1950 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1950-1959
06 Jan 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Dartford Rural District Council
(1) Recruitment campaign for Civil Defence only gets 3 volunteers. (2) "Land now being used as a council refuse tip ast Whitehill Crossroads Longfield, is to be reclaimed with a view to its ultimate use by the Parish Council as a recreation ground or playing field."
13 Jan 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Sunday School Party
55 children attend All Saints' Sunday School Christmas party at WI hall.
Electricity Cuts
(1) "Hartley PC is to protest to the Seeboard about cuts in the village. Mr H T Withers said the supply had been completely cut off at times during weekends and on Christmas Day the cut lasted from 12.15pm to 1.15pm." (2) County Surveyor said owner of dangerous elm trees in Ash Road can't be force to cut them down but they could warn them about liability if they fell. (3) Parish Rate for 1950/1 to be 3d, a reduction.
20 Jan 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Name Revealed
"When decorators removed gauze from a public bar window at the Railway Tavern, they found scratched on the glass the name of a former licensee, Mrs J Phillips, and the date, September 12th, 1887."
Laughter at Hartley
Review of Hartley Young Conservatives' show 'See how they run' at the Country Club. All cast aged between 16 and 26.
27 Jan 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Problems of the Future
"When Mr George Vaughan, Labour candidate for the Orpington Division, spoke at the Community Hall, Longfield Hill, on Thursday last week, he said he foresaw three major problmes in the future - the closing fo the dollar gap, reduction of the cost of living and the raising of the standard of living. He agreed that the cost of living was high, but pointed out that standard of the working class had been raised. It was, in fact, the middle class people who had been most affected by it. The Labour Government was pledged to a policy of fuller life for all, but a flat equality was not wanted. He said the Labour Party, if returned to power, would take steps to prevent monopolies from exploiting the public, and proposed to review and reorganise the whole distributive trade and set up more wholesale and retail markets under municipal ownership. Answering a question, Mr Vaughan said as a member of the Society of Friends, he wished to maintain friendly relation swith both Russia and America, and he believed that, given the right spirit, this could be achieved."
Choir Party
For 30 members of the choir and their friends at Hartley Rectory.
10 Feb 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield's 'Little Tinkler' will never ring again
"Unused for many years because it is cracked, a little 14th century bell which may have been run to rally men to Wat Tyler's call to arms, now rests in the vetry at Longfield Parish Church. This bell came to Longfield about 1360 when Wycliff was raising the fervour of the countryside in a campaign for Church reform. It was this religious revolution which was to have a direct influence on the rising of the peasants which culminated in Wat Tyler's abortive march to London.
In his book, 'Surrey Bells and London Bell Founders', Mr J C L Stahlschmit refers to 'the solitary little tinker' at Longfield and suggests it probaly owed its preservation to its inacessibility. The same idea appears to have been in the mind of another writer, who referring to Longfield Church Steeple said: 'Access is rather difficult but descent is easy, namy by sliding down the roof of the church.' There is a church invetory made n the time of King Edward VI and an entry under Longfield records the existence of 'two little bells of brass in the steeple.' When the second bell disappeared is not known; there was only one in 1797. In this year Hasted said of Longfield Church: 'It consists of one aisle and a chancel, having a low pointed steeple at the west end in which hangs one bell.'
When the church was restored in 1889, the bell was taken down and replaced by another. This ancien trelic, 15½ inches in diameter, has on its side ethe imprint of its maker 'Welelmus Revel me facit,' the signature of William Revel, a famous London bell founder. There is a reference to him in the archives of the City of London under the date of 1357. There are only a few 14th century bells in Kent. Hartley has a treble, made about the same time as the Longfield bell, by William Rider of London.
Longfield's 'little tinker', it seems, will never again find its way into a belfry to call the faithful to church, but if you touch it gently with your knuckle, its mellow note can be heard."
Fun at Hartley
Fun at Hartley
// "About 140 children living in Hartley [pictured] were entertained at Hartley Country Club by members on Saturday. After tea there were games, community singing and an entertainment which included Punch and Judy, a ventriloquist, conjuror and puppets...."Longfield Parish Council
(1) Post Office reject request for PO Box at Whitehill Corner. (2) PC have requested speed limit for remaining part of Main Road.
Old Coins Found
"While working on the renovation of an old house at Dartford, Mr T Saxton, Main Road, Longfield found a Queen Elizabeth two shilling piece, and a penny and farthing of the regin of George II."
Cheap Day Returns
(advert) 3rd class return fare for trains after 9.30am on Mon - Sat, returning any time except between 5 and 6.30pm are Farningham Road (4/6), Fawkham (4/11), Meopham (5/5)
Dartford RDC
(1) Their 1950 allocation is 120 houses, 12 of which will be by private enterprise. Because many Southfleet applicants for housing live or work in Longfield, the parish is being transferred to the Longfield Area sub-committee. (2) Counci has adopted a coat of arms, cost £105.
Labour Meeting
George Vaughan, prospective candidate made 2nd visit to Hartley when he spoke at WI Hall.
Hartley Parish Council
(1) War Memorial. PC to get quotes for steel pipes and reinforced concrete to replaced damaged corner stones. (2) "The council wants Merton Avenue to be renamed, but Hartley Residents' Association has pointed out that a minute from an old parish meeting states that a parish meeting alone could decide such a matters. The council's iden is to give the road a name with some local association."
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Post Office has rejected request for post box at Whitehill Corner, council to raise matter again.
old Coins Found
"While working on the renovation of an old house at Dartford, Mr T Saxton, Main Road, Longfield, found a Queen Elizabeth 2 shilling piece, and a penny and farthing of the reign of George II."
17 Feb 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Birthday Party
29th birthday of Hartley WI attended by 100, featured three of the founder members in 1921 - Mrs Balchin (the first president), Mrs Meddick and Mrs Webb.
In the Chair - Mr A E Edward
"Prominent figure in Hartley is Mr A E Edward of Meadcot, Ash Road. He is also a well known member of Dartford RDC, one of the most go-ahead in Kent. He fills the responsible position of chairman of the Council's Finance Committee and is also chairman of the Building Estimate Sub-committee, which was set up to reorganise the direct labour organisation, review costs of buildings and maintenance and effect economies where possible. Mr Edward [pictured] is editor and chiarman of the council's Bulletin and committee.
He is a member of Hartley Parish Council, vice-president of Hartley Social Centre, and treasurer of the Hartley Players. Mr Edward, a director of C and G Willmot Ltd, served 5 years in the first world war in France, Macedonia and Turkey. 'Like Napoleon and Hitler,' he said, 'I rose from the ranks to full corporal!' "
03 Mar 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Late Mr S Gay
"The funeral took place at the Parish Church on Wednesday last week of Mr Sydney Gay, Nutshell, Hartley, who died at the London Chest Hospital on February 16th, aged 53. A native of Forest Gate, Mr Gay had lived in Hartley for over 11 years, and was steward of Hartley Country Club.... Representatives of the Country Club, Social Club, Country Club Darts Team and Longfield Home Guard Association were also present."
Employee and Employer Fined
"[NAME}, Essex Road, was fined 30 shillings at Dartford on Friday for exceeding the speed limit at Valley Road, Fawkham, and £1 for driving without a licence. Mrs Ellen Leeves [1893-1974], Station Road, Longfield, was fined 30 shillings for employing an unlicensed driver."
The late Mr J W Bevan
Funeral of John William Bevan of 10 Fairview, Fawkham at Fawkham Church. He had lived in the district nearly all his life as a jobbing gardener.
03 Mar 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Rural School Sites
It was reported at Monday's Thameside Educational Executive that Ash Parish Council had proposed a new school for Ash be provided at West Yoke in such a position that it would be able to take children from Ash and Fawkham. The development plan for the district, it was reported, provided for three schools at Ash, Fawkham and Hartley. The managers of the three schools are to be asked for their observations before making any decision on the matter."
10 Mar 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Late Mr Henry Glover
"One of the best known residents of Ash, Mr Henry Glover, Hartley Bottom Farm, who died on February 24th, aged 84, was buried on Tuesday last week, following a service in the parish church conducted by the Rev J D Vigo (rector). Born at Romney Street Farm, Kingsdown, Mr Glover was brought to Billet Hill Farm, Ash, when only a few months old and lived there until his marriage. He then took New House (now New Hayes) Farm. Mr Gover was for many years captain of the band of bellringers at the parish church where his father was warden for about 50 years. In 1912 he moved to Hartley Bottom Farm. A widower, he leaves 3 sons, two of whom are living. They have been running Hartley Bottom Farm for several years....." List of mourners.
Rates 1950/51
Ash 16s 9d in the pound (previously 15s 10d), Hartley 16s 6d (15s 9d), Longfield 17s 5d (16s 5d)
24 Mar 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Physhic PC
" 'He did not know why he was stopped, unless the policeman was psychic,' said Mr D Stubbs at Dartford, when he appeared for William Jarvis Atkins [1916-1972], Kent Road." Fined 20s for defective brake on motorbike.
Women Conservatives
Hartley Branch AGM attended by nearly 50 of the 280+ members.
Flowers from Cornwall
"Spring flowers sent from Cornwall by former parishioners Mr and Mrs T Hoadley, who are now farming in the West Country, were distributed to children of the Sunday School, and later at Evensong to children to children who accompanied their parents to a special Mothering Sunday service....."
29 Mar 1950 Chatham Standard
Grateful Acknowledgement
"Mr H Brace of Selbourne, Nurstead Avenue, New Barn, Longfield writes in gratitude 'to a lady and gentleman, who travelled down from Victoria Station by the last train on Saturday evening. When the train arrived at Fawkham Station, I got out rather hurriedly and left a parcel on the seat', Mr Brace states, 'Next morning, I called at the station and was given the parcel, which had been handed to the porter just as the train was moving off. When I add that the parcel contained something of sentimental value that cannot be replaced, you will understand my deep gratitude and appreciation.' "
31 Mar 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Everyone's Relieved
"The parish magazine states that 'The resurfacing of the [Hartley] school playground has brought relief to managers, teachers, parents and children. An excellent job of work has been done and the general appearance of the school has thereby greatly improved.'"
40 Years Wed
"Many former pupils of Fairby High School will be interested to learn that the principal, Mrs Appleton MSC and Mr Charles Appleton, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on Friday. Mr and Mrs Appleton, who were married at Wakefield, came to live at Hartley 16 years ago, establishing the school 5 years later. Mr Appleton, a retired tutor, speaks 12 languages and is a fellow of the Institute of Languages and of the Geographical Society. Mr and Mrs Appleton belong to the Social Centre."
07 Apr 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Social Centre to Continue
AGM at WI Hall. They decided to continue with weekly meetings, in spite of poor attendances last season. Balance £65 but subscriptions down by a fifth. Youth Club reported a variety of interests and keen attendance.
Agricultural Co-Operative Society
Only 10 at AGM, dividend is 1s 6d in the pound on purchases. Mr F Goodwin re-elected chairman.
14 Apr 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) Electricity Outage. Many without electricity for hours last Sunday. (2) Footpaths. PC decided they couldn't prove the Hartley Manor footpath existed. Straying cattle on footpath to Fawkham. (3) Rail Fares. BR said prices lower on Dartford line due to old pre-nationalisation arrangement. Even so Fawkham's season tickets are below usual rate.
Social Centre
"The last meeting of the current season, presided over by the Rev JW Henderson, was very well attended, and a lively discussion followed the talk by Mr Edward Holloway on the United Europe Movement. Outlining the aims and policy of the movement which is entirely non-party, Mr Holloway likened Europe to the world's motherland; stressed the importance of uniting the different nations and mentioned some of the difficulties which had first to be overcome at the next assembly at Strasbourg in August."
Wedding of Peggy Doreen Andrews
Of 12 Valley Villas [229 Main Road], Longfield [Pictured]
21 Apr 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Planning Appeal
"The Minister of Town and Country Planning has dismissed an appeal by Mr R E King against the refusal of Dartford RDC, on behalf of the Kent County Council, to allow a bungalow to be built on land at Thornton Estate [Gorsewood Road]. As the site of the proposed dwelling forms part of a wood which completely surrounds it, and as no satisfactory means of access or essential services are available, the Minister feels that it should not be developed in this way."
28 Apr 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Old Downs Staff Required
"Kent County Council. Applications are invited from married couples for the joint appointment of Gardener who must be fully competent, and Cook or Domestic Assistant, who may be part time, at the proposed Old People's Home at Old Downs, Hartley near Dartford. Wages will be at the rate of £5 1s 0d a week for the man and in accordance with the Ancilliary Staffs Council rates for the woman. Accommodation is available, for which an appropriate rent will be charged. The man will also be required to attend to the boilers...."
Paper of 2/6/1950 has advert for Matron, £260 pa rising by £15 annual increments to £305, with residential emoluments valued for superannuation purposes at £140 a year.
Dartford RDC Elections
5 of the 6 seats being contested are unopposed including F Goodwin (Ash), A E Edward (Hartley) and Lady E M T Shaw (Fawkham)
05 May 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Meeting by Torchlight
"Owing to an electricity failure, due to the previous day's snowstorm, the 9th annual meeting of Hartley Residents' Association in the WI Hall on Wednesday last was held with electric torches providing the illumination......."
Snow Damages Fruit Trees
"The snowstorm last week played havoc with fruit trees, particularly plums in orchards in the parish. The weight of snow broke the branches of many trees."
12 May 1950 Chatham News
Builder Becomes Solicitor's Clerk
"John Coulson, 46 of St Aubin, Pescot Avenue, New Barn, Longfield, attended his public examination at the Rochester Bankruptcy Court, on Thursday last week, before the Registrar (Mr M V Mackey), his statement of accounts showing assets of £15 13s 5d only, and a deficiency of £1,868 13s 5d.
He had been a builder, and attributed his failure to lack of capital, restritions on building, bad weather, delay in completing work, and ill health. He was now employed as a solicitor's managing clerk, and agreed with the Assistant official Receiver (Mr Charles S Foulsham) that through the lack of building experience, together with the fact that the trade was too onerous for him to undertake, he found himself in his present position.
Mr Foulsham: I believe that you are willing to offer some money out of your present salary, for the benefit of your creditors? Debtor replied that he was now receiving a salary of £13 a week, and was willing to pay £10 a month, commencing in June. His offer was accepted."
12 May 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Late James Martin Hollett
Of Suncroft [28] Kent Road, died at west Hill hospital aged 77. Son of Cobham blacksmith, lived most of his life in London, came to Longfield 9 years ago.
Memorial may be moved
"If corner posts placed round the war memorial continue to be smashed by passing traffice, then the removal of the war memorial to anohter site may have to be considered, it was stated at the parish council meeting on Wednesday last week. New and very substantial corner posts have been placed there.
After it was reported that trees in a pretty part of the parish might be felled and the land grubbed, it was decided to ask the RDC to consider the question of a preservation order for the wood.
A joint meeting of Hartley, Ash and Fawkham Councils is to be held to discuss the Festival of Britain.
'Bend' signs are to be placed on one mile of the main Ash Road."
No Draughts now!
"Several windows in the parish church which were removed for repairs have been replaced. In order to retain their ancient character, the old glass was used as far as possible. One great advantage is that the draughts which the congregation used to suffer before the windows were sent for repair, are now a thing of the past!"
19 May 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Complex Situation
"Three of the six members of the [Longfield] Parish Council present at the annual meeting on Monday, the Rev S H Broughton, and Messrs V F Verrell (retiring chairman) and Mr S H Shrimpton, were nominated for the office of chairman, but only Mr Verrell was seconded. After Mr Broughton made a strong protest agaisnt members bringing politics into the election, a seconder was found for the nomination of Mr Shrimpton. A vote was taken and Mr Shrimpton was elected 4-2. Mr Verrell was elected vice-chairman."
Hartley Naturalist Club
6th annual meeting, fully attended with 3 new members. Mrs Gates the secretary said the indoor meetings had been better attended than the rambles. Meeting ended with impromptu game of charades on nature, things like polecat and marigold were hard to act out!
Provision for Old Kent Folk
"On April 4th there were accommodation in institutions, old people's homes an dhomes under the control of hte County Council, or in accommodation at the disposal of the council, a total of 705 men and 778 women. In addition 49 women and 157 children were being provided with temporary accommodation.
At the February meeting the County Council approved an expenditure not exceeding £9,000 to buy property in the Hartley area for conversion into an old people's home. On Wednesday the council further approved expenditure not exceeding £6,450 for works of alteration and adaptation to the property."
02 Jun 1950 South London Observer
£2,650 Beauty Bill
"The 'beautifying Bermondsey' project meant that 150 trees, 3,500 shrubs and 83,000 plants - worth £2,650 had to be raised at the council's horticultural nursery at Fariby Grange, during the past year. In the same period 373 trees were planted in Bermondsey to replace those destroyed by the bombing. A joint garden scheme between the new Henley Close estate and St Mary's Garden Rotherhithe has created an almost rural atmosphere in this highly industrialised area."
09 Jun 1950 Kentish Express
Sale of Crops
Advert for sale of growing crops of cherries at Cherry Orchard Farm, Hartley for C G Campkin (5½ acres); and Manor Farm, Hartley for Mrs Warren (1½ acres)
16 Jun 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Funeral of Michael Gay
"Many expressions of sympathy have been extended to Mrs S Gay, Nutshell, Hartley, stewardess of Hartley Country Club, in the death of her only son Michael, aged 16, less than 4 monghs after her husband's death. Michael had a happy dispostion and was much liked in the village. He was a splendid athlete. For 3 years he was on the committee of the Hartley Young Naturalists' Club and belonged to the Youth Club. He was also a clever musician. Michael had just begun his apprenticeship at a Dartford motor works. His only sister is in Canada as children's nurse in the household of the Governor General and Lady Alexander......"
Miss Robertson has put 'art' into Hartley
"It was a suggestion made 4 years ago by Miss E Robertson that really put the 'art' into Hartley. Remarking that for an average sized village Hartley had more than the usual number of amateurs interested in painting and drawing, she said, 'Why not form an Art Circle?' Today there are 10 members, six of them ladies who meet in one another's houses, receive lectures from experts, visit picture galleries and exhibitions, share art magazines, and hold 2 day exhibitions in the village. The third of these was opened on Saturday in the WI Hall by Mr W Ongley MIller, former principal of Gravesend School of Art, who has considerably helped the group." Details of paintings in show and winners, including 13 year old wheelchair bound Philip Pankhurst [1936-1958] of Essex Road, who produced many paintings inspired by a visit to Brands Hatch.
Sound of hunting horn made him play truant from school
"If you go into the Railway Tavern, Longfield, you may meet one of its oldest customers, Mr Frank Barns, aged 88, of Galsworthy Cottages [newpaper is wrong here, it is Goldsmith Cottages], Hartley Bottom, Hartley, who needs little inducement to talk about the days long agon when he rode with Lord Craven's Hunt through the Berkshire countryside.
As a boy he was thrilled by the sight of pink clad riders and a pack of hounds. Often he played truant from school when he heard the sound of the hunting horn echoing across the woods and valleys. Mr Barns learnt to ride when he was 5 and rode regularly to school which was several miles from his home. At first his father, a farmer, gave him a donkey to get around on and later he had a pony. 'My father was a very strong man,' said Mr Barns, 'and could force a bullock onto its back by gripping its horns, but he could never master my donkey!' Mr Barns rode hundreds of miles across the Berkshire country which is ideal for hunting.
At 25 he became bailiff on a Surrey estate and there met his wife who died 30 years ago. After being bailiff on estates in Berkshire nad Sussex, Mr Barns went to Holywell Park, Hodsoll Street, in 1914, to look after farm stock, while his wife acted as dairy maid. When he retired 2 years ago he was employed at Hartley Manor.
The oldest member of Hartley Country Club, Mr Barns has a son and two daughters."
John (3) Helps Grandad Start a House
"Little [NAME}, aged 3, of Lynton Road South, Gravesend, must be one of the youngest bricklayers ever to get busy with trowel and cement. On Sunday afternoon he was helped into a large hole on a plot of land in Gorsewood Road, Hartley, and laid the first brick of his granddad's bungalow.
Grandad is Mr A H Harpum, one time blacksmith,who has a general and newsagent's business at Waterdales, Northfleet. He acquired the plot 4 years ago, with the help of Mrs Harpum removed over 500 roots of big trees, and then decided to build a house of his own, with his own hands. Little John, if he can climb that high, will lay the last brick as well as the first, and with the help of two other grandchildren, [NAME} and [NAME}, will put in place a foundation stone.
Mr Harpum is still awaiting a licence to build, but is getting on with as much of the preparatory work as possible. It has taken him and his wife many months to dig the hole for the cellar and storeroom below the bungalow. 'I have not built a house before, but one of my neighbours at Hartley, who built his own house, has promised to help me,' Mr Harpum told a reporter. 'It will take a year or two to complete the job when we do get a licence, as being in business we have little time to spare. Mrs Harpum, who has toiled long already on the project, intends to act as labourer to her husband." [Mr Harpum's house was eventually completed and called Wayside, Gorsewood Road]
Longfield Shows the Way
"As a result of a public meeting in Longfield Village Hall, on Monday, Dartford RDC has doubled the number of volunteers for the Civil Defence Services. The total is now 18 instead of 9 for the whole rural area. The meeting was attended by about 30 residents. Mr F Goodwin presided, supported by Mr A R Lucas, new chairman of Dartford Rural Council and the clerk (Mr L James). An address was given by Major T Hepburn, County Civil Defence Officer, who appealed to his audience not to let the fighting services down. Mr Lucas, in thanking those present for their co-operations, said that the response from Longfield was the best in the whole district."
Longfield Football Club Dinner
At Longfield Village Hall [pictured]. Last season club was 1 point off winning the Gravesend League title and lost the cup final by 1 goal.
23 Jun 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Rector's Quandary
(Longfield) "Waiting on the platform at Victoria Station on Monday, the Rector (the Rev S H Broughton) put his weekend suitcase on the ground. When next he looked he found that someone had stolen it! 'One of the things in the case was my desk diary with all my engagements in it and that has put me into something of a quandary,' he told a reporter."
30 Jun 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
To Make Way for Houses - Longfield's KH Club to be moved
"There's generally something on at the K.H. Club, Longfield, 'but why call it the KH Club?' some may ask. During the war, Longfield's Civil Defence Headquarters were at Kent House in Station Road, and the present KH Club premises were used by CD members. After the war they thought it a good idea to keep together and called the club after the initials of Kent House.
At the annual meeting on Thursday last week, Mr M Metcalfe (club chairman) spoke on the future of the hall. He said it was to be moved further along Fawkham Road to make way for new houses. When re-erected it would be used for Civil Defence lectures and meetings. Those joining the Civil Defence Corps will be welcomed as members of the club.
It was reported that the club had a balance at the bank of ovr £80. There were 68 paid up members. Mr Metcalfe was re-elected chairman, Miss E Barker was elected treasurer and Mrs Metchalfe secretary. Miss Stevens, Miss J Bailey, Mr D Bennett, Mr C Harber, Mrs A Longhurst, Mrs A Blackwell and Mr R Tadmanwere appointed to the committee. The meeting was presided over by Capt C S Bignell."
Willmot Wedding
Wedding at Southfleet of Graham Frederick Willmot [1928-2001], director of B & G Willmot Limited, fruit growers, market gardeners and agricultural contractors of Highlands, [Ash Road], Hartley [pictured].
Cup Winners
Hartley Girls' Friendly Society win Diocesan Missionary Cup.
01 Jul 1950 Gravesend Reporter
Conservative fete
at Old Downs raised £150, two-thirds for party funds. Opened by owner Mrs Stickland
07 Jul 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Furniture from Plastic is new Longfield Industry
Picture feature of Mr L Elliston of Bexleyheath, aged 37, who with 5 employes make plastic fireproof "holoplast" office furniture "in a farm outhouse in rural Longfield." He came to Longfield 3 years ago, but says finding staff can be difficult. He thinks most household furniture will be holoplast one day. [following week's paper contained a correction to say Mr Elliston is employed by W H Heale, Building Contractor of The Parade, Hartley]
Hartley fete raised £166
All Saints' fete in Rectory Gardens attended by several hundred raised money for Church Hall building fund. Opened by Cyril Heddle and attended by Miss Iris King, patron of the living.
County Courts
(Dartford RDC) "The Lord Chancellor's Department has turned down a suggestion made by Gravesend Solicitors' Society that Southfleet, Longfield, Ridley, Hartley and Ash be transferred from Dartford to Gravesend County Court District."
14 Jul 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Council
(1) Donor's plate fixed to seat in Church Road stolen, replacement paid for by councillors themselves as council not authorised to spend money on seats. (2) Ash Road, overhanging tree owners to be asked to trim or remove them. (3) Council regrets felling of trees in Bramble Wood and potential felling in Hoselands Wood.
15 Jul 1950 Gravesend Reporter
Hartley Cottage for Sale
"Hartley Kent - Overlooking the Village Green. Prall and Prall will offer for sale by auction at Dartford on Wednesday 26th July 1950 at 3pm precisely, the charming detached 17th century brick and flint thatched cottage known at Hartley Cottage, Hartley Green, occupying a high position about 700 ft above sea level. About ½ mile mainline station and easily accessible London, Schools and all travelling facilities. 3/4 bedrooms, Lounge with old brick fireplace, Dining Room, Modern bathroom, Kitchen. Skilfully improved and retaining old world character. Old exposed beams and timbers. Pretty, secluded gardens, including lawns, fruit, shrubberies and flower beds, in all ¾ acre. Company's electricity and water. Freehold, vacant possession. Illustrated particulars and conditions of sale from the solicitors Messrs Baily & Goff, 55 Spital Street, Dartford. The auctioneers: Messrs Prall and Prall, 53 Spital Street, Dartford."
15 Jul 1950 Gravesend Reporter
Dartford RDC Planning Committee
The Hut, Fairby Lane, rated as a dwelling since 1938, let since 1940 to a number of tenants, one has since got a building licence and another a council house. Bought with Leslie Cottage, Ash Road in Aug 1949 by J R T Mawson, he was told by the vendor it was a dwelling. Council ruled he could keep letting it out, provided tenants don't use it as a 'lever' with RDC for building licence or for council houses. Not to be let to families with children.
Bow Arrow Hospital, Dartford
Wanted for tuberculosis wards there - Ward Sisters SRN £375-500 pa full time, 3/6 per hour part time. Staff Nurses £315-415 pa F/T, 2/11 per hour PT. Enrolled Assistant Nurses £285-385 pa F/T, 2/8 per hour P/T. Also TB supplment of £30 pa for F/T.
28 Jul 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Late James Thomas Clark
Aged 60, of Pescot Bungalows, buried Maidstone. Had lived at Longfield 10 years and was employed by Borough of Southwark at Longfield Sidings. Survived by widow, son, stepson, two daughters.
Longfield Football Club Meeting
1st team may be able to play at Rectory meadow if Youth Centre doesn't put out two team. 2nd team to play at Country Club.
04 Aug 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Batsmen on money-making wicket
First Country Club Fair, opened by stage actor Lauri Lupino Lane [1921-1986]. Coachloads of visitors came from Gravesend and Bexleyheath. Features picture of 'Taffy' Williams, Capt R McKellar, Mr Lane, and H Gladdish (chairman) on merry-go-round.
Old Resident's Death
Funeral at Longfield of Miss Ann Andrus, 81 of the Orchard [26 Hartley Road]. "Miss Andrus was one of the oldest inhabitants. The Misses Andrus with their late father, who farmed at Gills Farm, Darenth, took up residence at the Elms, [Main Road], Longfield. Following the death of Mr Andrus 26 years ago, they removed to the Orchard...."
17 Aug 1950 South London Observer
The Garden (Advert)
"Have Greenhouse protection without a greenhouse; do Potting without Pots; illustrated booklets post free - Coles, Grosvenor, Church Road, Hartley, Dartford."
18 Aug 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Obituaries
(1) Mrs Emma Stoddart, 92, died at her daughter's house, Meadowlands [80 Main Road], Longfield. Lived at Hartley 18 years and founder member of Congregational Church, where funeral was held.
(2) Frank Fish, 75, of Church Road. Had lived in Hartley and Ash, for a long period gardener to Brig-Gen Andrus of Hartley Court. Funeral at All Saints'.
25 Aug 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Church Organist Bereaved
"Mr P L Keeling, 33, Mitchell Avenue, Northfleet, for many years organist of Longfield Parish Church, has been bereaved by the death on Friday of his wife Mrs Lilian Ethel Keeling, daughter of Mrs M Leigh, Kent Road, Longfield and the late Mr Leigh, who was a railway signalman. Mrs Keeling lived in Longfield until her marriage in 1939, when she moved to Northfleet." Funeral and burial at Longfield.
08 Sep 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Cherry Orchard and Poultry Holding for sale
Hartley. Producing £200 pa. Chalet bungalow (4 rooms), garage, all services, 1 acre, 'A' Certificate; Retail Fruit Licence; allocn, a going concern in a perfect setting, £3,250 or near. including implements, ladders etc. Apply Pilley & Talbot, Gravesend."
Their Diamond Anniversary
"A former London taxi driver, Mr A Green, 1 The Gun Station, church Road, Hartley, and Mrs Green are looking forward to their diamond wedding anniversary on Friday next week. They were married at St Anne's Hull, and have 5 sons and a daughter, Mrs Larkin, Jessern, [Westwood] Ash Road, Hartley. Mr Green, a Londoner, is 80 and his wife, a native of Cambridge, 82. Soon after their marriage they went to live in London, and Mr Green became a taxi driver. He was driving until 1940, when the air raids got so bad that they decided to go and stay with their daughter. After a few months they went to live at the Gun Station. Mrs Green looks after her home unaided, and Mr Green devotes much of his time to gardening." [Picture of Mr and Mrs Green]
Greengrocers for Sale
"Lock up Fruiterers and Greengrocers, Hartley, Rent £42pa, good turnover. Ford V8 van; lease £600. Apply Pilley & Talbot, Gravesend" [This will be 1 Bank Buildings, next to Fairby Stores]
15 Sep 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Women's Institute, Hartley
They decided to insure the hall and contents for £2,000 and £200 to cover consequential loss pending rebuilding. They also took out Public Liability Insurance.
Hartley Parish Council
(1) Dangerous overhanging trees at Hoselands Hill be removed. (2) Chair plaque had not been stolen, local tradesman had found it hanging loose and removed it for safety. (3) Surface water flooding on some roads down to blocked drainage pipes.
22 Sep 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Football Club
For second week in a row Pawelka of Longfield got a hat trick in their 4-0 win over Shorne. [Hans Pawelka was Longfield's star German POW player, see 25/2/1949]
Trebled
Hartley Conservative Men's section membership has grown since March from 99 to 308.
Jane, 5, has already travelled 8,500 miles
[NAME}, 5 year old daughter of Flight Sgt [NAME} and [NAME}, formerly of Ash near Wrotham, now living with her parents in Singapore has, in a period of 5 months attended 3 convent schools spread over a distance of 8,500 miles. She started at the age of 4 as a pupil of St Joseph's Convent High School, Hartley in 1949." Father got posting to Ceylon, so she and her mother went to Colombo. "There she went to a convent school, travelling in a rickshaw. Her classmates included Americans, Ceylonese, Tamils and Chinese." Father then posted to Malaya, she "is now attending the Good Shepherd Convent in Singapore. It is 14 miles from her home in Changi and she travels by bus, leaving home at 6.30 each morning." People say she is the healthiest looking child in Changi.
04 Oct 1950 Chatham Standard
Drove 'In Unlawful Position'
"The driver of a motor assisted pedal cycle, who was said to have fallen from his machine in the path of an overtaking car, causing it to brake and swerve, appeared at Chatham Magistrates Court, on Friday, for driving his machine in an unlawful position.
He was [NAME}, of Skinner Street, Chatham, and he was fined £1 and a further 10 shillings for failing to comply with the conditions of his provisional licence.
[NAME}, of Sun Hill, Fawkham, said that he was driving his van along New Road, Chatham, when defendant pulled out from a side road. He was carrying in his right hand a large petrol can, which seemed to get between his leg and the handlebars. 'He collapsed in front of me and I had to brake and swerve,' said the witness.
PC D H Moggie [1924-2009] said that defendant was the holder of a provisional licence, but he was carrying no 'L' plates on his machine. Smith was also ordered to pay £1 7s 6d costs."
06 Oct 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Sudden death of Ewart Loxley Simmonds
aged 60 of Gravesend. Third generation to run drapers business of Henry Simmonds. Chairman of Gravesend Conservatives and Vice-Chairman of Hartley Country Club. Prominent local mason.
Quite Polecat Ferrets
"12/6, 15/-. Austin, Manor Drive, Hartley, Longfield"
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Street Noises. Complainants told it is a police matter. (2) Bus Stop at The Retreat [84-86 Main Road] said to be dangerous, PC want it moved 10 yards eastwards.
12 Oct 1950 Evening News
Sports News
"Hans Pawelka, an ex-German prisoner of war, who has been scoring freely on the right wing for Longfield Sports, a Gravesend League team, has signed amateur forms for Gravesend and Northfleet." [by 1954 he was playing for Sutton United].
13 Oct 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
A Protest
"When the [Hartley] Parish Council met on Wednesday last week a letter was read from Mr Mainprize, who said he had lived in the parish 15 years, protesting against the proposed passing places in St John's Lane. A member of the council said Mr Mainprize had recently bought the only dwelling in the lane and had not previously offered an objection to the proposed widening which had been constantly before the council and referred to in the press for 10 years or more. The Kent County Council had promised to do the work in the autumn and he hoped the council would not heed the objection. The council agreed not to." PC also heard removal of trees at Hoselands Hill had begun and while the ownership of dangerous trees near Homefield [Stack Lane] was disputed, no-one has objected to their lopping or felling. Issue of parking cars on the green also discussed.
House for sale
Hartley. Modern detached house, 1 mile Fawkham Station, by shops and buses, delightful house and garden of about 2 acres; 40 mins London; 3 bedroom and an extra bedroom in chalet in grounds; 3 receptions; billiards, cloakroom, bathrooms, 2 WCs, excellent kitchen; tennis court; 2 garages; rates £34 per year; Freehold vacant possession; electricity, mains water; newly redecorated inside and out. £5,300 offers considered." [Probably The Red House, Ash Road. The 2 acres would later become the Warrens as a result of a later sale in 1960]
27 Oct 1950 Sevenoaks Chronicle
Dartford Cattle Market
to be moved to Wednesdays including calves, pigs, poultry, rabbits
03 Nov 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Folk have Little Use for their Village Hall
Low attendance at AGM. " 'There is now little demand for the hire of the hall,' stated Mr Walter Wright, hon secreatry and treasurer, in his report. 'There are now two other halls int eh parish and three others within a mile. There is an excellent bus service to Gravesend and Dartford, 5 miles distant, and the lads and lasses of today earning good money are not content to spend their leisure in the village. This also applies to the middle aged people.' Mr Wright said the trustees had been considering whether or not they should close the hall and use the small balance on urgent exterior repairs. He was pleased to report a slight improvement regarding lettings during the past few months. A credit balance of £39 was reported. Mr Wright, who has been secretary and treasurer for 14 years, announced that he wished to be relieved of these duties at the next annual meeting. The committee is to review charges for letting at an early date."
10 Nov 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
They're in Longfield Now
Southfleet PC agrees with Dartford RDC's suggestion to move 4 houses in Pescot Avenue, New Barn to Longfield Parish.
A Bigger Village
(1) Dartford RDC propose that Longfield Parish takes in Pinden and Mile End Green from Horton Kirby and Rats Castle from Darenth, along with favourable boundary changes with Hartley. (2) PC wants more streetlights at Whitehill Road and Longfield Siding.
Longfield Sports FC
Picture of Longfield Sports Football Club.
Safety First
Dartford Rural District Road Safety Committee visited Hartley Social Centre meeting at WI Hall. Two films shown, 'Danger Lurks' shot in local area with familiar landmarks. People told 80 accidents in rural area in first 6 months of year with one fataility.
Hartley Parish Council
(1) Bus Fares - complaint received that 3d fare for 1 mile from Longfield Station to Hartley Post Office is well over advertised 1¼d per mile. (2) Boundary Changes. Hartley to gain properties at end of Ash Road from Ash and piece of land at bottom of Hoselands Hill from Longfield, but lose land north of railway to Longfield. PC happy with changes.
17 Nov 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Late Mrs Daisy Homewood
"The funeral took place at Longfield Parish Church on Friday of Mrs Daisy Homewood, wife of Mr S Homewood, 77, Albert Road, Bromley Common, and daughter of Mrs Grant, Hilltop, Hoselands Hill, Hartley and the late Mr E Grant. Before her marriage, Mrs Homewood was active in organising concerts and amateur theatricals in Longfield during the first world war, on behalf of wounded soldiers and sailors...."
Mr Edward forsook box office to shine on Stage
Review of Hartley Players "If Four Walls Told" at Country Club. 6 of the 10 actors were newcomers. "Certainly one of the liveliest was the gentleman shown on the programme as Teddy Edward, playing the part of a very crusty and outspoken old man. Penetrate the white whiskers and straighten the bent back and could it be - ? Hear him speak of money disparagingly and lovingly by turn. Could it really be off stage Councillor A E Edward, chairman of Dartford RDC's Finance Committee and honourary treasurer of the Players? Yes, it was. Many must be asking why he has been tucked away in the box office county up the door money all these years. His very appearence on the stage created whoops of delight; it might be said he carried the play.....and the Players, bless them, finished well before the 10 o'clock bus left the village."
Funeral of Dr Colin Ilderton
// of Homefield, Hook Green, Meopham. District nurses from Longfield, Meopham, Hartley and Green Street Green attend.
Teacher-novelist writes her books in shortland
Picture feature on Miss Katherine Rook Davis of The Hill, Northfleet. Teaches shorthand, English and typing at Grammar School Greenwich, edits an RC bulletin in the evenings. "Her first book published in 1945 and called 'Summer's Harvest,' was based on experiences she had when she took a party of London girls into the country to work on a farm. After broadcasting in Children's Hour, she decided to expand the theme into a book. The beauty of Hartley gave her inspiration for her second novel 'Christmas House', which deals with life in a Kent Village. It was published in 1948. Her latest book 'Forest Hive' is about life in a Girls' Boarding School....." She writes mostly for teenagers.
24 Nov 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
New Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes Lodge
"Members of neighbouring lodges wree present at the Railway Tavern on Friday, when a new Pride of Kent Lodge of the RAOB was opened by the Grand Lodge of Gravesend Province. The lodge was taken over by Mr G Farley KOH and Mr F Morris ROH. Founder members are Messrs Farley, T Higgins, J Sale and F Soper."
(Advert) "Bulldog at stud. Resolute Rodney by Bill the Bulldozer. Siring splendid litters; fee 3½ guineas. Also young stock for sale - Baldwin, Dalecarlia Kennels, Gorse Wood, Hartley, Longfield, Kent. Longfield 2202."
Proposal that Ash and Ridley should form One Parish
Dartford RDC had suggested Ridley parish should take Hodsoll Street and Idleigh from Ash, but Ridley representative said that would leave two parishes with undersized population. Another suggestion has been made to merge Ash and Ridley and split it into 3 wards. Ridley to hold parish meeting to discuss. Ash PC happy with most proposals but will only accept losing Ash Road to Hartley if they can have a big chunk of Hartley parish elsewhere.
08 Dec 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Rector Preaches from Lectern while Pulpit is made Safe
"For the time being, the Rector of Hartley (the Rev J W Henderson), preaches his sermons from the lectern. And congratulates himslef that when he used the beautiful pulpit of the Elizabethan period in his ancient church he did not weigh several stones heavier!
An expert, who recently examined the pulpit, which is carved in Kent oak, tole the rector that ever since it was altered from its original shape many years ago, it has been unsafe to use. 'I am told that many years before I came here,' the rector said to a reporter, 'extra panelling was put in so that a seat would be installed for the rector of the time, and part of the pulpit was fixed to the wall. Fortunately I am a lightweight, but the expert told me that had I weighed a stone or two more - or perhaps shken the pulpit ledge in order to emphasise a point, there might have been something unusual happen during a sermon! Some of the clergymen who have visited the church to preach are much heavier than I am, and they will be surprised to know how near they were to collapse.'
The pulpit has been taken away for restoration and it is to be reinstalled as it was when first put there in 1600. It should be back in a week or 10 days' time. Some of the £105 raised at a sale of work in the WI Hall on Saturday will be used for the restoration. The remainder will pay for the cleaning of the walls and the treating of the beams in the roof of the church. The church door, over 700 years old, and one of the oldest in the country, will also receive attention." //
Staff Wanted
"Wanted Good honest roundsman, male or female; must reside in Longfield district. Apply. The Bakery, Longfield. Phone 2121."
22 Dec 1950 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
First ever?
"Believed to be the first ever held in the [Hartley] parish church, a midnight service is to be held on Christmas Eve. It begins at 11.45pm."