1953 News - Hartley-Kent: Covering Hartley, Longfield & District

09 Jan 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

New Life in Canada

"Starting a new life in Canada is Mr David Stickland [1930-2010], aged 22, of Kaye Cottage Farm, Hartley.  Since he was 18, Mr Stickland helped manage the farm, now owned by his mother, and in Ontario he hopes to work on the land - at least to start with.  Mr Stickland left England on December 27th in the liner Scythia.  He chose Canada because he thought there was more scope for adventure and advancement there than anywhere else.  Educated at Stowe School, Mr Stickland lived at Old Downs, Hartley, with his parents before they took up farming.  He belonged to the local Young Conservative Association." //  [It seems Mr Stickland thought better of emigrating, for in January 1953 he was on the Queen Mary returning to Southampton.  He is buried in Norfolk]

New Year Party

KH (Kent House) Club held party in village hall.  xx Mrs F Longhurst xx won a matchbox competition by cramming 134 articles in it.

Congratulations

"Known throughout the village for her happy dispostion, Mrs M A Smith, 2 Myrtle Villas, [33 Station Road] celebrated her 90th birthday yesterday.  One of Longfield's oldest inhabitants, she still opens two downstairs rooms as a surgery for the visiting dentist and doctors twice a week.  Mrs Smith has lived in the same house and performed the same service to the village for 30 years.  A widow for 4 years, Mrs Smith lives alone.  She was born at Priestwood, near Meopham.  She has 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren."

Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) Whitehill Crossroads flooding.  County surveyor promised to have the drains cleaned out there.  (2) Village Sign.  PC decide not to buy from Kent Council of Social Service, a sign with a white horse above it.

16 Jan 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Council want work to replant trees on Hoselands Hill to replace those removed.  (2) Rates for 1953-54 to be 2d in the pound.

23 Jan 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Social Centre

WI Hall packed to capacity for quiz between Hartley and Longfield, won by Longfield.  Quizmaster brought 8 visitors from Bexley for a "What's my line" round in the Quiz.

Farm stock for sale

(Advert) "Saanen stud goat, cheap to good home.  Trio Embden-Toulouse Geese, 3 years old, 30/- each.  Keston Nursery, Church Road, Hartley, Longfield."

Former farm worker

Obituary of Alfred Sifleet, 85, of 10 Woodview [131 Main Road].  Born Sittingbourne, had lived at Hoo most of his life.  Retired 10 years ago. Leaves 4 sons and 2 daughters.

30 Jan 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

After three refusals.  Headmistress gets car allowance

Thamesside Educational Executive initially didn't want to create a precedent but agreed to allowance after officer pointed out the school is nowhere near a bus stop and has no school house, and the head comes from Greenhithe and picks up one of the teachers on the way.

13 Feb 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Villagers will miss their friendly postman

"There is no job in the world where so many friends are made as on the round of a country postman.  This is the opinion of Mr George Andrews, 12 Valley Villas, [229 Main Road], Longfield, who retired on Saturday after being a postman in the villages of Longfield and Hartley since 1946.  Covering 20 miles a day on his bicycle he has become known to everyone in the district.  His sunny smile and cheery word are specially appreciated by the people living in lonely cottages. Mr Andrews has a quality that many of his fellow postmen must envy.  'I can make friends with any dog and they never go for me, even the large animals kept on some of the more outlying farms,' he said.

It is his boast that even in the worst weather these outlying farms have always received their mail.  'In 1947 the snow was so deep in the lanes that I was walking on top of the hedges, but I got there just the same,' he said.  Mr Andrews reckons that he had mounted and dismounted his bicycle 250,000 times since he first took over the country round 6 years ago.

A native of Longfield, Mr Andrews, who is 60, joined the Royal Navy when he was 15. He walked to Chatham and back in 1907 to accept the Queen's shilling.  He served in both world wars as a telegraphist in the anti-submarine service.  In 1935 he joined the GPO working at Beckenham and then Gravesend."

New Licensee

"Mr and Mrs Kitto leave the Black Lion after holding the licence for over 12 years.  They are moving to the George, Shalmsford Street, Chartham, near Canterbury.  The new licensee is xx Mr George Clark xx."  [Edward Kitto 1904-1994, Mrs Eliza Kitto 1905-2003]

27 Feb 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

No big expansion in North Kent

KCC proposals for consultation among the district councils contained in Part B (from Erith and Bexley up to Cobham).  It envisages that between 1955 and 1973 population of Dartford and part of Dartford Rural would increase from 40,544 to 55,000, Gravesend would increase from 45,043 to 47,500, Northfleet from 18,803 to 22,000.  Overall the population of the Part B area to increase from 320,000 to 352,000.  "It was proposed that the large villages of Swanley Junction, Hartley, Longfield, and Meopham should be moderately expanded....."   Bean, Betsham and Southfleet to meet housing needs of Swanscombe people displaced by increased chalk extraction.  Planned roads are the Dartford Tunnel approach, Dartford Northern Bypass and Swanley bypass.

[Paper of 10/4/1953 says Hartley PC against "as it considers they altered considerably the character of the area."]

06 Mar 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Bad year for country Club

"Hartley Country club did not have a succesful year and was going through one of the most troublesome times in its history said Mr F D Tindley [prob 1913-1997], presiding at the annual meeting, attended by 100 members…. An adverse financial balance was reported...."

[Paper of 27/11/1953 says annual subs for ladies and 'Country members' - those living more than 4 miles away, to increase from 5s to 10s.]

Reward for regularity

"Miss Doris Wilson [1935-2002] of Stack Lane, Hartley, has been chosen to take one of the three places on the Coronation route available to Girls' Friendly Society members from Rochester Diocese.  She was picked because of her regular attendances."

Longfield Parish Council Meeting  (1) PC will not object to closure of Gravesend West line.  (2) Rector C H Sutton coopted to council.  (3) PC want stamp machine at Longfield Hill Post Office, GPO said it would be too little used.

13 Mar 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) PC want a later collection on Saturdays, says it is earlier than other rural POs. [Paper of 10/4/1953: GPO says later collections only possible in urban areas] (2) Hoselands View.  Danger to children playing round sewage disposal plant for the houses.  Also complaints about lorries and cars parked there without lights.  (3) Buses.  PC ask for a different sort of bus to be used on the 489 route.  [Paper 10/4/1953: LT reply 34 type only bus available for that route since 35 seaters were scrapped]

Hartley Cricket Mystery - Club with ideal facilities has few young players

Country Club Cricket section AGM.  It was said that ".... Ground, wicket, accommodation and social amenities were among the best in the county, yet new young members were slow in coming along, despite the very low subscription....."

20 Mar 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Here and there in North Kent

"While digging up tree roots in his garden behind the Railway Tavern, Longfield, on Saturday, Mr George White, the licensee, struck something hard with his spade.  Scooping away the earth, he discovered an ancient Kentish ploughshare embedded three feet below the surface.  Except for rust, the share, of a type now almost extinct, was in perfect condition.  Mr White has presented his find to Dartford Museum, an dis awaiting information as to its exact age.  Before being turned into a public house, over a century ago, the Railway Tavern was a farm house." [not sure that history of pub is correct, I think it was purpose built as a pub when the railway came to Longfield]

"When Mr Carl Grundy, who had long waited to settle in Kent again after many years residence in London, finally went to live in Hartley last September, it did not take him long to start organising an Old Comrades' Association of his old Territorial Army Unit, the Kent Fortress Royal Engineers.  Altogether he served 23 years with the Kent Fortress, including the first world war.  He tried to join the RE in the last war but was too old.  He joined the RAF instead, finished as a squadron leader in Transport Command.  Mr Grundy expects to spend the remainder of his days at Hartley.  Characteristically he has named his house 'Sappers Roost', the words being in red on a blue background - the unit's colours.  He also writes his letters on blue notepaper with red-lettered heading."

27 Mar 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Proud day for Mothers' Union - Hartley Branch's New Banner Dedicated

"Ever since the Hartley branch of the Mothers' Union was formed in 1945, the members have been saving to get their own banner.  Wednesday was a proud day for them, for in the ancient parish church of All Saints' the Rev H J Powell, Vicar of Aylesford and Rural Dean of Cobham, came to dedicate a beautiful hand painted banner which the branch has been able to purchase.

The Diocesan president xx Mrs James xx of Bexley was present at the impressive service which was conducted by the Vicar [sic] (the rev J W Henderson).  Representatives from many neighbouring branches attended.

After the dedication the banner was carried down the centre aisle by the branch secretary, Mrs E Phillips [presumably Ethel Rose Phillips 1899-1981], who was escorted by Mrs H Boorman, the oldest member of the branch, and  Mrs M Collins [prob Muriel E Collins 1909-1986] the newest member.  To help raise funds, members organised bring and buy sales and there were collections at the monthly meetings.

The banner is of heavy white damask with the pictorial design in richly coloured oil paints.  As the centre piece, the Holy Mother and Child are painted against an appropriate background of trees and fields.  Surrounding them are the heads of many saints.  In the bottom right hand corner is a miniature of All Saints Church."

Article features a picuture of the MU members with the banner.

03 Apr 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Auction Sales

(Adverts)  "By order of the personal representatives of Miss J E Andrus decd and others.  Messrs Winnett have been instructed to sell by auction the attractive freehold country residence known as The Orchard, [26] Hartley Road, Longfield, comprising: Entrance hall, lounge (22ft x 13ft), double reception room, kitchen, scullery, 3 bedrooms, dressing room, boxroom, conservatory, brick built garage, good outbuildings, electric light.  Approx 1 acre of garden.  With vacant possession"

(2) "By order of the personal representatives of Miss J E Andrus decd. The Orchard [26 Hartley Road], Longfield, Kent… The entire cotntents of the residence.  Including: A chippendale corner cabinet, Sheraton style bow fronted cabinet, large antique blanket chest, gents 4ft antique wardrobe, antique piecrust top occasional table, 3 piece Chesterfield suite, several wing armchairs,antique oak writing table, antique grandfather clock, antique barometer, carved oak hall seat, several antique mahogany chests of drawers, quantity of carpets, rugs, linen, china, silver and plated ware. 8 gold rings, 4 gold bracelets, lady's 18ct gold watch another jewellery.  16hp 1936 Hillman Saloon motor car (in exceptionally good condition).  Will be sold by auction on the premises by Messrs Winnett on Wednesday 18th April 1953 at 11am...."

Thamesside Educational Executive

"....apathy in another direction brought to the Executive's notice was the lack of interest in open evenings to which parents, and boys and girls just left school, are invited to discuss their future with the employment officer.  Such an evening at Longfeild was attended by only one boy and one girl....'When you consider that the employment officer and members of the Executive went out to the village to help these young people the result is very disappointing,' he said......"

Tense moments in Harltey Players' 'Dangerous Corner'

Review ".....An unusaal choice perhaps for a village production, Dangerous Corner and be numbered among Hartley Players' outstanding successes."  [Picture of cast]

10 Apr 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Gift for Queen Mother

"Miss Jane Strutt [1930-1997], The Knoll, Ash Road, Hartley, near Gravesend has embroidered a panel in floral design which will become part of a bedspread which the Girls' Friendly Society is to present to the Queen Mother.  Jean [sic] was chosen by her fellow members of the branch to work Hartley's contribution to the bedspread because of her skill with the needle.  The work took her 3 months. The panel has been on show in the window of Hartley Post Office and has been much admired."

Kent diplomat's honour

"Representing the Queen at the wedding yesterday of Crown Prince Jean of Luxembourg .... was a Kent diplomat, Mr Geoffry Alchin, whose home is at Broomfield, Longfield, near Gravesend....."  Court mourning for Queen Mary meant Princess Margaret could not attend, as personal representative of the Queen he was able to attend gala dinner.  ".... Mr Allchin was appointed the first Minister to Luxembourg in 1949.  Hitherto the British Ambassador to Brussels had charge of the diplomatic service there.  Born in Longfield 57 years ago, Mr Allchin [pictured], apart from his recent service in Luxembourg and 10 years earlier in the consular service in Morocco, has always lived in the village..... Mr Allchin served in the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment during the first world war and won the MC."

[Paper of 24/4/1953 says he was awarded the great cross in the order of Adolphe of Massau from the grand duchess]

17 Apr 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) PC complain to KCC about unswept roads.  Stones in side roads a hazard to cyclists. [paper of 8/5/1953 has KCC's reply - staff had been temporarily redeployed on sea defences This was after the 1953 floods]  (2) PC calls for zebra crossing by the Primary School for children crossing to the playing field [that is where Langafel School is now].

24 Apr 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Youth Club

"An inaugural meeting was held on Friday in the Congregational Church Hall to consider the formation of a Young People's Club.  Xx Mr Lewis xx of Ash Road, addressed the meeting.  Representatives of the Social Centre, the governing body of the disbanded Youth Club were also present."

08 May 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Coronation

"On Coronation Day a television set will be installed in the [Hartley] WI Hall from 9.30am to 5pm so that parishioners can watch the coronation ceremony.  At 5.30 there will be sports for th echildren in the Country Club groudns, followed by a comic cricket match, and in the evening there will be an entertainment."  [Paper of 29/5/1953 adds that a TV will also be installed at Old Downs]

>Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) PC rejected suggestion some meetings should be held at Longfield HIll Community Hall, saying school is central to parish.  (2) Footpath on northern boundary of parish blocked with stones, PC complains to farmer.

14 Houses

Ministry has approved 14 council houses on Main Road at ta cost of £19,628 and providing a £995 sewage disposal unit in the village. [91-113 Main Road]

15 May 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Daily miracle of 6,700 dinners for children - Thamesside Schools' Meal Service does a fine job

Picture feature on school dinners service.  Since price increased from 7d to 9d per meal they have lost about 5 per cent of customers.  ".....At Longfield Primary School [pictured], which a reporter saw, xx Mrs D Stapley xx and her staff make 160 meals a day on a solid fuel kitchen range.  xx Miss Newcomb xx brought joy to her heart by talking about a more modern stove soon to be installed.  Promptly at noon a classroom at Longfield became the dining hall, each Lilliputian table being covered with a cloth and laid out properly with cutlery.  Each table had its vase of wild flowers.  The infants tucked into cheese and potato mash and beans.  'There is little waste and we find children soon lose their likes and dislikes when eating in company,' said xx Miss Newcomb xx.  'An odd thing we find is that they are not at all keen on 'white' puddings like semolina.  But colour it pink - a nice shade of pink - and there is no trouble.  They much prefer pink jelly to, say green, we find.'  The youngsters themselves help distribute the plates of food....." If kitchen has fridge they keep a sample for 48 hours in case of food poisoning.

22 May 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Made pilot's wings for Duke of Edinburgh

"A craftswoman who had been working at full speed during the past year helping to make the richly embroidered ceremonial uniforms which will be worn by distinguished people at the Coronation is Miss Janet M Warwick [1905-1994], Restawhile [now Barn End], Gorsewood Road, Hartley, near Gravesend. //  It was Miss Warwick [pictured], a skilled gold and silver wire embroiderer, who made the pilot's wings which were recently awarded to the Duke of Edinburgh.  Miss Warwick also made the badge and 'scrambled egg' embroidery onthe peak of the Duke's naval cap.  Working for a famous firm of naval and military outfitters, she has done the embroidery on the uniforms of admirals, field marshals, air marshals, and other officers of high riank.  'Few people realise how much work goes into ceremonial uniforms,' said Miss Warwick.  'On the full ceremonial uniform worn by a guardsman there are gold embroidered flashes at the back of the coat, embroidered cuffs and collar - about 100 hours' work at least.'

Sitting in her bungalow homw working at the wooden embroidery frame, Miss Warwick showed a reporter how the collar for the uniform of a Grenadier Guards officer is worked in minute pieces of twisted gold and silver wire threaded on strong cotton.  To achieve exact precision in her work she uses extremely fine needles.  Becaus they are so fine these are always breaking or bending.  Sometimes she will spoil as many as 100 needles on one piece of work.

Miss Warwick learnt her craft during a 3 years's apprenticeship which started in 1919.  Except for a break during the war, she has been doing the work ever since.  Miss Warwick comes from a family of embroiderers.  Her sister also works in gold and silver wire, her mother was an embroiderer in silks and linen, and her father tried his hand with the needle in his spare time.

When she has the time, Miss Warwick hopes to make a special Coronation cloth for hte Longfield Hill WI of which she is a member.  She plans to embroider a crown in the centre of hte cloth with the names of all the members embroidered in gold silk as a border."

Withdrawal of Passenger Train Service - Gravesend West Branch

(Official Notice) "British Railways regret that owing to the very small use made of the passenger train service on the Gravesend West branch, it has been decided to withdraw this on and from Monday 3rd August 1953, and Longfield Halt, Southfleet and Gravesend West stations closed to passengers.  Omnibus services in the area are provided by London Transport Executive and facilities are available between Fawkham Station at Gravesend by routes 489, 489a, 490 and 490a.  Parcels and freight traffic will continue to be dealt with as before except that Southfleet Station will now deal only with truck load traffic for cartage by the public...."

29 May 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Coronation Programmes

(1) Longfield will send telegram to Queen on the day.  On Saturday 6th there will be events at Longfield Village Hall and Longfield Hill Community Hall for the children where those not getting mugs at school will receive one.  Event in evening for old folk at Village Hall.  (2) Hodsoll Street & Ridley will have fancy dress parade and events for children on 13 June with dancing on the green in the evening.

Dogs Returned

Ida Somerton Bellerby [1891-1972], Grosvenor, Church Road appeals against fine and order removing her 15 dogs for causing unnecessary suffering.  Partially upheld and 7 returned.  RSPCA inspector said ".... the suffering was caused as a result of the animals not being provided with sufficient food.  It had never been suggested that Miss Bellerby was a deliberately cruel person, but her scant means did not enable her to buy sufficient food. 'She is a very self willed and obstinate woman who was not willing to take the society's advice,' said xx Mr Jones xx.  He said the majority of the dogs were large, and certain of them were in a deplorable condition.  The society had spent £130 in maintaining and improving the dogs which had been taken from Miss Bellerby...."

05 Jun 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley is put on the map

"The name of Hartley was picturesquely put on the map on Sunday, when, as part of the Coronation celebrations, a beautifully painted sign was unveiled on the village green.  The sign depicts a 'hart' with a background of 'leaves' representing a 'lea' and is surmounted by the White Horse of Ketn.  It was designed and painted by Miss E Robertson [1887-1981] of Hartley Hill Cottage, founder of the Hartley Art Circle, who drwe aside the Union Jack draping the sign in the presence of many parishioners. The woodwork of the sign was made by Mr Strutt, who was born in a thatched cottage at the village green.

At the same ceremony two new seats on the green were 'opened' when Miss Synes, a patient at the Old Downs Home, cut red, white and blue ribbons stretched across them.  One of the seats was provided from the village Coronation fund, the other was the gift of Mrs Robertson....."

12 Jun 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield Coronation

Party in the village hall for 200 children followed by a variety show by the 'Coronettes'.  List of winners of fancy dress competition, costumes included Bisto Kids, Everest, Candid Camera while the children from Woodview had combined to be the Queen, Archbishop, Attendants and Soldiers.

Cherry Crop for Sale

"Agricultural Hall, Maidstone.  Tuesday 16th June 1953 at 12 o'clock.  Messrs E J Parker & Sons will sell by auction at above the following growing crops of cherries:

5a 2r at Cherry Gardens, Hartley, Longfield for C F Campkin esq

1a 2r at Hartley Court, Longfield for G B Youard esq...."

[As regards Mr Youard's land there is a similar advert in the Kentish Express 11.6.1954]

Hartley Darby and Joan Club

1st AGM, membership is 70 and bank balance is £52.

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Council decided replacing grass round war memorial with crazy paving too expensive, two councillors who lived near offered to cut the grass.  (2) Complaints received about speeding traffic through village, especially motorbikes.  (3) Locals complain about having to go to Dartford or Gravesend to see the new development plan.

19 Jun 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Newsagent Leaving

"Newsagent in the village for 3 years, Mr J H Reid is leaving at the weekend.  He has no definite plans for the future.  The new proprietor of the shop in Main Road will be Mr T S Elworthy [1905-1963] of Welling."

26 Jun 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

KH [Kent House] Club

AGM.  65 members.  Chairman Mr M Metcalfe [Maurice Metcalfe of 10 Ash Road 1911-2004], Secretary Mrs Metcalfe.  List of other officers.  [since this club was for people who worked in Civil Defence from Kent House in the war, presumably all the officers would have been in the ARP]

10 Jul 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) Allotments.  No vacancies at Longfield Hill where the land is good, but some plots at Whitehill Road have been vacant for years and are weed ridden.  (2) Apology to some old residents who were not invited to Coronation party.  PC said they could have done with more as only 60 of the 120 invited were there.  (3) Pescot Hill Bus Stop.  Stones falling onto earth platform cut into the bank are a hazard to passengers.  (4) Streetlighting. PC have ordered new lamps to be installed at Whitehill Road and at the bottom of The Drive. [paper of 11/9/1953 says the PC dropped the idea when they learned it would cost £50]

Tent 'church' destroyed by fire at Chalk

xx John Burns xx of the Counties Evangelistic Mission woken in his caravan to say tent was on fire.  He and his wife have been holding services in North Kent for a year.  He hopes to replace tent by the time he moves onto Longfield next week.

Was Hartley's 'Grand old man'

Obituary of Francis William Barns of Goldsmith Cottages, Hartley Bottom Road, aged 91.  Born in Surrey the son of a farmer, has lived in area since 1914.  Retired as pigman at Hartley Manor Farm about 20 years ago, before then he was bailiff of Holywell Park Farm, Wrotham.  Cycled until 10 years ago and last year helped with the hay harvesting.  Widower for 34 years he tended his own garden.  Founder member of Country Club.  Leaves son and two daughters.  Buried at Ash.

Naturalisation

Madeline Caroline Henriette Pointet [later Pearson 1928-1984] of Court Cottage, Hartley applying for citizenship naturalisation.

17 Jul 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Obituary of Frederick Leonard Charles Wakefield

Of 1 Hillside Cottages, Fawkham Road, aged 73.  Keen gardener in spite of being partially blind.  Had worked at Dabbs Place Farm, Cobham, and Manor Farm, Longfield Hill.  Served in France during WW1.

31 Jul 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

West Street issues last tickets tomorrow

"At 9.50 tomorrow night the last passenger train - a small steam engine and 2 red coaches - will leave West Street station, Gravesend, and from then onwards the little branch line service will no longer be in the timetables.  The line, say British Railways, is uneconomic, and as the little train puffs its way ovr the 6 miles of track for the last time, stopping for a farewell peep at Southfleet (alight for Springhead), Longfield and Fawkham stations, it is likely that there will be a few passengers.

But if one of them is sentimental, he may, if he listens carefully, hear gusty laughter from the past.  For in its heyday, the line had through trains from London, burst with the merriment and good humour of Cockneys coming down to Rosherville Gardens for the day.  They swarmed out of Rosherville Station, especially built to cater for them, on their way to sample the pleasures at the Baronial Hall, to see Colonel Cody's wonderful Wild West show, or to eat Gravesend shrimps in Tea Pot row.  The closing of the pleasure gardens at the turn of the century was the end of the line as a great carrier of passengers.  Trains from Victoria, however, connected with the Batavier boats to Holland at Gravesend.  That ceased at the beginning of the second world war.  All that remained was the dwindling demand of villagers who wanted to come into Gravesend for shopping.

One man whose railway service has been connected with the line longer than any other is signalman F J Newling, aged 53, of 62 Charles Street, Greenhithe.  In 1924 he went to Southfleet Station.  'In those days,' he told a reporter, 'there were twice as many trains, with people going into the town and farmers sending in their produce.  When you had finished an 8 hour shift there, you felt you needed a rest.'  Mr Newling left Southfleet in 1935 to become signalman at West Street station.  As he finishes his shift early tomorrow Mr Newling will not pull the lever permitting the last train of all to go out of the station.  For him the last will be just after middday.  It will be a sad moment, for Mr Newling recalls many interesting things that have happened there.  The day that Queen Wilhelmina landed, the day the German ambassador and his staff left at the outbreak of the last war....  After tomorrow he will have a new job as signalman at Greenhithe.

West Street station will still be used for goods traffic and passengers for the pleasure boat Royal Daffodil will use the pier.  But the booking office will issue no more tickets.  Paradoxically, however, business has been a little more brisk than usual this week.  The explanation is that a few people are making the trip on the line for old times sake, and that small boys and train lovers want to keep the last of the West Street tickets as souvenirs."

14 Aug 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Fire destroys barley crop

"A fire, believed to have been caused by a spark from a passing train, destroyed 10 acres of ripe barley worth £300 in a field beside the railway line between Fawkham and Meopham Stations on Monday.  It was owned by Mr George Clark, licensee of the Black Lion Inn, Hartley.  Two fire engines from Horton Kirby and Dartford were engaged."

Handbag for tea maker

"Mrs Leigh, who for nearly 20 years has made the tea at Longfield clinic, has been presented with a leather handbag and a bouquet by mothers who attend it...."

[paper of 11/9/1953 reported two further fires in the same field]

21 Aug 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Day by the sea

"As guests of the Walter Wright Trust, 60 old age pensioners from the village went by coach to Ramsgate and spent the day by the sea…..  At a stop for refreshments before reaching Charing, each guest received a gift of 4 shillings......"

04 Sep 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Boundaries Inquiry - Ridley pleads for its name and Fawkham its earthworks

Public enquiry into Dartford RDC parish boundaries.  (1) Ridley - proposal to merge with Ash.  Parishioners asked to be at least a ward of Ash parish.  Chairman of enquiry said the new parish could include Ridley's name.  (2) Fawkham - proposal to transfer part including Hillside cottages to Longfield.  Rector of Fawkham objected, referring to historic earthworks.  (3) Ash - proposal in 1950 to move houses in Ash Road south of Black Lion to Hartley.  Ash will only agree if they get south part of Church Road in return.  Hartley strongly object, saying residents don't want to transfer and they would rather no change than that.  (4) Swanley - new parish proposed to include western part of Farningham.  Farningham PC had run a parish referendum where 79 wanted to be transferred to Swanley and 513 wanted no change.  [appears to be ballot of whole parish].

Here and there in North Kent

"A Hartley farmer who had heard strange harsh bird calls and seen splashes of colour in his fields quite often during the past few weeks, has cleared up the mystery.  As he was preparing to cut a field of ripe wheat he saw some big birds eating corn.  He shot at them with his rifle and killed one.  At least 3 others flew away.  He found he had shot a half grown parrot with a great hooked beak and brilliant feathers.  The only explanation for this, I was told is that a hen parrot escaped from captivity and hatched out a nest of eggs."

08 Sep 1953 Banffshire Journal

King-Edward Native in Kent

"We received a letter last week from a native of the parish of King Edward informing us that he had moved into the house he built for his old age in 1938 only a fortnight ago.  Our correspondent was Major (retd) F S Runcieman, Kinedart, New Barn Hill, Longfield, Kent, who was for the earlier part of his life resident in the King Edward district.  He farmed Auchmill where he was born, until 1920 when he moved to Kent and worked at Brickhouse Farm, Cuxton, which was owned by a former correspondent of the Banffshire Journal, Mr John Edward.  While int he north, Mr Runcieman was mobilised in 1914 with the 51st Division and was OC Turriff Company Territorials then.

When  he went sout to England, he joined the Dartford Division of the Special Constabulary and was later asked by the Superintendent to be supervisor of the Division.  He accepted the post but little was done until 1939 when the war started.  From then on the Division was kept busy as, says Mr Runcieman, 'we got it hot.'  His house was damaged when doodle bugs twice landed nearby and in 1940 a bomb landed in his garden.  After the war he resigned and received a letter from Sir Percy Silitoe, the Division Chiief Constable, known as 'the greatest policeman on earth,' thanking him for his work.  Mr Runcieman wa 73 when he retired, and he is now 81."

10 Sep 1953 Country Life

Longfield Court Auction

(Harrods Estate Agents Auction Advert) Longfield Court…. This historic freehold residence. 3 reception rooms, 7 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.  Outbuildings.  2 excellent cottages.  Beautifully laid out secluded grounds and potentially valuable road frontage of about 1,200 feet, in all approximately 28 acres.  As a whole or 2 lots......" (pictured)

11 Sep 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield's Village Hall - Local People not interested?

In spite of leafleting the entire village, only 6 turned up to AGM which had to be deferred.  "The hall has many assets.  There is a spacious stage and kitchen space with washing and heating facilities."

Hartley Parish Council meeting

"Considerable alarm was expressed by members at the high speed of traffic through the village, especially along the Ash Road and past the junction of St John's Lane and Fairby Lane.  Mr W Ball, presiding, said that many people who travelled to Dartford daily, not only ran the gauntlet of fast traffic along the Longfield Road, but also had to contend with speeding lorries when they returned to the village."  Clerk asked to write to police.  Waste paper basket at Hartley Green overflowing.

18 Sep 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

New Home Guard

18th Battalion (Dartford) has an establishment of 300 but actually only 70 on the strength, mostly from Dartford.  C company area (Hartley, Longfield, Ash) very poorly repesented.

25 Sep 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

LCC wants to build at Hartley and Longfield

"The LCC has its eye on land in the Hartley and Longfield areas of Dartford Rural District, on which to accommodate some of London's overspill population, but the proposal is likely to meet with strenuous opposition from Dartford Rural Council the parish councils concerned and probably from other local authorities in the area who are already finding it difficult to find housing sites for their own people.

At Tuesday's meeting of Gravesend Town Council the Works committee reported upon correspondence with Kent County Council, inviting the council to appoint representatives to attend a meeting, probably in October, to consider and discuss a request by the LCC that accommodation for overspill population from London should be provided in the Hartley-Longfield area..... It is understood that this meeting was to have been held last month, but was postponed.

Details of Part B of the County Plan, which includes Hartley and Longfield, have already been made public.  This plan has now been deposited with the Ministry of Town and Country Planning for approval.  In this plan it is assumed that Hartley and Longfield district will continue to function as a residential community in relation primarily to the Thameside Industries.  At the forthcoming conference representatives of local authorities from North Kent will discuss with the county council how that policy can best be implemented.

In the county plan, Hartley, Longfield and New Barn are scheduled to form a major centre with a total population of 5,000, compared with an estimated population at present of 2,500.  At a meeting of Dartford Rural Council offices in October 1949, at which Mr Maurice Fuller, divisional planning officer, gave an outline of the county plan, particularly as it affects Dartford Rural District, Mr C W Curtis, chairman of Hartley Residents' Association, said people living there did not want development.  Many of them were retired and went to Hartley for peace and quiet.  Mr Fuller explained that there was no intention of making a suburban town out of Hartley.  It was considered that New Barn, Longfield and Hartley were tied settlements which could better function if planned together.  The pleasant rural character of Hartley, he said, would be preserved.

A prominent resident of Hartley told a reporter this week that there had been a suggestion before that the LCC should build at Hartley. 'I am quite sure that any move by the LCC to plant some of its surplus population in the Hartley district will be strongly opposed by local people,' he said, 'Many of us were opposed to the district being scheduled as a major centre, but now this seems to have been agreed upon, we would like to see Hartley become a model village, so that the amenities of the district are not spoiled.  If the LCC is allowed to build here, the district would have a dormitory population because there are not enough industries in the area to absorb large numbers of people an dthey would have to go to work in London.  This of course, would provide transport difficulties and raise many other problems.' "

Home Guard win 'Battle of Fawkham'

"The crack of rifles, the rattle of bren guns and the occasional deeper crash of a grenade disturbed the peaceful valley in which Fawkham valley nestles, during the weekend.  The 'Battle of Fawkham' was on.

Reports had come in that a group of 'enemy troops' had landed by air near the village green, and the men of the 18th/19th Kent Home Guard Battalion were ordered to seek them out and destroy them.  The 'enemy', represented by cadets of the Army Cadet Force, put up a spirited resistance and inflicted 'casualties'.  But in the end, the Home Guard, attacking from four different directions, penetrated their defence and rounded them up.

The Home Guard were mustered at their various company headquarters in Dartford, Stone, Swanley, Hartley, Farningham and Sutton at Hone and the 'attack' was controlled from battalion HQ by lt-col R Field Bibb.  Some particularly good reconaissance work was done by C [Hartley] company, who were later involved in close fighting with the 'enemy'.  A and D company 'attacks' were made with considerable skill, and the remainder coming in did their share.  Officers of the Army Cadet Force were umpires for the exercise.

The lesson learned from it was that, despite their success, the Home Guard needs more volunteers.  In the event of an unexpected war trained men would be invaluable.   Men not concerned with other Services and willing to join should write for details to the adjutant at TA Centre, Horns Cross, Greenhithe, or apply to any company HQ near their homes."`

02 Oct 1953 Dartford Chronicle

Longfield Court for Sale

Advert, sale at Harrod's Knightsbridge Sale Room of Longfield Court "Accommodation is briefly 3 reception rooms, 7 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, outbuildings, 2 excellent cottages, well timbered and secluded gardens in all about 28 acres.

02 Oct 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield Hall fees may be reduced to get more bookings

Current fee 7s 6d for first hour with reductions for longer periods.  Secretary said this was "exhorbitant".  Hall usually booked in evenings but often empty during day and Saturday evenings.  Receipts from bookings last year rose from £88 to £105, and balance in bank is £20

09 Oct 1953 Dartford Chronicle

Ambulance Cadet Division Formed

"An enrolment ceremony for the newly formed cadet division at Ash was held in the village hall on Friday.  The ceremony was conducted by Area Cadet Officer S Nightingale, and 12 boys who recenty passed their first aid examinations received their certificates, bdgss and copies of the St John Code of Chivalry....."

09 Oct 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Best kept gardens

Winners of annual council house garden competition for Longfield area were G V Lynds [1891-1969], 2 Clovelly Villas [42 Fawkham Road], Longfield; aged persons' bungalows - Mrs M Martin, 13 Hoselands View, Hartley.  Coronation displays Longfield area: J W Rich [two people of same name, either 1867-1956 or 1890-1956] and Mr T Miles, 2 Wright Villas [Fawkham Road], Longfield [prob 1919-1990].

Colourful days recalled - An old cab driver looks back

"In spite of having to drive in such chaotic traffic conditions, the London taxi drivers of today have little to grumble about.  83 years old Mr Albert Green, 1 The Gun Station [Church Road], Hartley, who drove horse drawn cabs and taxi cabs in London for nearly 50 years.  'When I started driving a hansom cab my only protection from the weather was a waterproof cape - there were no cosy little glass cabins for us in those days,' said Mr Green.  Among the famous personalities he remembers driving are Sir Winston Churchill, Marie Lloyd and George Robey.

Although he envies the modern driver his comfortable vehicle, Mr Green thinks that the cab drivers of the pre-1914 era had a much more interesting life.  'They were such colourful days,' he said. 'The gentlemen used to look so nice in their long evening capes and top hats,' added old Mrs Green, who is 85.

The couple came to live in Hartley soon after Mr Green retired 13 years ago.  Last month they celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. They have 5 sons and a daughter, but they have lost count of the number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren!

He's found a 'perfect' way for a man to relax

"Mr William Simmons [pictured 1904-prob 1991], of Hillside, Billet Hill, Ash, near Gravesend, thinks he has found the perfect way for a man to relax after a busy day - working at tapestry.  'Although it is such intricate embroidery, I don't find it at all trying,' he told a reporter.

Mr Simmons is a busy man.  He is chairman of the Ryburndale Paper Mills and takes a keen interest in village affairs at Ash, where he belongs to the Parish Council, and is a warden at the parish church.  He is also a director of Hartley Country Club.

He agrees that his hobby is an unusual one for a man, but believes many other men would enjoy it if only they could be persuaded to take it up.  Mr Simmons had to go through the teething stage of learning how to embroider without help from his wife.  Mrs Simmons introduced her husband to tapestry work in the Autumn of 1952, but she does not do it herself.  Mr Simmons has gone a long way with his hobby since last year.  At Ash flower show a fortnight ago, his entry of a tapestry stool seat was highly commended.  'I used to work in tent stitch,' said Mr Simmons, 'but I am now trying my hand at petit-point, a much finer stitch.'  He is using this intricate needling in an embroidered picture of a Dutch courtyard scene which will measure 20 inches by 18 when finished.  'I am quite sure that men have just as much patience for this kind of work as women,' he said.  'In the evenings while the rest of the family are glued to the TV set, I often get to work on my tapestry frame.  I find it very refreshing.  One day I hope to make a large wall tapestry, but I shall have to work up to this gradually.'  For his outdoor recreation, Mr Simmons loves gardening."

Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) Complaints of litter led PC to request litter bins.  (2) Boundary review.  "Ancient earthworks" to be retained in Fawkham but other changes to go ahead.  (3) PC request footpath outside 1 Valley Villas [207 Main Road] to be resurfaced.

16 Oct 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Of Age

(Longfield) "The Women's Hour meeting has just celebrated 21 years under the leadership of Miss M Capper.  The meetings have taken place in various places, starting with [the] Bethel, then to the Village Hall.  When the latter was used for a school during hte war, the meetings were held at Miss Capper's house [The Pales, Quaker's Close].  After the war they were held at Mrs Smith's, Station Road, and are now back again at the Bethel."

30 Oct 1953 Dartford Chronicle

Their first meeting

Inaugural meeting of Longfield Conservative Association, Chairman Arthur Farries [1901-1965], Vice-chairman Norman T Goff [prob 1906-1975].

30 Oct 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Buffaloes Dine

Dinner of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes Pride of Kent Lodge at the Railway Tavern, 30 attend.

06 Nov 1953 Dartford Chronicle

Scheme for a Crematorium

"Delayed by the war and government economy measures afterwards, a scheme for a joint crematorium at Eltham Cemetery, first proposed by Woolwich Council in 1936, has had thego-ahead signal for the Ministry of Housing and Local Government..... A crematorium at Eltham will be of great assistance to people in North-West Kent.  At present Honor Oak Crematorium is the most widely used."

06 Nov 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Parishioners Dine

Picture of first Hartley All Saints' Parish Supper at the Country Club.  About 70 attend

13 Nov 1953 Dartford Chronicle

Orpington still holds lead in house building

Statistics on house building since 1.4.1945.  Dartford rural - Pop 38,300.  Completions 1,539.  Under Construction 333.  Licensed or tenders approved 1,937.  Further Sites Available 380.  Temporary Houses Completed 150.  War damaged houses rebuilt 25.

Injured in Crash

Brian Melville Rogers [1933-2012] of Attwood Place, Ash fined £2 and £7 costs for driving motorbike without due care and attention at Ash Road.  "It was stated that Rogers on a motocycles, was overtaking a car in the face of an oncoming lorry.  He tried to drive between the two and collided with that car.  He received a fractured collar bone and fractured arm."

13 Nov 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield Parish Council

Dartford RDC want highways delegated back to them from the county council.  PC think things have got worse since county took over in 1947 citing Main Road between the School and Mile End Green and Fawkham Road from Bramblewood to Whitehill Crossroads.

Hartley Parish Council

(1) Hoselands Hill.  Dr M Lawrence wrote of danger to pedestrians in dark and called for streetlighting there.  PC didn't think that would help but asked for pavement on field side of road.  Meeting also heard of flooding on bend below Wellfield.  (2) War Memorial.  Posts set in concrete and chains removed.  PC think it is looking best it had for years.

Hartley Players Haul for Shore

Picture of their 50th production at Country Club.  They are also due to perform the play before staff and patients at West Hill Hospital, Dartford.

Horse Manure required

"3 tons approx - Baxter, Sacristy Cafe, Church Road, Hartley, Longfield" [An early reference to the Sacristy Cafe]

20 Nov 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Players reach high standard in their 50th production

Review.   "Hartley Players [pictured] have every reason to be jubilant over the success of their 50th production 'Haul for the Shore'.  While this particular play received applause on its own merits, I feel sure that some of the warmth of it was intended as a tribute to the Players's efforts in brightening the winter evenings of the village since 1926.  'Haul for the Shore' is a light comedy of the type which Hartley, judging from the previous 49 play given by the Players, seems to enjoy most...... It is a year or two since I last saw Hartley Players, and I was agreeably surprised at the tremendous improvement in standards...."

Longfield Youth Fellowship

Newly formed club.

Longfield Court for Sale

After being in the possession of the Hickmott family for over 60 years, Longfield Court is to be sold.  Parts of this picturesque building date back to a monastery mentioned in the Domesday Book.  With its garden adjoining the churchyard, Longfield Court is mainly built of the same hewn flint as the parish church.  Giant oak beams still span the ceilings and some of the 7 bedrooms, and 5 excellent Norman arches form part of the entrance hall.  Most of the windows are cut through the original walls, which are nearly 5 feet thick.

For generations, after the monks left, the building was used as Longfield Rectory.  Rectors ceased living there in the middle of the 19th century.  In the corner of the grounds - 30 to 40 acres - is a small cottage which at one time was the village dame school.

Three members of the Hickmott family now live at teh court - Mr S H Hickmott, Miss D F Hickmott and Miss E Hickmott.  In former years they took an active part in church activities.  Their father, Mr J J Hickmott, who died in 1923, was a churchwarden for a long period."

Northfle+E3161et is to have new police station

Draft compulsory purchase order for the land in Colyer Road E3178before the Minister now.   The plan is for it to be a sub-division HQ covering Northfleet, Swanscombe, Greenhithe, Southfleet, Longfield, Hartley, Ash, Fawkham and Meopham.

04 Dec 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Their dream bungalow is now complete - Couple who built it themselves in wood at Hartley

[sequel to article of 16/6/50]  "A few years ago Mr Arthur Harpum, who for 20 years has had a newsagent's and confectioner's business at Waterdales, Northfleet,wen out for a country walk with his wife.  As they sat on a bank looking across to the woods at Hartley, Mr Harpum suddenly said to his wife: 'How woudl you like to have a bungalow over there?'  She was enamoured of the idea.

Now the bungalow they have built almost entirely themselves is ready for occupation and on Sunady a coming of age party will be given there for their youngest daughter, xx Joyce xx who is 21 tomorrow.

The building of the bungalow, which has been named Wayside, is a story of grit, hard work and a determination to overcome all difficulties.  The work started 7 years ago when Mr Harpum, who is 62, bought a plot of woodland in Gorsewood Road, Hartley.  It took them 11 months to remove 500 roots of trees.  They did this work almost unaided at weekends, and in whatever time they could spare from their business.  They could not get a licence for building at that time, but there was plenty of preparatory work to do.  Having cleared the land, they dug a deep hole for a cellar which was to run under the bungalow and dug a drainage pit 18 feet deep.  'We worked like navvies, with picks and shovels,' said Mrs Harpum, 'but we were spurred on by the dream of our bungalow, which we had always wanted.'

Mr Bob Ives [1883-1954], who has a bungalow close to Wayside, drew up the plans for the Harpum's bungalow, and also told them how many bricks and other materials they would need.  'We owe a great deal to Mr Ives,' said Mrs Harpum, 'He has been a good friend and a great encouragement to us.'

Until last July, when they got their building licence, they could only carry out work to the amount of £100 a year.  It was about 4 years ago when they started work on the bungalow.  The first brick was laid by their grandson xx John xx, son of xx Mr and Mrs Harpum xx, 88 Lynton Road South, Gravesend.  He was 3 at the time.  The Harpums have laid about 30,000 bricks between them. 'I am quite an expert bricklayer now,' laughed Mrs Harpum.  'It's quite easy when you get the knack.'  They employed an electrician to instal the electric fitting and a plasterer to do the walls but did everything else themselves.  Mr Ives and Mr Harpum carried out the plumbing.

'When my husband first suggested we should build the bungalow ourselves at our time of life, I thought it would be impossible,' said Mrs Harpum, 'but it came easier than I imagined.  We are very proud of our new home.'

Now the bungalow is complete and the woodwork glistens with new paint.  It comprises a spacious lounge, 3 bedrooms, a kitchen 12ft by 12ft, bathroom and a cellar.  A garage is attached.  Mr and Mrs Harpum hope to settl in next spring. In the meantime they are going to have the half acre of land surrounding the building ploughed up and levelled, so that it will be ready for planting.  And then they will be able to enjoy themselves to the full, for they both love gardening."

Hartley Church Hall

"One of the few parishes in the district without a church hall is Hartley.  At the moment a room at the Rectory [1 St John's Lane] is used three times a week for meetings, and when a larger event is organised one of the other halls in the village has to be employed.  But there is no place like your own and Hartley parishioners are planning their own Church Centre.  Since the Rector (the Rev J W Henderson) was inducted 9 years ago, over £1,000 of church funds have been earmarked for the project and a plan for a building in the Rectory grounds was this week before members of Dartford RDC for its approval.  'We have not yet made up our minds whether we will proceed yet,' the Rector tells me.  'It is likely to cost us something like £3,000 and I would like to see us with a little more money in hand before we start.' "

11 Dec 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) New councillor Rev Sutton asked why Longfield has no name signs.  Was told 2 years ago they decided against on cost grounds, but will look at it again when the boundary changes take place.  (2) Copper beech tree to be planted on Longfield Hill green to commemorate the Coronation.

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Hoselands Hill.  PC say path on east side would be advantageous given dangerous road [previous meeting suggested they wanted a path on the other side], and KCC still haven't dealt with flooding problem on bend which PC says is down to the camber of the road.  (2) Village Sign.  Water has got in causing a bulge at the bottom.   PC looking for a perspex cover.

18 Dec 1953 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Christmas Music

Hartley Social Centre concert in a full WI Hall, featured 25 members of Hartley Singers and Girls' Friendly Society, with Frank Tate as compere.