26 houses is £33,562, including the cost of land, drainage, and road and site works. To this sum will have to be added development charges, as yet unknown, it was reorted at Tuesday's meeing of the rural council." [Paper of 10/6/1949 said Ministry had authorised tender of Gravesend Federation of Buidling Trade Employers for 26 houses at £29,312 11s 2d]
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Only 3 members of the public attended the annual parish meeting. (2) Recreation Grounds. PC have been asked for other possible sites, they mentioned Station Field and Bramblewood. (3) Whitehill Road. Improvements to kerb and footpath due soon. (4) Railway Line. BR have agreed to put up barbed wire to stop children getting onto the line. (5) Phone boxes, PC propose one next to school. (6) Hartley Bottom Rubbish Tip. Problem of paper blowing about.
09 Apr 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Girls' Friendly Society, Hartley
All Saints - 43 people enrolled into Girls Friendly Society
15 Apr 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) Oak trees have now been felled at Old Rectory. (2) PC successful in getting BR to introduce cheap day return tickets to Bromley. [Bromley & West Kent Mercury 18/11/49: "British Rail Advert: Cheap Day Tickets for Rambles and Outings - 3rd class return from Bromley South to Fawkham (Longfield) 2 shillings 9 pence"] (3) New seat now erected in Church Road. (4) PC request phone box near Church.
The Lady from Edinburgh
Reviewer went twice, they said last night was an outstanding success but first night needed improvement.
Gravesend Reporter 26/3/49 also has report and picture.
16 Apr 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) KCC Election - Dartford Rural East won by F Goodwin (C) with 2,377 votes, a 1,400 majority over socialist candidate. (2) Church Choir All Saints - Stainer's Crucifixion by choir of Hartley and Fawkham ; (3) Collection for Dr Barnados at Hartley raises £9.12s
22 Apr 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Cyclist's Death after Fall
Inquest at Sevenoaks on Robin George Silvester, aged 16, milk roundsman, of New Barn, finds accidental death. He was a member of Longfield Youth Club and Longfield Army Cadet Force, and employed by Evans and Payne of Longfield. He was cycling with John Arthur Blackwell of 7 Merton Avenue, Hartley who witnessed wheel come off Silvester's boke as they went down a steep hill.
26 Apr 1949 Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
Flying Officer Edwards
Family notice - "Edwards - killed in action on April 26, 1945 over Fedje Fjord, Norway, F/O William John Edwards, Royal Australian Air Force, aged 25 years, only son of Mrs S T Edwards, husband of Jean MS Edwards, of Longfield, Kent, England and father of Christine. To his dear memory."
29 Apr 1949 Bromley & West Kent Mercury
Young Conservatives in Witty Comedy
"Terrence Rattigan's 'While the Sun Shines' was presented by Orpington Division Young Conservatives, and produced by the Hartley Branch on Saturday at Orpington Church Hall. This witty wartime comedy of a girl who could not make up her mind and her English, French and American suitors was a production of polish and pace. Admirably directed by {NAME} it had the advantage of actors who knew precisely what they were doing, and who did it with a minimum of effort and mannerism. As the pivotal Earl of Harpenden, {NAME} did well in a long and exacting part. If he did not quite catch the sophisticated languor of the nobleman, he brought to the part a sincerity unusual in light comedy. {NAME} Lieutenant Mulvaney was performance full of clever innuendo and American wit. His accent was perfect. The Frenchman Lieutenant Colbert, played by Fred De Verteuil, had a Gallic dash and charm. For the two ladies, one can have nothing but praise. Lady Elizabeth Randall was portrayed with charm and sensitivity by {NAME}. She kept alive a part that can easily slip into sugary sentimentality. {NAME} made Mabel Crum provoacative and vivacious, and strangely touching in the last act. {NAME} was fruitily blimpish as the Duke of Ayr and Stirling and {NAME} impeccably and amusingly correct as Horton. Stage manager was {NAME}."
29 Apr 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
IRO Officers Wed
"Miss Elizabeth Ruth Appleton [d 2010], youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs C Appleton, The Stoep, Hartley, was married to Mr Daniel Van Dreunen [d 2014], youngest son of Mr and Mrs J Van Dreunen, Lisse, Holland, at All Saints' Church, Hartley on Thursday last week...... The bride's mother is principal of Fairby High School, Hartley.
The bridegroom is a transport officer with the International Refugee Organisation in Germany and the bride is a relief office with the same organisation.....They will live in Germany." [They emigrated to Canada in 1952]
Ash Parish Council
(1) PC suggest phone boxes at North Ash, Hartley Bottom and Meopham end of Hodsoll Street. (2) PC suggest postal address should be changed from Ash, Sevenoaks to Ash, Wrotham. (3) PC opposed to proposed dog racing track at Ash.
30 Apr 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) All Saints' APCM: FE Todd & WR Solly reelected churchwardens; (2) Labour Party AGM: Longfield & Hartley Labour Party AGM attended by only 20 (3) When War Came to Hartley by AE Edward (about battle of 1554)
06 May 1949 Bromley & West Kent Mercury
Cricket Bromley II v Hartley Country Club
"On Saturday at Hartley, Bromley lost by 36 runs. Hartley 129 (D Tindley 16, D Hamilton 40, J Hitchcock 10, C Ellerby not out 30, B Stay 10, A Brookes 10, G C Wheeler 3-36, S H Mansbridge 2-17, R P Miscampbell 2-14). Bromley II 93 (S G Chavasse 25, S H Mansbridge 41, D Tindley 4-22, T Iddison 4-27)"
06 May 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Housing Site at Hartley
"Selection of the Hoselands Hill site at Hartley for the erection of 26 council houses has not met with the approval of th Hartley Residents' Association, but at the annual meeting on Wednesday last wee, Mr A E Edward, parish representative on Dartford RDC explained why it was chosen. Mr C J Jenman, retiring chairman, said the committee did not think a site for council houses at the entrance to the village would give visitors a good impression. Mr Edward explained that the site had to be within the village boundaries, and near a hard road. There wold have been added expense if a more remote site had been chosen.
Mr Edward outlined the work of the ocuncil during the year and said it was up to each representative to keep in touch with affairs in his particular district. 'I like to know what residents are thinking,' said Mr Edward, who added that he believed that Hartley would grow much larger.
Mr Jenman said that because of growing centralisation they needed a strong association. It had had a good year and many matters had been brought to a successful conclusion. Membership was 206, 22 new members having been elected during the year, while 7 dropped out....."
New chairman Mr C W Curtis, secretary F A Greenaway."
13 May 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
PC ask for traffic lines near schools and between Black Lion and Highlands Corner. Complaints of surface water flooding near Black Lion.
20 May 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Auction of Builder's Stock in Trade
"by direction of Messrs T Graham & Co. Hartley. An important sale of a builder's stock in trade. Including: Morris 30cwt lorry; over 7,000ft tubular and other scaffolding, fittings and board, handcarts, trestles, Benford 1947 Mixer, numerous store sheds (some sectional), metal windows, doors, tools, tiles, slates, steel pipes, paints, wallpapers, washbasins, nails, screws, chairs, stools and tables etc, in all about 300 lots which will be offered for sale by auction by Messrs Pilley & Talbot on the premises at Fairby Lane, Hartley, Longfield on Wednesday 25th May 1949, commencing at 11 o'clock precisely...."
New Parish Councillors
(Longfield) E Grant, W Shrimpton, J Robinson, V Verill, H Smith, T Dyer, the Rev S Broughton. (Hartley) no contested election.
Geese for Sale
"3 ? Geese and gander for sale, 3rd season, also Embden Toulouse nad pure Embden Goslings. Middle Farm, Hartley, Longfield, Kent. Phone Longfield 2220"
21 May 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) WVS offers transport to local hospitals; (2) Marriage of Constance A Greenaway [1929-2014] of 1 The Parade (picture)
28 May 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Buses: improved connections at Fawkham Station on 489/490/490A; (2) Gravesend & Dist Building trades Assn meeting - local members successful in tenders for Dartford RDC at Hartley
03 Jun 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Hill Gets its Village Hall
"17 years ago Mrs G Edsall wrote to the Kent Council of Social Service on behalf of the 340 villagers of Longfield Hill to ask for help in providing a community hall. Letters passed to and fro, until, among the Council's correspondence files on village halls, that about Longfield Hill grew to be the most voluminous. From the little community where there was no place at all for gatherings of any kind, programmes of events being run to raise money were sent to the Council, and artfully worded Christmas cards wen to the general Secretary (Commander G J T Bahin).
Eventually, 2 years ago, Commander Bahin met some of the villagers in the Green Man, the local inn. He saw their plight at first hand and despite the urgent claims of other villages, promised that one of the three temporary halls, being loaned by the council to deserving communities would go to Longfield Hill. On land bought by the villagers for thie purpose years before, builders set to work at the end of last yar, well primed with cups of tea by nearby residents, who watched almost every move wistfully. Mrs Edsall was often on the scene, and photographs were taken of each stage of the hall's growth.
On Saturday, patience being rewarded, Mrs Edsall hung out a flag of welcome outside the new cream and white hall for the opening ceremony by Sir Stephen Tallents. The stage was full of flowers, a string orchestra of 10 was conjured up and speaker after speaker referred in glowing terms to the tireless efforts of Mrs Edsall in bringign an idea to reality. Commander Bahin pointed out that the hall would be leased to the community for 3 years, and said it was up to the people to make it pay and make provision for a permanent building in the future. After opening by Sir Stephen, the Vicar of Meopham (the Rev V S Nicholls), deputising for the Rector of Longfield, who is ill, said a dedicatory prayer. Mr D B Winter (chairman of the council of management) said the hall would be a focal point in the village. Besides being a centre for whist drives, dances and parties, it was expected to house the welfare clinic, WI meetings, classes for Adult Education and private parties. Because the floor was not yet ready for dancing, a celebration social was held in the evening at Hartley."
Article features a picture of the opening. There are 9 people but only Sir Stephen Tallents was named.
Thieves Busy
"The premises of Messrs Edwards and Co, builders' merchants, were entered on Thursday last week and articles stolen. On Sunday Howe's garage was broken into. A cine camera and sparking plugs were taken."
Southfleet Parish Council
Discussed getting a surgery in the village, however Miss Starbuck pointed out that even if they did, people would have to go to Longfield or Gravesend to have a prescripton made up.
04 Jun 1949 Gravesend Reporter
St John's Lane Widening
Compulsory Purchase notice for land for passing places at St Johns Lane
10 Jun 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
// J P Tate elected chairman. BR won't stop midnight train at Longfield. KCC authorise £20 to be spent on additions to war memorial. They ask telephone exchange to have numbers for local doctors posted up.
Dangerous Practice
"David Stewart Barber [poss 1920-2012], Station Road, Longfield, was fined £1 and a guinea costs at Dartford on Friday for trespassing on the railway at Fawkham. James Robinson, porter, said he saw Barber approach the crossover and warned him to go over the bridge. Barber ignored him and walked straight across the line. In a letter to the court, Barber said it was a common occurrence for people to cross the line."
Cadet Hut
Dartford RDC has agreed to lease a site at Longfield to Kent territorial and Auxiliary Association for a cadet hut."
17 Jun 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Thieves Raid Co-Op
"During Sunday night thieves broke into Hartley [Agricultural] Co-Operative store through a fanlight over the front door, in spite of its iron bars, and removed the whole stock of cigarettes and tobacco that had recently been delivered. They also stole other goods, including tooth brushes and tooth paste."
>Longfield Parish Council
(1) Complaints received about a plague of flies from RDC dump at Whitehill, said to be due to not being properly covered with earth or inadequate spraying. (2) Transport Board refuses PC's request for speed limit on main road between the Church and Longfield Hill. (3) "Dartford RDC is again to be asked to repair the fence around the static water tank at Whitehill." [paper of 8/7/1949 said council to spend £6 on insecticide spray, Rector and councillors condemn KCC's refusal to have speed limit on Main Road, and hedge around static tank to be reduced to 3 feet. Also police to be asked to deal with dangerous parking on Station Road]
18 Jun 1949 Eastbourne Herald
Have you seen this accident?
Agnes Hodges, 76, of Oak Villa, Station Road, Longfield hit by car when crossing Grand Parade in Eastbourne. She received abrasions to face, left hand and left knee but was not detained by hospital. [Oak Villa was approximately where 15 Station Road is today]
24 Jun 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
K H Club
AGM of Kent House Club. 60 paid up members. Chairman: M Metcalfe, Secretary: Mrs G Metcalfe, Treasurer: Miss E Barker, Librarians: Miss J Bailey and Miss W Bennett etc.
25 Jun 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Hartley Pumping Station
Hartley Water Committee: notice of intention to sink new borehole
08 Jul 1949 Sevenoaks Chronicle
Cats for Sale
"Siamese Kittens by Champion Slades cross Shahid ex Safphire Belle, 5 and 6 guineas. Payne, ST Adwen, Hartley, Near Dartford, Kent. Phone Longfield 2117
08 Jul 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Village Hall May Close
"Through public apathy, Longfield village hall may be closed for all purposes, except that of a clinic in September. Only 5 parishioners turned up at the annual meeting of the hall - not enough to form a committee.
Mr Walter Wright (secretary and treasurer) in his report said the hall had a balance in hand of £66, but he warned that all that would be required to put the place in fair repair. He advised the closing of the hall, except for use as a clinic before the funds melted away. Weekly whist drives brought in about 4s a drive, which in winter did not cover expenses of fuel and lighting. 'When the hall was taken over for use as a school, there was a terrible fuss about the village being deprived of it,' said Mr Wright, 'Now I know that is all humbug.'
It was decided to adjourn the meeting until the last week in September before a final decision is made. The Rev S H Broughton was re-elected president."
Paper of 7/10/1949 reported on adjourned meeting. Mr Wright said hall lost £30 last year. Problems were competition from more halls some rate aided, and good bus service to nearby times. "Consequently, a supreme effort was needed to save the hall for the use of the parishioners." Chairman said they could sell the hall and donate money to charities within the parish. A suggestion to change trusts to allow political and religious meetings would be investigated.
A Blow to Longfield FC
"Because the rector of Longfield (the Rev S H Broughton) cannot rent to them the church meadow - the only flat piece of ground available in the hilly village - the local football club, which has 2 teams in teh Gravesend League, may have to play in neighbouring Hartley next season. Mr E Rich (secretary) told the annual meeting of the club on Tuesday taht when he saw the rector about using the ground next season, he was told that it was let to the Kent Education Committee and would be used by the local youth club. 'The new development is a blow to footballers in the village, whose play attracts an average of 200 each Saturday in good weather,' Mr Rich told a reporter. 'We intend however, to contact the KEC to see whether some way out of the problem can not be found. If we are unsuccessful, we hope Hartley Country Club will accommodate us. We are a very sporting village with great handicaps. For lack of a ground, local cricketers have to play for clubs at Longfield Hill, Hartley and Meopham....." [Paper of 12/8/49 said KEC has allowed the football club to use the pitch, the only one in the parish, for one team only for the coming season]
You May Phone from Here
One of 4 new phone boxes for Dartford Rural District to be placed at Longfield CE Schools.
Silver Jubilee Party
"Hartley Women's Conservative Association celebrated teh 25th anniversary of its formation by giving a silver jubilee party to members in the Hartley Country Club Hall on Thursday last week. Sir Waldron and Lady Smithers and well over 100 members attended..... At tea there was a three-tiered ice cake, made by Mrs Townley and Miss Kathleen Townley, and surmounted by the figures '25' in silver cardboard, the work of Mr Townley. 25 candles on the cake were lit and Lady Smithers then cut the first slice. Sir Waldron Smithers, MP for the Orpington division, congratulated the branch on its jubilee, and appealed to the members to continue working wholeheartedly for the Conservative Party. He ended with an emphatic warning on the dangers of Communism......The branch which incljudes members from Hartley, Longfield and Fawkham was formed in June 1924, and now has over 280 members....."
Grass Fires Kept Firemen Busy
Gravesend Fire Brigade attend fire on railway embankment at Fawkham Road.
Fete Aids Church Funds
Hartley Church Fete in Rectory Grounds attended by over 500 and raised £158 for church and Bishop's Gift Day. Included donkey rides and miniature railway, and flower show.
15 Jul 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Street Lamps would make Hartley too 'Towny'
"There is no street lighting at Hartley, and local ladies do not want to see it installed, as they think it will make the village too 'towny'. That was one of the views expressed by members when the local WI discussed 'ways and means of improving Hartley'. He are some other views: (1) Bus Services are quite adequate, but they should connect with local trains better. (2) A village hall is wanted, but there is no immediate hurry for it. (3) A resident doctor is badly needed. The nearest docotrs are at Longfield Hill or Meopham. (4) Despite improvements in the past year, the primary school buildings are still not good enough, it was felt."
60 Employees Honoured for Long Service
Awards for long serving farm workers at Kent Show, include A Wooding (Scadbury and Manor Farms, Longfield) - 33 years; A Wood (Manor Farm, Longield) - 25 years; J Wooding (Manor Farm, Longfield - 23 years
16 Jul 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Obituary of JR Stickland (61) - 25 years resident at Old Downs; (2) Social Centre Garden Party - details
16 Jul 1949 Daily Mirror
Keep it Dark, Say the Women of the Village
"Housewives in the winding, old world village of Hartley (Kent), population 568, thoroughly enjoy an evening stroll in the lightless streets by moonlight. If ever it was decided to bring the place up to date with street lighting it wouldn't be nearly the same, they say. They like to see their neighbour's windows lit up.
'We like it that way. It makes the place look bright and cheerful' say 80 members of the local Women's Institute.
'It would be a shame if Hartley nights were spoiled by street lights. So towny...' Mrs Irene Wall [1913-1958] of Church Road, told the Daily Mirror yesterday, 'There are no streetlights anywhere in the village, but we don't want any. There are no pavements so we have no kerbs to trip over. Most of us carry torches in our bags on dark nights.' What about the children? Say their mothers, 'Bus stop near our houses. They are safe enough'."
22 Jul 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Late John Reynolds Stickland
Died of heart attack while on holiday at Frinton on Sea. Lived at Hartley for 25 years, was head of private school. During last war he was a major in the Home Guard (Farningham Division). Funeral at Fawkham.
29 Jul 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Another Name Wanted
"Because there are already houses in the same road with the same name, the Parish Council's suggestion that new houses in Kent Road should be named Walter Villas, after Mr Walter Wright, for 27 years parish representative on Dartford RDC will have to be reconsidered." [Eventually called 1&2 Marie Villas, later 3-5 Kent Road]
Cricket Jumped in her Tea!
"People at Longfield are being kept awake at nights by teh most serious invasion of crickets they have had for years. Pondowne Villas, Whitehill, Main Road and Essex Road are principally affected.
Mr G Skelton, the local barber [3 Main Road] told a reporter that he has swept them up in hundreds on his doorstep. He has found as many as 50 in the kitchen copper and 30 in his bath. 'The noise they make is terrific. The combination of the hot weather and crickets makes you think you are in the forests of Africa,' he said. 'Many people out here are spending several shillings a week on insecticide. One of my neighbours was about to drink a cup of tea when a cricket hopped in it. Another found one in her bed.' Residents blame a large rubbish dump in the village for the epidemic which Dartford RDC on Tuesday promised to help combat."
Geese for Sale
7 x Emden, this year's birds, £2 each. 'Johns' Gorsewood Road, Hartley."
05 Aug 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Fire Destroys Crops
"Five acres of stooked crops and 2 acres of woodlands were destroyed by fire at Manor Farm [Hartley] on Saturday."
Wheat Stooks on Fire
"Prompt action by Mr A T Cole, Brickfield Farm, Longfield Road, Longfield, aided by farm workers, police and neighbours, prevented a large field of stooked wheat from being destroyed on Friday. When some stooks in a corner of the field caught fire, Mr Cole rushed a tractor and plough to the scene. He ploughed the ground round the burning stooks and the heaped earth which was excavated prevented the fire from spreading. Whiel this work was going on, police, farm workers and neighbours worked swiftly to move other stooks which were threatened. Two fire appliances from Gravesend were quickly on the scene and put out the blaze. 12 stooks were destroyed. It is believed that the fire was caused by a spark from a railway engine."
19 Aug 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Furniture Auction
"Without reserve. The Old Downs, Hartley, Longfield, Kent. The excellent quality and useful furniture and furnishings, comprising over 350 lots, including: Modern Beds and bedding, bedroom, dining room and library suites, good schoolroom furniture, boudoir Grand Piano by Bechstein, sideboard, bookcases, books, pictures and numerous chairs, large Chinese carpet, quantity of linen, blankets, pillows, carpeting, over 20 oak compactums, ¾ size billiards table by Rilev, electro-plate, china, glass and kitchen utensils. Outdoor effects: Motor and hand mowers, poultry houses and sheds, incubator, dog kennels and general miscellanea. Will be sold by auction on the premises on Wednesday 21st September next at 10.30am precisely.... Goddard & Smith, 22 King Street, St James, SW1."
Paper of 5/8/1949 has advert for sale of 2 Guernsey cows by Mrs Stickland "cutting down herd".
02 Sep 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Conservatives hold fete at Hartley
Held at Hartley Manor. People disappointed that famous actress Hermione Baddeley, who was supposed to open the fete, couldn't attend when her plane was delayed. Opened instead by MP Sir Waldron Smithers, who claimed that only his party could save the country from disaster. List of stallholders and prize winners.
09 Sep 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
// (1) "Serious" complaints about Hartley Bottom Road rubbish dump. However medical officers said it was OK. Claims that truckloads of refuse spontaneously combusted due to delays in unloading were denied. (2) Council houses in Kent Road to be called Marie Villas after the late wife of Walter Wright. (3) Council to ask BR to provide a station carpark for Longfield.
Shops for Hamlet
"There are no shops in New Barn, and people have to travel to Longfield or Southfleet to shop. Because of this Southfleet Parish Council is writing to 4 prominent people in the district to find out whether local people want their own shops or not. The council has received a questionnaire from the Kent County Council's planning department, asking about shopping facilities in the area. Mr J Barker thought that if New Barn people wanted shops, they should come to the council meeting and ask for them."
10 Sep 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
// (1) Gorsewood Road - application by A Hitchcock for caravan site; (2) Father P C Scally to be new RC priest
16 Sep 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) PC complains about development in the parish. (2) New housing estates to be called Wellfield and Larksfield. (3) In County planning questionnaire, PC ask for 4 acres of playing fields. (4) Footpaths. PC reject request to close St John's Lane footpath. Signpost to be set up near Hartley Court to show footpath to Hartley Bottom.
17 Sep 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
// (1) Parish Council prefers names Wellfield, Larksfield; (2) All Saints - CMS collection raises £16.12.4
23 Sep 1949 Kent & Sussex Courier
Fawkham Manor for Sale
"Lofts and Warner - Never Before on the Market. By Direction of G Hohler esq. Kent on the Downs. Adjoining Fawkham Station and the Village of Longfield.
The important Freehold agricultural property - The Fawkham Manor Estate. Comprising Fawkham Manor, with 14 principal and secondary bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, suite of reception rooms, good offices. Main electricity and water, central heating, garage, stabling, 3 lodges. Magnificently timbered gardens.
Five dairy and mixed farms, being: Hill Barn Farm, Scudders Farm, Churchdown Farm, West York (sic) Farm and Pennis Farm. All with farm houses and buildings. Two secondary residences. Numerous other cottages and small holdings and market gardens. 250 acres valuable woodlands and plantations. In all about 1,000 acres. Much with vacant possession.
Lofts and Warner will offfer the above by auction in suitable lots on 27 September next at the Bull Hotel, Dartford if not previously sold...."
23 Sep 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Pastor Leaves
"Pastor W P Hickey in charge of the Bethel Chapel for 2½ years, preached his farewell sermon on Sunday evening. He is going to Wales. The new pastor will be Mr David Lodge, of Hextable."
Blow from Cricket Ball Proved Fatal
Inquest on Sydney George Bishop, 37, Northfleet policeman of Oddfellows Cottages, Meopham Green, who died after being struck by a cricket ball thrown in from the boundary in a cricket match at Longfield Hill on 4 September. The ball struck him on the nose causing severe bleeding and ultimately a pulmonary embolishm. Coroner said it was an unfortunate occurrance and no-one was to blame.
11 Osbornes will play Village CC
Cricket match between the Osborne family and Stansted to be held. Team includes Thomas Osborne, 51, of Home Farm Cottages, Hodsoll Street, Farm Worker; Walter Osborne, 49, The Street, Ash, manager of the Hartley Agricultural Co-Operative Society captain of Ash CC; Alfred Osborne, 28 of 14 Park View, Hodsoll Street, Farm Worker; George Osborne, 26 of 4 Park View, Farm Worker; Jim Osborne, 20, Home Farm Cottages, Hodssoll Street, Farm Worker; {NAME}, 14, The Street, Ash, at Northfleet County Modern School. All Osbornes pictured.
30 Sep 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Pastor's death
Funeral at Gravesend Cemetery of Jehovah's Witness pastor, Frederick Charles Harris, aged 68. He had been a JW pastor since 1918 and had previously worked in Hartley and Dartford.
01 Oct 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Protest meeting against Hartley, Longfield, New Barn becoming an overspill town of 5,000 from Dartford. (letter 8.10.49); (2) New Labour Parliamentary Candidate at Institute Hall; (3) All Saints crowded for Harvest Festival
07 Oct 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Roads Renamed
Dartford RDC agreed to renaming of Wellfield and Larksfield, and naming of Hoselands View.
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Council houses. PC recommend site site near railway bridge on east side of Hartley Road. (2) Hartley Road. "It was agreed that the riding of cycles on the footpath from Corner House to the station bridge was dangerous and should be prohibited."
14 Oct 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
He asked for a Sweet and Won a Bride
"Next Tuesday, on their 45th wedding anniversary, Mr Horace Lovell, Rose Cottage, Culverstone, will give his wife a bag of sweets. This will be a reminder that a few sweets were the means of bringing them together nearly 50 years ago. Mr Lovell, then about 30, was sitting on stile near Trosley one day, when two pretty girls came along eating sweets. He asked the girls playfully, if he could have one. Sarah, one of the girls, gave him one. Three years later she became his wife. The wedding was at Ash Parish Church.
For many years Mr Lovell had a carrier's business. It was started by his father, who died 43 years ago, in 1867. Young Horace began to help his father when he was only 6 years old. The business grew, and at one time Mr Lovell had 5 horses and vans on the road. Another cart was used to keep the roads, which were not made up in those days, flattened down.
Mr Lovell, who is 77 and retired in 1926, can recall the fun he had with a long trumpet which he blew to let the villagers of Meopham know he was coming along. All the way into Gravesend he picked up parcels and instructions to make purchases. He charged twopence a parcel and sometimes collected 100 a day. The job made him something of an expert on women's clothes, becuase he often had to choose material for them.
People wanting to go into Gravesend to shop also clambered into his van. Sometimes he transported members of the Salvation Army. He rathe rliked this becuase he had music all the way!
On the return journey from Gravesend his van was loaded with things ordered by villagers. In addition to his carrier's business, Mr Lovell was a furniture remover. He also carried timber for local builders and iron for the village blacksmiths. People gave him money to bank for them and books to be audited. He started from Trosley at 6 in the morning.
In addition to going to and from Gravesend, Mr Lovell had another round through Fairseat, Ash, Stansted, Hartley, Longfield, Westwood and Betsham to Perry Street.
Often he drove home in complete darkness. Then someone had to hold the whip out a arm's length so that the van could keep clear of the hedges.
In 1882 one of his vans was snowed up at the Tollgate for 9 days. Mr Lovell remembers when Gravesend was far smaller than it is now. Near what is now Woodlands Park there was a row of picturesque thatched cottages. The site of St Mary's Church was a brickfield, and there was a meadow at the bottom of Cross Lane East. Many of the lanes Mr Lovell used to know have been swallowed up by building operations.
Mrs Lovell, who is 65, has been employed at Rose Nurseries, Culverstone, for 25 years. A native of Eynsford, she began work in a farmhouse at the age of 11. She started at 5.30am and bedtime was 9pm. Heer pay was 1s 6d a week."
Hartley Parish Council
(1) PC decides to take no part in Festival of Britain. (2) Plaque for War Memorial to be dedicated on Remembrance Day.
15 Oct 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Hartley Social Centre
Social Centre Symposium "Hartley Early Days" by older residents
19 Oct 1949 Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News
Jerseys at Reading
English Jersey Cattle Society Autumn Show has picture of Fawkham Cherry 2nd, born Feb 1945 by Fawkham Emperor out of Buckhurst Cherry, shown by Houlding Brothers. Sold for 460 guineas, top price on 1st day.
21 Oct 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
'Hartley Residents want Peace, not Development'
"Dartford RDC is most anxious that people in its area should be fully acquainted with the preliminary outline of the Kent County development plan, particularly as it affects the Dartford Rural District, son on Thursday last week, Mr Maurice Fuller, divisional planning officer, explained the proposals at a meeting in the council chamber. A large number of representatives from the villages attended.
Among the proposals are the conversion of Longfield, Hartley and New Barn, Swanley Junction and Meopham into major centres. Mr Fuller, in the course of a clear and concise statement, said the outline plan was in no way a scheme approved by the county council, which realised that it would be undesirable to give an outline approval to the scheme which had not been critically examined by the general public. Mr Fuller pointed out that every area required varying treatment. There must be no massed planning. 'Every member of the public will be intimately affected by the proposals,' he said, 'and the plan will have to be continually under review. It can only be successful by your candid and constructive criticism; it must arise from teh needs of hte people and be capable of amendment without breaking down.'
Mr C W Curtis, chairmn of Hartley Residents' Association, asked why there should be development of a rural district like Hartley. People living there, he said, did not want development. Many of them were retiredand went there for peace and quiet. Mr Fuller replied that there was no intention of making a suburban town of Hartley. It was considered that New Barn, Longfield and Hartley were tied settlements which could better function if planned together. There was no intention to make close development there. The objects could be achieved with no denser population than there was now. The pleasant rural character of Hartley would be preserved, but he suggested people living ther wanted shops and main drainage. It was not the function of the County Council to move people, but to make land available for development.
Mr Curtis said a drainage scheme for Hartley would cost £100,000. 'Why spend this for a few more houses?' he asked. 'I think it would be a great hardship on the ratepayers.' Mr G J Russell, vice chairman of the Rural Council's Planning Committee, who presided, said the council had a drainage scheme for Hartley, but he did not know what the cost would be. Mr E James, clerk to the council, said it was intended to lay a drainage scheme in all parsts of its area which were at present without one.
The Rev S H Broughton, rector of Longfield, asked whether, under the development plan, Metropolitan boroughts would be prevented from dumping refuse in places like Longfield. Mr Fuller said under the Planning Act anyonewishing to use land for the deposit of refuse had to get permission from the planning authority. Mr Broughton: What about the existing abominations? Mr Fuller: That is a matter for the health authority....."
Antarctic Traveller
"Mr Roy Bailey, Kent Road, who sailed in the survey ship, John Biscoe, to the Falkland Island Dependencies in 1948, gave a tallk at the KH [Kent House] Club, of which he is a member on Monday. He decribed his journey into the Antarctic, calling on Deception Island and Marguerite Bay, and the cutting through of the pack ice in the Great Ice Barrier region."
29 Oct 1949 Gravesend Reporter
Local News in Brief
(1) Record pear and apple crop at Hartley; (2) Charles Appleton [1879-1961] made fellow of Royal Geographical Society; (3) Arts Society concert at Congregational Hall: Madeline Phol pianist etc; (4) Youth Club Dance (len Russell's Band)
04 Nov 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Clifton Kennels
"Use of land at the Clifton Kennels, Hartley, as a private training ground for greyhounds has been approved by Dartford RDC until December 1952, only on the grounds that permanent use would sterilise the land for development in the future." [this is the site of Green Way. Paper of 6/12/49 survey of local residents said 7 in favour of application and 47 against]
11 Nov 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Town Planning Authority has designated Bramblewood Field as a school site, which was one of the PC 's options for a playing field. (2) Dartford RDC has approved nominated council housing site by railway bridge.
Deferred
"The parish council is anxious to rename Merton Avenue, but as the Ratepayers' Association contends that the parish meeting alone has that power, the matter was deferred at a meeting of the council on Monday."
A Bigger Hartley?
"Hartley's case setting out its strong objections to the suggestion that the village, Longfield and part of New Barn should become a major centre with a population of 5,000 fills three foolscap sheets. Copies have been sent to Kent County Council and Dartford RDC. A committee was appointed recently at a parish meeting to make out a case against the proposal. The committee maintains that the change is unnecessary, undesirable an dnot in the best interests of the district, as the villages are already linked by good bus services to large centres for shopping and amusement. Men working in towns, if rehoused in the country, would boject to spending time and money travelling to and fro, and in any case, the protest goes on, town dwellers do not like living in the country, and the farther they are from work the more discontented they become. It would be far better, states the committee, to concentrate on the development of hte immediate surroundings of existing towns and leave the country areas undisturbed, for it is essential to preserve the rural atmosphere of the district and so encourage increased food production."
War Memorial Service
"The unveiling and dedication of the names of local men who died in the late war, which have been added to the village war memorial took place on Sunday. Mr J P Tate, chairman of hte parish council unveiled a plaque containing the names and the rector (the Rev J W Henderson) dedicated them. The Rev A Deakin, minister of Hartley Congregational Church, read the lesson. Members of the parish council and boys and girls of the Sunday School were present."
18 Nov 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Tenders for Meat Supply
Kent Educational Committee seeks tenders to supply meat to school canteens in Thames Side Division including Longfield and Hartley.
Hartley Couple wed 55 Years
"A dairy farmer in teh Longfield and Hartley district for 39 years until he retired 2 years ago Mr H T Parrett, Hothfield House, [Ash Road] Hartley, and his wife celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary yesterday. They were married at Westwell parish Church. A native of Chatham, Mr Parrett, aged 77, was for 24 years in the railway service, including 17 years as a signnalman at Fawkhm. He resigned to hel in the dairy business started by his son. Mrs Parrett, who is 76, comes from Hothfield. They have 2 sons, a daughter, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren." //
Lorry for sale
// Morris 2 ton ex WD [War Dept]; 1st Reg Dec 1948; 4 wheel drive, perfect condition; taking delivery of new lorry; £60. Glenview, [5] Merton Avenue, Hartley."
25 Nov 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Green Wedge to Heart of New Dartford
Dartford Borough Council's planning committee discuss the proposed plan for the district from Kent County Council. The idea is for 9 self-contained neighbourhood units with a green wedge following the River Darent to the centre. Committee was in favour as regards Dartford, but chairman, Alderman Landeryou said "The council is dead against workers travelling long distances from home to employment, and, said the chairman, considers the development of major centres suggested by the County Council at Hartley, Longfield, New Barn and Swanley as bad planning in this respect."
02 Dec 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Smallholding Tractor for Sale
3½hp Rotrax in perfect condition; plough, cultivators, tool carriage, spring-tines, zig-zag harrows, seed drills. The lot, cash, £68, Brabourne, Fairby Lane, Hartley."
Appointed Headmistress
Miss W E Stanes, teacher at Longfield Primary to become head of Lower Halstow CP School.
09 Dec 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Dartford RDC
(1) They confirm Hartley and Longfield would not get London overspill population. County plan has upped Swanley's projected population from 5,000 to 7,500. It has blocked increase in population of Dartford so this means developent in Rural Area. (2) Whitehill Road Dump. Complaints have now gone to Minister of Health. Mechanical excavation had been hired to dig out refuse that had been burning since the summer and dig channels to prevent spread.
The Dental Officer is Going on Tour
"After operating a three-compartment mobile dental clinic in country districts for several months, Kent County Council brough a second unit of this kind into use on Tuesday. The latest clinic like its prototype, has a waiting room large enough to seat 6 children, a surgery containing the normal range of dental equipment, including an x-ray machine, and a combined recovery room and mechanic's workshop. Its staff will consist of a dental officer and and attendant, whose duties will include clerical work and assisting the dental surgeon. For several weeks the No 2 clinic will be stationed at Bexleyheath and on completion of work there will begin a tour of the following places...." to include Fawkham, Hartley and Longfield. "....At the end of this tour it will have offered inspection and treatment, if necessary, to some 4,500 schoolchildren. In addition to provision of emergency treatment for mothers and young children."
Funeral of Oldest Resident
Funeral at Longfield Church of Mrs Anna Maria Martin, aged 90, of 2 Hope Villas [about where 9 Station Road is today]. Widow for many years, member of Mothers' Union. Survived by 11 children.
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Recreation Ground. PC told most of Bramblefield wanted for the proposed school. Councillors highly critical of being pushed from pillar to post on this. Latest idea is to use the Whitehill Road allotments as a recreation ground and move the allotments to opposite Salts Farm. (2) PC also support West Kingsdown about Brands Hatch nuisance. (3) Request for post box at Whitehill Crossroads.
Good Neighbour
Death of Horace Spain of Harvel, former outside foreman to Dartford RDC, stationed at Longfield Depot.
16 Dec 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) They have received confirmation that Hartley and Longfield will not be used to house London's surplus population. (2) PC support West Kingsdown's objection to nuisance caused by motorbike racing at Brands Hatch. (3) Corner stones on War memorial site damaged by careless drivers. (4) County council has written to landowners with overhanging trees near Post Office to no effect.
This is a Winner - Hartley Players in 'Easy Money'
Reviewer says "This was the best production from the Players for some time....."
Hartley Boy's Spectacles
"Despite a question by Sir Waldron Smithers (Cons Orpington) in the Commons, a Hartley boy is still awaiting NHS spectacles after 9 months. Sir Waldron asked the Minister of Health to hurry up glasses ordered for David Arthey of Kirkham, Church Road, Hartley [prob 1932-2011] whose prescription was sent in on February 21st. Mr A Blenkinsop (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health) replied: 'I am informed that this was not thought to be a case which justified priority and I understand the boy will probably receive his glasses in a few weeks."
22 Dec 1949 Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Wedding: Lieut J P Seddon
Paper notes that after Kettering Grammar School he studied at Old Downs school before entering the Royal Naval College in May 1943. During WW2 he saw service in East Indies, Australia, Phillipines and the Pacific and he remained in the service afterwards. [Lt John Peter Seddon prob 1925-2007].
23 Dec 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Ash Parish Council
(1) PC objects to Hartley PC's proposals to change boundaries. (2) PC supports West Kingsdown's objections to Brands Hatch. (3) Village hall to be repaired and brought up to date as their contribution to Festival of Britain. (4) Civil Defence recruitment drive. (5) New burial ground. Messrs F Goodwin and A Storer offered to remove earth and stones in preparation. //
Childhood Sweethearts
Wedding at Hartley Parish Church of Douglas Peter Sephton [1927-2006] of The Ridge, [Church Road], Hartley and Jean Edna Goodwin [1928-2005] of Sylva [Ash Road], Hartley. Picture of bride and groom.
Mr C A N Boston
"One of the most successful dramatic societies in the Gravesend and Dartford area is Hartley Players, founded in 1926. It owes much to the good work of Mr C A N Boston, who joined the Society in 1931, was hon sec and treasurer from 1937 to June this year, and is now its chairman. Although the society closed down during the war, it has since its inauguration, produced 33 full length plays and 10 one act plays. Mr Boston has appeared in 17. One may rest assured that under the guidance of Mr Boston, a permanent civil servant, Hartley Players, which produces two full plays annually, will continue to maintain its present high standard." [picture of Mr Boston]
For HG Association
Whist drive for Longfield Home Guard Association.
30 Dec 1949 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)
Villagers' Christmas Dinner Made Late by Electricity Cuts
"There was consternation in scores of kitchens in Hartley, Ash and Longfield on Christmas Day when at the crucial hour of 12.30pm the electricity supply failed. Housewives watched their half cooked turkeys and chickens grow cold and vegetable pots go off the boil. The failure lasted 45 minutes and there were many sighs of relief when the supply became normal again. Severl people going out to have Christmas dinner in people's houses were rung up by their hosts and told to arrive later because of the delay. Mr D Sizer, Church Road, Hartley, said there was an 18lb turkey in his oven when the cut came. 'It did not spoil my dinner completely, but it was not so nice as we had hoped,' he said. At High Leigh, Ash, Mrs Meager was cooking by calor gas, but her wireless set faded out and she could not use her electric boiling ring. There was only a small red glow in the light bulbs. An official of the South Eastern Electricity Board, Orpington, said the cut was due to the failure of a small bulk supply to the district as a result an exceptional and totally unexpected overload. 'The simultaneous demand at the time was greater than ever before,' he said."