1957 News - Hartley-Kent: Covering Hartley, Longfield & District

04 Jan 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Hartley Resident's Complaint

"Dear Editor, I should like to call public attention to what is happening in this cul-de-sac off Ash Road, Hartley.  Houses are being built and in order to get as many as possible in the area, beautiful trees (copper beech, lime, walnut, pine and fir) as well as evergreen shrubs, are being bulldozed out of the ground.

The Council for the Preservation of Rural England is constantly appealing to the public to respect the beauty of the countryside, and yet the powers that be have apparently given planning permission for this desecration to take place.

My wife and I came here 12 months ago, hoping to spend our few remaining years in rural seclusion and privacy.  Alas for our dream!

At present density of building, it will not be many years before Hartley enjoys the dubious title of the most thickly populated area in Kent.  As an example of the squeeze, one plot being marked out has a frontage to Ash Road of only 10 feet.

L A Hill, Kaye Cottage, Old Downs, Hartley, Dartford."

[Kaye Cottage is no 18 Old Downs, and is the one older house, being built about 1937.  The house in Ash Road referred to is Drymen House, which has a narrow entrance but widens out.]

Property for Sale

McConnells of Dartford "Hartley (Gorsewood Road) - 80ft frontage in favoured residential area.  Price £900 freehold, or would sell in single plots."

Coney estate agents of Hartley Bottom has for sale "Smallholding, Hartley.  Bungalow 2 bedrooms, 2 reception, kitchen, bath, 7¼ acres; main water, electricity.  Good outbuildings.  Freehold £3,000"

05 Jan 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Burial Ground - loan from Public Works Loan Board complete.  (2) Railways - council complains of late arrival of 5.42 ex Holborn Viaduct train at Longfield, meaning people miss the bus.  BR blames weather conditions.  (3) Buses - two buses leave Hartley Court about 8am in term time but the larger one is removed in the holidays, on day after Christmas this was too small, 3 were left at Hartley Court and no-one else could be picked up.  (4) Roads - Dartford RDC asked for road name sign at Church Road junction and keep left sign at Stocks Hill.  Secretary of Old Downs House says the Old Downs Road is causing confusion for visitors and delivery people.  At request of Dartford RDC to name road of Gorse Way, council choose Briars Way.

Christmas Tree at Hoselands View

Again this year, by the kindness and generosity of Mr W J Everard CBE, a huge Christmas tree was placed on the green verge at Hoselands View.  When illuminated it added greatly to the festive appearance of the village.  Residents have also reason to be thankful to Mr Everard for the spring, summer and autumn array of flowers which adorn the roadside outside his house."

Christmas at All Saints

Christmas Services at All Saints all well attended.  Church had miniature Nativity Scene of Stable and Crib.  Gifts received for mothers and babies under the Tree.  Miss Chisholm took Youth Club parties carol singing around the village raising £4 for NCH.

11 Jan 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Big Gathering at Hartley WI Evening Meeting

"Hartley Women's Institute's decision to hold evening meetings after meeting in the afternoon for 36 years, looks like being a popular move.  The January meeting was attended by nearly 60 members and potential members.  Another new departure was that the meeting was made an open one and a number of husbands and friends were present."  

Erratic Street Lighting - Longfield Complaint

Longfield Parish Council meeting.  (1) "Mr W Atkins complained that the lamps went on and off at irregular intervals and some of them had not been on for several days."  Council to write to SEEBOARD.  (2) Rector said poor response to Hungarian appeal was down to small typewritten notices.  (3) "The council is to hold a site meeting in Hartley Road to survey the streetlighting between the railway bridge and Main Road.  Members think there should be better lighting now that the new bungalows are occupied."

Brownies Now

(Hartley) "The recently formed Girl Guide company is flourishing so well that Mrs Hewett is to open a branch of Brownies.  The first meeting will be held in the Congregational Hall on Monday."

18 Jan 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Poultry for Sale

"Now booking.  Rhode Island Red and Light Sussex pullets.  Feb-May delivery - Hart, Laurels Poultry Farm, Manor Lane, Hartley, Dartford."

Hartley Naturalist Club

30 attend annual party.

Sirens to be tested today week

Air raid sirens will be sounded for test purposes in the Dartford Rural area on Friday week, January 25th.  A steady note similar to the wartime 'Raiders passed' signal will be sounded for 60 seconds at Wilmington at 9.30am, at Swanley 10am, at Eynsford 11.30am [sic, probably 10.30am is meant], at West Kingsdown 11am and at Hartley 11.30am.  This is part of a series of tests being made throughout the county to assess the audibility of sirens recently installed or overhauled."

18 Jan 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Four Years of Progress - Longfield firm looks to the future

" 'It is only by hard work and enterprise that a one-man workship has grown to a company employing 17 people within the space of 4 years,' said Mr W H Peggs, sheet metal foreman at the Cornford Engineering Works Ltd, Station Road, Longfield, at the firm's 4th annual dinnerand party at the Central Avenue Hotel, Gravesend on Friday.  Mr Peggs, who was proposing the Firm, said in these days of little creidt and tough competition from larger firms, the small companies had a hard fight to expand and develop.  'It is the friendly atmosphere existing between the firm's customers and the employees for which Mr Brian Cornford, founder of our firm, has been responsible, that has made progress so easy,' said Mr Peggs.  Mr Brian Cornford, managing director, who responded said he was proud of his hard working staff who had contributed so much to the success of the firm.  'I have high hopes for the future,' he stated, 'I hope in a few years that we shall be able to move into larger works which will give us the scope to take on bigger contracts.'  Mr A W Gurr, works manager and a director, sho proposed the Staff, said the secret of the firm's success was the friendship existing between the staff and their employers.  'Knowing your boss as Brian and not Mr Cornford, makde it far easier to sort out your little problems,' said Mr Gurr.  In reply, Mr H Bushnell said he had worked for many firms, but never before had he seen peopel work so hard under such happy conditions.  Mrs Audrey Cornford, wife of Mr Brian Cornford, welcomed the guests in a charming little speech, and responses came from Mr T S Taylor, the firm's accountant, and Mr S F Cornford, father of Mr Brian Cornford, who acted as toastmaster.  After dinner there was dancing."

19 Jan 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Ash WI

Bus service cuts force change of time for Ash WI meetings

23 Jan 1957 Evening News

Twin Guard

Picture of 8 year old [NAME] of Church Road, Hartley with 2 Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs.   "Twins, the Rhodesian Ridgebacks, who belong to [NAME] neighbour, Miss Ida Bellerby, willl hav etheir first taste of the show ring at Crufts next month."

26 Jan 1957 Sunderland Echo

BOAC Stewardesses

Picture of the stewardesses for the new route from Heathrow to Johannesbourg feature [NAME] of Hartley

04 Jan 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Resident's Complaint

"Dear Editor, I should like to call public attention to what is happening in this cul-de-sac off Ash Road, Hartley.  Houses are being built and in order to get as many as possible in the area, beautiful trees (copper beech, lime, walnut, pine and fir), as well as evergreen shrubs, are being bulldozed out of the ground.

The Council for the Preservation of Rural England is constantly appealing to public to respect hte beauty of the countryside, and yet the powers that be have appently given planning permission for this desecration to take place.

My wife and I came here 12 months ago, hoping to spend our few remaining years in rural seclusion and privacy.  Alas for our dream!  At the present density of building, it will not be many years before Hartley enjoys the dubious title of the most thickly populated area in Kent.  As an example of the squeeze, one plot being marked out has a frontage to Ash Road of only 10 feet.  L A Hill, Kaye Cottage, Old Downs, Hartley, Dartford" [prob Sidney A Hill ?1888-1967]

[The house in Ash Road referred to is Drymen House]

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Buses.  In term time there are 2 buses from Hartley Court at about 8am, but in the holidays the larger one is cancelled.  On Boxing Day, the bus was full at the start and had to leave 3 behind and couldn't pick anyone up until Longfield Station.  (2) "In view of so many new people coming to the district it was agreed to ask the County council for a road name sign for Church Road." (3) Old Downs Home has written to say the name of the road Old Downs is causing confusion in postal deliveries.  (4) PC suggest Briars Way for the new road off Gorse Way.  (5) Mr Everard thanked for the Hoselands Green Christmas Tree.  Paper also adds that "Residents of Hartley have also reason to be thankful to Mr Everard for the spring, summer and autumn array of flowers which adorn the roadside outside his house.  These displays are much appreciated."

11 Jan 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Brownies Now

"The recently formed Girl Guides Company is flourishing so well that Mrs Hewett is to open a branch of Brownies.  The first meeting will be held in the Congregational Hall on Monday."

Change proves popular

"Hartley Women's Institute's decision to hold evening meetings after meeting in the afternoon for 36 years, looks like being a popular move.  The January meeting was attended by nearly 60 members and potential members.  Another new departure was that the meeting was made an open one and a number of husbands and friends were present......."

Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) Complaints of erratic streetlighting, "the lamps went on and off at irregular intervals and some of them had not been on for several days."  PC to write to SEEBOARD.  Council also to look at lighting in Hartley Road, they think better lighting is needed now the bungalows are occupied. (2) Hungarian Refugee fund had been disappointing, put down to small typewritten notices and fact people might have donated to Dartford RDC directly.

18 Jan 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Gift to Mission

"[NAME] hon treasurer of Longfield PCC has given 10 new pews to the Longfield Hill Mission Room and has also made and presented a wooden cross to be fixed to the exterior of the building."

25 Jan 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

House for Sale

"Longfield - attractive detached freehold bungalow, Cooper built 1956, 2 minutes Fawkham Station…. 2 bedrooms, spacious hall, L shaped lounge, dining room, kitchen, ½ tiled bathroom, garden, garage space.  Rateable value £32.  £2,600.  Apply Lynan Hartley Road, Longfield.

01 Feb 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Hartley Bowlers will soon have new six rink green

"The bowls section of Hartley Country Club held a dinner and dance in the club hall on Saturday.  Over 100 members and friends attended.  The president, Mr William Simmons, spoke of the good spirit of the section and said members looked forward to the completion of a new 6 rink green.  The club had moderate success in the past year but everyone had a good time.  Mr Simmons said it was a wse decision to form a ladies' section which was flourishing.  The president paid warm tributes to the secretary,[NAME], the treasurer, Mr H Stay, Mr D E Sizer [1905-1981], captain and [NAME] for all their work during the season.  He also thanked the greenkeeper, [NAME], for yeoman service in a season which was not too easy......"

02 Feb 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Country Club Bowls

Picture feature on the 109 members of Hartley Country Club Bowls section.

02 Feb 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Rate to be 2d in the £, 1d general rate and 1d for burial ground.  (2) Roads - KCC to be asked to turf off banks on Hoselands Hill, concerns about safety of school children if school coach slipped on ice.

08 Feb 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Motorcyclist Hurt

"[NAME], 52 Symons Avenue, Chatham was taken to Gravesend and North Kent Hospital slightly injured on Saturday, after his motorcycle was in collision with a car at the Milton Road and Ordnance Road junction, Gravesend.  The car was driven by Mr Arthur Witt, Tree Tops, Hartley."

09 Feb 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Petrol Rationing

Rationing said to have helped buses to run on time.

15 Feb 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Crufts Winner

"Mr W A Ewbank [William Allen Ewbank 1889-1968], of Ash near Ridley, pictured with one of his young Lakeland Terrier puppies, Mr Ewbank won a championship at Cruft's Dog Show with one of his many Lakeland Terriers, 'Tindale Tax Inspector' ".

22 Feb 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

…And the Aunts came too!

"The present tenant of Hartley Court, near Gravesend, is a very charming lady from Louisville Kentucky.  [NAME] arrived in this country last October and will be staying for a year.  She will leave Hartley Court at the end of March and spend her second 6 months in Oxford.  I asked [NAME] the reason for her visit to England and she told me that her nephew was awarded a Ford Foundation Grant to study English industries and came here with his wife, 2 boys and 2 aunts.  'I am one of the aunts,' she explained.  [NAME] was most enthusiastic about Hartley Court and about the Kent countryside.  She thought it very similar to Kentucky where they have rolling fields and old stone walls.  Her big regret was that they would be leaving Hartley before the blossom was at its most beautiful.  You must come down from Oxford to see it, [NAME].  I promise you it will be well worth a visit!"  Elsewhere in the paper there is a report of [NAME] talk to All Saints' Mothers' Union, where she tells them that in America they have tea, coffee and cookies after services in the church parlour.

Plan to Establish a well-balanced Kent

Map at County Hall shows the shape of things to come.

"If you are worried about the new bypass running right through your back garden, a holiday camp being established next door, or a poster hoarding going up over the road, then the place to visit is the County Hall, Maidstone.

The County Planning Department have devised a relief map which is on show in the lobby.  It gives full and up to date details of the County Council's development plans for Kent.  Only this week officials were working on the map to include the latest information, so that when county councillors meet next week they will be able to see the latest plans for their town.

Pride of place and biggest flags on the map go to three towns which are described as urban areas large enough to support normal urban facilities, and occupationally well balanced.  The residents of the Maidstone area, of Tunbridge Wells and Southborough, and of Sevenoaks can pride themselves on being the three districts which the council does not propose radically to alter.  Maidstone and its surrounding area (including Snodland and West Malling) will increase in population from 87,000 to 117,000.

But the majority of towns - including Folkestone, Dover, Deal, the Thanet and Medway Towns, Whitstable and Herne Bay, Sittingbourne and Tonbridge, are listed as not being 'quite up to scratch.'  The map hints darkly tha they 'require additional industries.' Queenborough and Sheerness (where the estimated increase in population is from 23,000 to 41,000) is described as an area occupationally well balanced, but not large enough to support facilities such as secondary schools.

And three areas, Ashford, Hartley and Longfield, and Aylesham, are scheduled for substantial extension.

Interesting to lovers of the countryside is the proposed maintenance of windmills, for which the county council will give some financial help - at Herne, Chillenden, Barham, Willesborough, Wittersham, Cranbrook and Keston.  A large number of tree preservation areas are shown.

And an ominous dark green patch spreading across the North Downs, and the proposed Green Belt, shows the areas of great landscape value where strict rgulations are to be applied to any form of outdoor advertising.  Proposed sites of those holiday camps appear at intervals of a few miles around the coast.

And finally, optimistically and brightly, the map shows the possible routes of bypasses which someone, in some future generation, may construct."

22 Feb 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

'Longfield may soon be a treeless village'

Longfield Parish Council Meeting.  (1) Rev C H Sutton raised concerns about plans to cut down 6 fir trees in Hartley Road to make a footpath.  Worried village is becoming 'suburban'.  (2) Kent Road.  Suggestion to Dartford RDC that a car park be built there for station and village hall.  (3) St Mary's Way.  Dr Read said cesspools were too big for houses. Another councillor said they would be on mains drainage soon anyway.

Two founder members

Picture of 70 years old Mrs D E Webb and 85 years old Mrs L Meddick cutting cake at Hartley WI's 36th birthday party.

01 Mar 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Inquiry into Hartley Path

"A matter of dispute for years - A footpath which runs from St John's Lane to Stocks Farm, Hartley, will be the subject of an inquiry on Monday.  This was announced by Mr L U Judge, clerk to Hartley Parish Council, at the monthly meeting.  The path runs along the boundaries of several properties until it reaches that of Mr E J T Hitchin, Witzies, Church Road.  Then it goes through his and his neighbour's property.  Mr Hitchin claims that this part of the path is an unofficial diversion, and that the original footpath took a sharp left turn when it reached his property and skirting his ground crossed Church Road to connect with a path to Manor Drive.  Mr Hitchin has been contesting this path for some years now.  The council will be represented at the hearing by Mr James Grieve [1882-1968].

A letter from the county estates officer stated that the turfing of the bank on Hoselands Hill was in progress and would seeon be completed.  The chairman, Mr W Ball, remarked on the great improvement this had made to the appearence of the hill.  No further information was available about the school buses collecting school children on Hoselands Hill.  It was, however reported that buses usually stopped now near the war memorial.

Male or Femaie?

Picture of the teams who took part in quiz at Longfield Village Hall: (1) Hartley Parish Church ([NAME]) (2) Longfield Parish Church ([NAME]) (3) Quizmaster Mr D R Jennings of Longfield School.

Poultry For Sale

"Rhode Island Red and Light Sussex Pullets £16 10s; cocks £3, month old cokerels 3s 6d each - Hart, Laurels Poultry Farm, Manor Drive, Hartley.  Phone Longfield 2233."

Percy Hewett

Picture of Percy Hewett [of Stack Lane, Hartley], district scout commissioner making presentation at Swanscombe.

Hartley Social Club reports a year of progress

Annual meeting.  Membership 167 up 52 on 1956 (73 joined 21 left).  £89 spent on new furniture and fittings and £200 on repairs and redecorations.  Overall profit £332.  "It was reported that a new tea and coffee bar had been installed in the dance hall and the walls had been covered with board, making the hall more comfortable for social functions....."  List of committee members.

Brownies

Now 13 members of Hartley's new pack.

02 Mar 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Council hopes this year's annual parish meeting won't have rows of empty chairs.  (2) Hoselands Hill - council pleased with appearance of new turfing, have been told school coach now stops at the War Memorial rather than Hoselands Hill.  (3) Footpath St Johns Lane to Stocks Hill runs through properties of Mr E J T Hitchin and his neighbour "thus involving a great deal of work and expense in maintaining double fences with gates to enclose stock.  Mr Hitchin claims that this part of the path is an unofficial diversion, and that the original footpath took a sharp left turn when it reached his property, and, skirting his ground, crossed Church Road to connect with a path to Manor Drive.  Mr Hitchin has been contesting this parth for some years..."  (4) Burial Ground - wire fence to be put up near pond, tackle and shed to be purchased.

09 Mar 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Rates for 1957-58

Hartley Rates to be 17s 5d in the pound (Dartford RDC up 1s 7d)

15 Mar 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

County Council will replace doomed trees at Longfield

"Longfield Parish council was told at its meeting that the county surveyor had written stating that 9 fir trees in Hartley Road, Longfield, would have to be cut down to make way for a proposed footpath.  An assurance was given, however, that new trees would be planted as the County Council did not wish to detract from the beauty of the village.  At the last meeting the Rector of Longfield, the Rev C H Sutton, who is a member of the council, made a strong protest about the way in which trees in the village were being cutdown.  He said there would soon be none left.

Mr S G Hogg complained that along the whole length of the Main Road from Dartford to Longfield Hill more than a dozen road signs had been badly damaged. In each case the sign had been defaced and the top piece pulled over.  The clerk .. was asked to write to the county council on the matter.  Mr Hogg also drew attention to the dangerous road down into the village from Longfield Hill.  He said it was not properly banked on the bends.  Mr Hogg suggested that warning signs at each end of the bends would reduce the risk of accidents.  A further objection about this section of road came from Mr A E Potter, who said that the hedge at the junction of the New Barn Road with the main road was at present limiting the view around the bend.  'If the hedge was cut, motorists would have a clear view,' he said.  The clerk was instructed to write to the county council."

Dog show winner

Picaroon Ambrose, a Papillon dog owned by Mrs Russell-Roberts of the Old Forge, Ash Road wins best in show at South Eastern Toy Dog show at Vauxhall.

Hodsoll Street Village Hall

"The Hodsoll Street Village Hall Association is working very hard to raise money to build a hall to serve the district.  The fund, I am told, has passed the £600 mark.  A site for it has been presented to the Association.  Hodsoll Street is a rather isolated community and there is a real need for a meeting place.  I hope it will not be long before work on the hall can start."

15 Mar 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley WI adopts displaced Yugoslav Family

Living in a hut in a camp at Hamburg.

County Council will replace doomed trees at Longfield

Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) Hartley Road.  KCC say 9 fir trees have to go for footpath but they will plant new ones.  (2) Maind Road Vandalism.  A dozen road signs on Main Road had been damaged.  Council also to write to KCC about hedge at junction with New Barn Road obscuring vision.

Hartley Youth Club Team

Picture of the 5 members of the Table Tennis team that competed at Maidstone.

Roller Skating Stars

Picture of winners of Newgate Cup at Alexandra Palace includes [NAME] of Longfield, aged 16.

16 Mar 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Bus Services

Following withdrawal of Sunday am buses in petrol shortage, several are to be restored including the 10.57 Ash to Gravesend.

Springcroft Houses

Winnetts - limited number of new builds available in Hartley - 2 bed bungalows with garage, £2,375; 3 bed semis £2,475 to £2,700; 3 bed detached houses with garage £2,495.  [Springcroft]

22 Mar 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Goods for Sale

(Advert) "Frigidaire Lollie Freezer, with large storage space for ice cream.  Frigidaire serviced, in perfect condition £50.  Hampson, Post Office, Longfield 2123

23 Mar 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Conservative Merger

Hartley and Fawkham Mens Conservative Branch votes to merge with the Women's Branch, who are yet to vote on this  [KM Maidstone Telegraph 29/3/57 reported they had also voted in favour. Then paper of 12/4/57 says merger has taken place and a women's section formed.  Dartford agent says CHQ prefer joint branches as it saves duplication of effort]

29 Mar 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Hartley to Consider a Children's Playground

"Following a suggestion at Hartley's annual parish meeting on Friday, the parish council is to consider the provision of a children's playing ground.  Mr W Ball, council chairman, said the suggestion had been made before, but was not wholly acceptable to parishioners, as it was thought there were plenty of open spaces and the cost of a recreation ground was not warranted.  But these open spaces were becoming more and more built upon and there were now more prams with babies to be seen in Hartley than ever before.  These children would need somewhere to play in a few year's time.  An opposing opinion was expressed that many children converging on the roads to go to a playing field would constitute a danger and they would be safer in their own garden.  In his report on the parish council's work, Mr Ball said it had given a good deal of attention to development in the village and also the problem of unadopted roads.  Vehicles could not reach houses in some of these roads in the winter.  Mr Ball pointed out that builders were not forced to make roads of access to houses they erected and purchasers of houses should be aware of thisl  At the parish council meeting it was decided to recommend that the cul de sac off Ash Road be called Old Downs Close.  The turning off Gorse Way will be called Briars Way."

Longfield and Southfleet British Legion

Membership increased in previous year from 138 to 255.  Biggest rise in Kent.  [Paper of 19/4/1957 said the branch nearly closed a few years' previously due to falling numbers]

House for Sale

Modern detached house at Hartley, 3 bedroom, large garden £4,000.

30 Mar 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Road Naming

Hartley PC's name of Briars Way accepted by Dartford RDC.  DRDC want an entirely different name for Old Downs, but PC think residents won't like that.  Old Downs Close suggested.

06 Apr 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Theft of Potatoes at Ash

Leslie George Evans (26) (1930-1980) of Butler's Place, Ash fined £15 for stealing 1 cwt of potatoes from his employer D Hemesley, and for other offences.

Compulsory Purchase at Wellfield

Compulsory Purchase notice by Dartford RDC for the purposes of the Housing Acts 1936-1957, for 8.63 acres of land between Wellfield, Larksfield and Woodland Avenue of unknown owner.

Fairby Grange Opening

(Advert) "Fairby Grange, Ash Road, Hartley.  This beautiful 17th century house will be open from 14th April 1957 as a private eventide and convalescent home.  Particualars available from resident matron, Mrs D Parry SEN, SCM."

12 Apr 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Fawkham Village Hall

"As Mr Billings, of Fawkham Manor, owner of the Village Hall, has offered to supply paint and certain materials for the repair of the Village Hall, and Mr H Bean, Wayside, Fawkham, has offered to initiate a working party for the hall, the parish council has decided to assume for a years from June 1st, the lease of the building without any repair covenant on either side."

Men and Women unite

Hartley and Fawkham Men's and Women's Conservative Branches vote to dissolve themselves and to create new joint association.  Dartford Agent said idea didn't come from them but National party preferred this as it avoided duplication of effort.

Longfield Residents Want to Keep their fir trees

Locals unhappy with KCC's proposals for Hartley Road.  Resident of road Mr P Maice said "he had lived in Longfield for over 20 years and if it was deprived of its trees it would lose its rural character and become suburbanised."  Local Tree Warden, Mr Baker called for a tree preservation order.

Hartley Players

Picture of cast of "Treasure on Pelican".

For Sale

"David Brown (1954) VO Tractor.  Austin 3 way van (1950) for sale.  Willmot, Hartley, Dartford.  Longfield 3236".

Breaks leg in collision

Collision at Main Road between car of [NAME], 38 of Felled Oaks, Fawkham Avenue, New Barn, and motorbike of [NAME], 24 of Harvel.  Mr Hardie taken to West Hill Hospital with broken leg - just 2 weeks after his wedding.

12 Apr 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield Residents want to keep their fir trees

Longfield Parish Council Meeting.  (1) Hartley Road.  Local residents unhappy with KCC's proposals and attended meeting to say so.  Local Tree Warden said it might be possible to get a tree preservation order.  (2) Bus shelter.  PC agree with Hartley PC there should be bus shelter opposite station.

Hartley Players

Picture of cast of "Treasure of Pelican" at Country Club.

13 Apr 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Land for Sale at Fairby

Trustees of Fairby Grange Convalescent Home for Bermondsey give public notice they intend to sell 16 acres of land behind house (4 acres leased for 14 years) for £4,000 unless they receive objection or higher offer.

Conservatives Merge

Mens and Womens Conservative Branches agree to dissolve and reform as one association.  President: W J Everard; Vice President: Miss E Barker, William Ball

16 Apr 1957 Lewisham Borough News

A Widow Admits £87 Arrears

"Widowed [NAME] of Dartmouth Road, Forest Hill was said to owe Herbert George Austin, of Hartley, Kent, £87 rent arrears when he sued her in Lambeth County Court.  Mr Austin told the Registrar that the rent was £7 a month.  At first Mrs Smith did not agree with Mr Austin about the figures, but after the case had been adjouned for a short while she said she did owe £87.  She offered to pay £5 monthly, and an order was made for possession in 28 days if she did not keep to that offer and pay the current rent."

[Mr Austin (1891-1962) lived at Chatenay, Manor Drive]

19 Apr 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Borderline Case

"Summoned at Dartford on Friday for failing to conform to a traffic sign at Bexley, Charles Thomas Scully [1909-1997], Red House, Hartley, who pleaded not guilty was fined £2.  He told the Bench, 'I believe I crossed the lights on yellow.  To have stopped would have left my car obstructing the crossing... I think it was a borderline case.' "

Longfield planning appeal decision

Appeal by T W Crouch of Salts Farm dismissed.  He had wanted to build a house between Salts Farm and Bramblewood.

20 Apr 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Hartley Players

Review and pictures of Hartley Players "Treasure or Pelican"

03 May 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Hartley Parish Council

"4 acres of open space have been scheduled in St John's Lane.  A communication was read from the Fairby Grange Convalescent Home that 3 cottages were up to offer for £660; also a further 16 acres, a portion of which was let off on a 14 years' lease, was up for tender at £4,000.... It was brought to the notice of the council that 2 high stiles on the footpath leading from Fairby Lane to Castle Hill had been wantonly destroyed.  Complaints had been made by residents in Fairby Lane that numbers of young cyclists rode along the lane at speed, to the danger of the public.  The clerk is to notify the police."

Hartley Woman Driver Fined

"Following a crash between a car, driven by a woman teacher and a lorry at Betsham Crossroads, Southfleet, both drivers were summoned for careless driving.  At Dartford on Friday, the woman, Mrs Jessie Eleanor Polley [1899-1992] was convicted and fined £7, while the summons against the lorry driver was dismissed.  They appeared in separate courts.  Mrs Polley told the bench she saw a lorry coming very fast down the middle of the road.  She accelerated across the road.  The lorry struck the rear of her car.  The lorry driver, [NAME], Small Grains, Fawkham, said he saw the car approaching the crossroads at about 5-10mph, but easing up as if to give him the right of way.  the car seemed to accelerate and he braked as hard as he could before the crash."

04 May 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Fairby Grange Cottages for Sale

All three for £660.  16 acres offered at Fairby for £4,000

10 May 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

All Saints' Annual Church Meeting

Rector said attendance was up, especially at great festivals.  Electoral Roll was highest ever at 201.  Sunday School membership was 30 with average attendance of 25.  Guild for Older Children also flourishing.  Mr Fletcher and Mr Solly re-elected as churchwardens.

Stocks Farm Planning Appeal

Appeal by Mr J Neary [prob 1905-1970] against refusal of planning permission for 2 houses on land adjoining Stocks Farm was dismissed.  Minister said it would be undesirable ribbon development, and building on this 240 foot frontage could not be considered as infilling.

General's Passing

"The funeral took place at Fawkham parish church on Tuesday for Maj-Gen Edward Ambrose Woods CB CBE MC RA, who died in a nursing home at Tunbridge Wells on Friday.  Maj-Gen Woods and his wife and daughter lived at Fawkham before the last war.  He was for some years president of the Gravesend branch of the RA Old Comrades' Assocation.  Maj-Gen Woods retired from the army after the war.  He had been ill for a long time.  Cremation was a Charing."

Ash Church Annual Parochial Meeting

North and south aisles have had aluminium roofing added and at the same time repairs to many of the timbers.  Repairs to south face of church tower still needed.   New boiler installed thanks to Sir Maurice Hutton [1904-1970] and silver challice presented by Mr W Simmons.  78 names on electoral roll.  Mr W Simmons elected as Rector's warden. Brig R M Villiers [1905-1973] as People's warden.

Hodsoll Street Hall

After 3rd dance this year fund is now at £700 and building works will commence soon.

Student Nurse is Longfield Fete 'Queen'

Picture of 9 entrants to British Legion Fete Queen and presentation to winner [NAME], 141 Main Road, Longfield.  Contest held at dance at Hartley Country Club.

Hartley Road Footpath Plan 'A waste of public money'

KCC say cutting down of fir trees to make footpath at Hartley Road will go ahead, to be replaced by new trees.  Lack of funds means it will be done in two stages.  Mr W Baker PC chairman said it was a waste of public money.  At Dr Read's suggestion the parish council also called for a footpath at the railway bridge where the lack of one was very dangerous.

10 May 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

West Indian Visitors

"Carnegie, the first West Indian cricket team to visit Longfield Hill were beaten by 76 runs on Saturday…."  Longfield Hill 160-8 dec, Carnegie 84 all out.  [Carnegie CC was formed in the Brixton area, it was a West Indian team because the established teams at the time wouldn't accept black players.  However it is also said that when West Indian teams travelled to Kent or Essex for games, they often got a friendly reception.  See Windrush Cricket Project]

11 May 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Springcroft Advert

Winnetts - Springcroft Estate: 4 new 3 bed bungalows with garages, £2,495 each.  1 x semi 3 bed house with garage and central heating £2,700 (completed)

Went to Antarctic with Scott

Interview and picture of Petty Officer Edward MacKenzie, recently moved to Longfield Hill, member of Scott's last Antarctic expedition.

17 May 1957 Kentish Express

Election Results

Dartford RDC - Longfield: F Sims (Con) 412, W M Baker (Lab) 330 Cons gain, turnout 60% (also gained back Horton Kirby).  Composition of Council: Cons 12 (+2), Lab 7 (-2), Ind 1.

Dartford Borough: Lab 17 (+1), Cons & Ratepayers 7 (-1).  Gravesend Borough: Cons 21 (-4), Lab 10 (+4), Ind 1 (-)

17 May 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

For sale

"Broadwood Grand Piano, walnut, offers.  White, Railway Tavern, Longfield."

24 May 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Fatal Collapse on Holiday Eve

"A few hours before he was due to go on a fortnight's holiday at Worthing with his wife, Dr Charles Montague Lawrence, Somerleyton, Merton Avenue, Hartley, collapsed and died at his home on Saturday.  He was 77.  Dr Lawrence retired after 50 years in the medical profession six years ago and came to live at Hartley.  His widow - he was married twice previously - is a sister of Mrs Percy Bartholemew, wife of the Southfleet racehorse owner.  Although qualified as a doctor, Dr Lawrence served for 3 years throughout the Boer War as a cavalry scout.  In the second world war he was a Home Guard captain, trained a Red Cross unit and served on medical panels in addition to his practice.  He was hon surgeon to St John Ambulance Brigade Divisions at Bedford, Salisbury and Hove, where he was at various times in practice.  He was assistant County Commissioner of Boy Scouts in Bedfordshire.  During his retirement he disovered a talent for oil painting and painted many landscapes.  He was a non-acting member of Hartley Players.  Bereaved are two daughters and a son, [NAME], music master at a grammar school in Chipping Norton, who officiated at the private service at Eltham Crematorium."

Fine Record

"Of the 22 pupils of Hartley Primary School who sat for the 11 plus examination this year, ten were offered grammar school places and one a place at a technical school.  One boy offered a grammar school place has preferred to accept a place at a technical school....."  (List of successful entrants).  Also advert by KCC for cook at Hartley school, catering for approximately 100 diners daily.

Car for Sale

1937 Rover 14, £110, engine rebored, crank grind etc, running well, appearence fair; owner going abroad - 7 Woodlands Avenue, Hartley, Dartford."

Houses for Sale

"Bungalow for sale, £2,850 1 year old, lounge/dining room 24x12, 2 bedrooms, 7 Woodlands Avenue [The Grenadines], Hartley, Dartford.

"Hartley: attractive modern detached house, hall, lounge, dining, ½ tiled kitchen, 3 good bedrooms, ½ tiled bathroom; detached brick garage, very pleasant and well maintained gardens, approximately ½ acre, £3,950.  Further plot of land at rear, £450."

"Hartley - detached family residence standing in its own lovely secluded mature grounds of nearly 2 acres, within easy reach of Fawkham railway station etc, 4 bedrooms, bathroom and separate WC (rubber floors), large lounge, dining room, cloakroom, study, lounge/hall, large kitchen (Rayburn cook and heat stove).  Many extras which include detached bungalow, 2 detached garages, workshop etc, £5,950 freehold.  Champion and Waterman, 15 Lowfield Street, Dartford..."

29 May 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Three Authorities Oppose Hartley Planning Appeal

"When Mrs M Ayres makes an appeal at Dartford next month against a planning decision over land at Castle Hill, Hartley [Oakfield], she will be opposed by 3 authorities.

Dartford RDC who object to the proposed erection of dwelling houses on this particular site.

The Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, whose land commissioner claims that building would be harmful to farm interests; and //  Medway Water Board, who say that the area lies within a gathering ground of the underground water supply from whom water for human consumption is drawn.

Mrs Ayres' appeal is to be hear by an inspector of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Mr A G Shoosmith OBE at the Rural Council Offices, West Hill on October 24th.  The council's objection are on the ground that the site is outside the areas designated for development and that 'piecemeal' development of the type suggested, would prejudice the establishment of a natural green belt round Hartley.  Other land exists which is more suitably located it claims.  The water board alleges that the houses, in the absence of main drainage, would be likely to increase the danger of pollution to the water supply."

31 May 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Hartley Parish Council

Council ask Dartford Rural Council for litter bin outside confectioner's shop on the Parade.  No plans for road widening or pavements in Ash Road according to KCC.  Fencing on burial ground completed and small exchange of land completed to straighten the boundary.  Land earmarked for playing field in St Johns Lane.

Articles for Sale

"5 months old Decca TV, 17in with VHF radio, cost £91 sell £75, perfect condition.  Also 4 piece bedroom suite, dark walnut, Tudor copy, £108, new 3 years ago, perfect £80.  Owner going abroad - 7 Woodlands Avenue, Hartley, Dartford."

Family lived for 8 years in one room

"Life in Poland proves too arduous for Longfield woman.

Because her health has broken down through living over 8 years in one room with her husband and daughter, who will be 12 years old next month, 35 years old Mrs Josephine Umecka, has on medical advice, returned to her parents' home at 229 Main Road, Longfield, near Gravesend.  'I don't know what my plans are for the future', said Mrs Umecka, who is accompanied by her daughter, 'I feel terribly sorry to leave my husband and my many friends in Poland, but the climate never suited me and the conditions under which we had to live have proved too much for me.'

Mrs Umecka is the elder daughter of Mr and Mrs George Andrews and was born in Longfield.  She met her husband, who was a ssergeant wireless operator air gunner in the Polish Air Force in the last war when she was serving as a corporal in the WAAF.  They were married in 1944 and wen to Poland in December 1947.  Since then they have lived in Cracow, the ancient capital of Poland.

Mrs Umecka's husband, Bronislaw, trained in Poland as a dental technician and now teaches in the college where he trained.  'For a year and a half we lived with my husbands's sister,' siad Mrs Umecka, 'We then got a room and have lived there ever since.  We have had our names down for a flat for years, but there is a great amount of overcrowding in Poland, and although building is going on apace, it may be years before we geta a flat of our own.  Our room is dampa nd had no water laid on. We have to use a communal tap andd to to the public baths.'  Mrs Umecka said the Polish authorities were most helpful in arranging for her to come home.  'I have always found the Polish people very kind,' she said, ' and have lots of friends in that country whom I shall miss."

01 Jun 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Country Club Snooker

Picture of Hartley Country Club Snooker winners at Gravesend League

01 Jun 1957 British Medical Journal

House for Sale

Owner going abroad wishes to sell 3/4 bed house in Hartley with 2 acres of ground and 2 garages £5,950 (probably Johns, Johns Close - then Church Road)

07 Jun 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Dartford Rural District Council

Report says composition of council was 11 Conservative 7 Labour 1 Independent.  Council approves Hartley - Longfield Drainage Scheme.

07 Jun 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) Bus shelters.  Council drop request for shelter at Longfield Station as LT said people can wait there, but press ahead with request for shelter at Essex Road stop.  (2) Late Train.  Longfield Hill WI had requested 11.18 Victoria - Longfield train stop at Longfield on Saturday as well as Wednesday.  BR agree for a trial period to see what usage there is.

08 Jun 1957 Gravesend Reporter

30th anniversary

of Congregational Church Sunday School

15 Jun 1957 Gravesend Reporter

AGM of Naturalist Club

Rev Henderson said he had a letter from Mrs J Gates (secretary) in 1944 suggesting such a club be formed.  Mr & Mrs Gates are moving to Sussex.

21 Jun 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Hartley Youth Club

Membership up, and now they have to run a waiting list.  Local resident has offered use of their tennis court 2 evenings a week.

Longfield KH Club

12th anniversary.

22 Jun 1957 Dartford Chronicle

Hartley Country Club CC

Cartoon drawings of all the members and scorer of the Hartley Country Club Cricket Team

28 Jun 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Golden Wedding at Hextable

of Mr and Mrs Walter Simpson.  Mrs [Olive] Simpson was born at Hartley 74 years ago, youngest of a family of 14 [Olive Brookes christened at All Saints 31/12/1882].  Her sister is the late Lady Sarah Elizabeth Stephenson, wife of Sir Albert Stephenson [Newspaper proprietor].  They married at St Pauls, Swanley, he has worked in various local nurseries.

29 Jun 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Woodland Avenue

New houses for sale at Woodland Avenue - 2 bed semi £2,350, 3 bed semi £2,475, 3 bed det £2,750.  Pilley & Talbot, Hartley

05 Jul 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Traffic danger to children at Hartley causes concern

"At Hartley Parish Council meeting, concern was expressed about the danger from traffic to children attending the Convent School in Church Road.  There have been several near accidents.  It was stated that the school signes were not visible and in the narrow, winding lane there was no room for two vehicles travelling in opposite directions to pass if a child was walking along the road.  It was decided to aske for the school signes to be resited and large white 'slow' to be painted on the road at each approach to the school.

It was agreed to call the attention of the Agriculture Committee to the increase of rabbits in the district.  Complaints were received from residents in Woodlands Avenue (unadopted road) that the GPO had excavated the path there to lay telephone cable and had left it in a much worse state than before.   The clerk was asked to approach the GPO about this matter.

The council is to recommend that the cul de sac off Ash Road be called Old Downs, instead of Old Downs Close, to meet the wishes of residents of the road.  A letter from Mr Hill stated that passengers using the south bound bus stop in Ash Road near the Memorial had caused the bank to become very worn.  The counicl is to try to get a proper alighting platform...."

'Mrs Grove' opens British Legion Fete at Longfield

Picture of Miss Ruth Dunning who plays Mrs Grove in BBC TV serial 'The Grove Family' [said to be Britain's first soap opera] presenting rose bowl to Fete Queen.

05 Jul 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

'Mrs Grove' opens British Legion Fete at Longfield

Picture feature of British Legion Fete at Longfield Rectory Meadow. First fete last year ruined by rain, this year "sun poured downa dnthe great thing was to find some welcome shelter!"  Opened by Ruth Dunning [1909-1983] star of BBC TV's 'The Grove Family'.

Paper of 16/8/57 reports that the winner of the balloon race had their tag returned from Aldeburgh in Suffolk.  Prize for first tag returned had got as far as West Mersea, Colchester.

06 Jul 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Residents of Old Downs attend meeting to object to any change of name of road, even to Old Downs Close.  Council agree to rescind their decision to add "Close".  (2) New Litter bin at The Parade, Ash Road.  (3) Church Road said to be hazardous for children attending RC school, road is too narrow for 2 cars to pass if child walking along road.  Council think speed limit should be 10mph but road doesn't even have 30mph limit.  Council to ask for "Slow" markings in road and school signs to be resited.  (4) Buses - south bound bus stop at War Memorial in Ash Road said to be hazardous, potentially slippery worn away bank, council to speak to new owner.  (5) Council to speak to County Agricultural Executive about increase in rabbits in the district.  (6) Residents of unadopted Woodland Avenue complain of damage made by GPO in laying telephone cables

12 Jul 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

£230 raised at Hartley Church Fete

Report of fete held at Rectory Garden including prize winners.  Article includes 2 pictures of entrants to baby show and their mothers.  Music and loud speaker provided by Hartley and Longfield Scouts.  Displays by Gravesend Sea Cadets and Barbara Fothergill School of Dancing.

New Woolworths for Gravesend

"It was confirmed officially this week that Bryant and Rackstraw's former shop premises on the corner of High Street and King Street will become a new Woolworths store.  The building, the top floor of which was severely damaged by fire last month, will be demolished between September and the end of the year.  Work on building the new store will take about a year." [Paper of 2/8/57 said deal to buy site and adjoining shops worth £150,000 and probably greatest in Gravesend's history.  the Bryant store had been there over 100 years]

Inventor of the Tank

"The death has occurred of Major Walter Gordon Wilson CMG MICE Hon MI Mech E of The Elms, Itchen Abbas, Winchester, who formerly lived at Charton Manor, Farningham.  He was 83....  Major Wilson collaborated with Sir William Tritton in the designing of the original tank.  A tank was sited on a wayside green in Farningham High Street in 1920 as a tribute to Major Wilson.  Following a proposal that the tank should be sold as scrap metal, a lively parish meeting in April 1938 decided by 74 votes to 5 that it should be retained.  But the tank was eventually removed in 1940."  [Peter Goodwin in the Hart, said their family hay business at Ash supplied Major Wilson]

Hartley Road Footpath: Work to Start Soon

"Longfield Parish Council at its monthly meeting, received a letter from the county surveyor that work on the new footpath on the east side of Hartley Road, Longfield would start soon.  The council and residents in the road have objected to the construction of this footpath as it will mean felling a number of trees.

The county surveyor also stated that the parish council's suggestion that a subway be built under the railway bridge halfway up Hartley Road was too costly to consider at present, but would be considered in the future as part of the development plan for the area.  Mr A E Potter, vice chairman said it was never suggested a subway was wanted: 'At the site meeting we had with representatives of the county council 2 months ago, one of them said that as there was little room to construct a path under the bridge, the county council would probably have to build a subway.  The subway suggestion never came from the council.'  The clerk... is to write to the county council on these lines.

In reply to the council's request for a bus shelter at the junction of Station Road and Essex Road, the Transport Commission replied that the high working costs of the bus services would not allow shelters to be built at present.  Mr W M Baker, chairman, suggested the matter be left over for the time being."

Houses for Sale at Springcroft

"Hartley: compact detached houses with garage £2,495.  Four only remaining.  One semi-detached £2,300, room for garage.  Road charges included.  Charming rural surroundings.  Apply R E Jury & Co, Suffolk Road, Gravesend...."

12 Jul 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Road Footpath

Longfield Parish Council Meeting.  (1) Hartley Road.  East side footpath works to begin.  KCC say idea to build subway under railway bridge too expensive as there wasn't enough space for a path.  (3) Bus shelter at Essex Road rejected by LT.

Longfield County Youth Club

Kent Education Committee advertise for P/T leader, three evenings a week.  £1 5s per evening.  

13 Jul 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Hartley Parish Church Fete and Produce Show

£230 raised for Church Funds plus proceeds of Whist Drive to be held in WI Hall.  Picture of display by Barbara Fothergill School of Dancing.  200 entries for photo competition but produce entries down due to dry weather.  .  Was meant to be opened by Alf Edwards, BBC TV Artist but he could not attend.

Obituary of Frederick Charles Townley

Aged 79.  Born Clitheroe, lived in Hartley for 27 years, retired advertising specialist.

19 Jul 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Rural Electricity Breakdown

About 800 consumers in the North Kent Countryside were without electricity for periods varying between 2 and 4 hours on the evening of Thursday last week through the failure of an insulator on an overhead line at West Kingsdown.  Ash, Fawkham, West Kingsdown and part of Hartley were affected."

Properties for Sale

"Hartley: Post war detached bungalow, completed 1954, situated in picturesque wooded surroundings and within reasonable access of local shops, buses and trains.  Central heating throughout, 2 double bedrooms, ½ tiled bathroom, lounge, ½ tiled kitchen/breakfast room (14ft x 12ft).  Ideal boiler; detached brick garage (20ft x 9ft); large garden.  Price £3,250 freehold.  Additional plot for sale (55ft x 105ft) - Champion and Waterman, 15 Lowfield Street, Dartford...."

"Longfield: superior post war detached bungalow, completed approx 12 months, and within few minutes walk of railway station, buses, and local shops.  2 double bedrooms, ½ tiled bathroom, large lounge with dining recess, kitchen with dual hot water system; garage space.  Good garden.  Price £2,675 freehold.  Champion and Waterman..."

19 Jul 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Flat to let

(Advert) Partly furnished flat, 3 rooms, kitchen and bath, £4 per week.  2 mins station.  Longfield 3159."  [number was then for 26 Hartley Road, Longfield]

20 Jul 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Gresham Avenue - for sale

Winnetts - 2 bungalows under construction in Gresham Avenue, 2 bed £2,750, 3 bed £2,950 (probably Roylands and Ivy Hatch)

21 Jul 1957 Sunday People

They call her a witch

If little Dora Stokes [1896-?1972] could work the black magic they credit her with, she would start off willing her neighbours to have more sense.  For the villagers of Hartley, Kent, have spread rumours that she is a witch and they all shun her.  And that is putting the 61 year old widow out of business.  Mrs Stokes stroked a black cat by her hearth at her home last night and explained: 'For years I supplied the village with flowers and goats' milk and helped out with dress making.  Then the word went round and now nobody comes to see me.'  The widow admitted she could see into the future.  But a witch? 'Definately not,' she said, pointing to her new power assisted bicycle.  'Does that look like a broomstick?'"

26 Jul 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield's Bonny Babies

Picture feature of Longfield Church Fete at the Old Rectory, opened by Honor Wyatt, regular guest on BBC's Women's Hour.  Hidden treasure competition featured china trinket box donated by Duchess of Kent.

Articles for Sale

"HMV 4200A de luxe Radiomobile Car Radio, little used, £20; Pig Hut £16; Hen House, 30 birds £20; Anderson shelters £5 each.  Jeacock, Longfield 2225."  [Pescot House, Main Road]

27 Jul 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Cesspool Dumping

Complaints of dumping of cesspool contents in wood at Ridley

02 Aug 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

She will be missed

"Mrs Brooks, who has been the leader of the Darby and Joan Club since its inauguration, is retiring.  At a meeting at the Old Downs she was presented with a garden chair and an autograph book signed by all the members of the club as a token of the appreciation for the work she had done for the club in the past 6 years.  Mrs Short, who is taking up the position for the time being, was introduced to members.  There was tea and an entertainment given by various members of the club.  Mrs Shambrook gave a monologue....."

First Fete for Hartley Old Folk raised over £80

Organised by matron [NAME], assisted by staff and residents, money to go to amenities for the home.  Opened by former mayor of Gravesend Miss [NAME].  Music provided by Culverstone Silver Band, also display by dance pupils of Lucy Barfield.

More phones for Dartford

"Mr Ernest Maples (Postmaster General) has informed Mr Sydney Irving (Lab Dartford), in a Parliamentary written answer, that 54 of the 482 Dartford Exchange applicants awaiting telephones in January have now been connected.  He has added 'the majority of the remainder should be accommodated laster this year when additional exchange equipments and new cables will be ready for service.'  The start of the Exchange building extension has unfortunately been delayed, but it should be under way by the end of the year.  The whole work, including installation of the equipment for 2,300 more lines, was planned for completion in just over 3 years."

Disagreement over footpaths

Hartley Parish Council and Mr R J Billings, who lives at Fawkham Manor, do not see eye to eye over footpaths from Hartley to Fawkham.   When the council met, the police wrote saying inquiries had been made about damaged stiles on the footpaths from Hartley to Fawkham and cyclists had been cautioned.  The police were advised by Mr Billings that the stiles would not be replaced as they were not official rights of way.  The council did not agree wiht this view, as the footpaths had been used by the public for years and were scheduled on the map.  A letter was read from [NAME], Stocks Mead, Church Road, supporting an appeal by Mr EJT Hitchin [1915-2001] against the decision at a public meeting that no diversion would be admitted to the footpath from Stocks Farm to St John's Lane.  The council does not oppose the appeal.

It was reported that a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture would visit the district regarding the reinfestation of rabbits and subsequent damage to crops......

Mr L U Judge, clerk, reported that a site meeting with the traffic authorities would be arranged to discuss road safety near the RC School in Church Road."

09 Aug 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Popular Dog Show

"The dog show, as usual, was the big feature of Hartley and Fawkham Conservative Association fair in the grounds of Hartley Country Club, on Monday.  Mr Peter Walker, prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Dartford, opened the fair...."  (article includes 2 pictures)

Houses for Sale

"New properties: Arthur Kent & Co, 124/126 Broadway, Bexleyheath 1244/5 are able to offer the following new properties.  Plans and specifications, decorations to choice.  Hartley £2,250 - one pair of semi-detached houses.  Long gardens.  Garage Space.  Truly rural surroundings.  Easy for buses and station.  3 bedrooms, 2 reception, kitchen, boiler. batheroom, good hall.  [Probably these are Pyrmont and Rosendene, Woodland Avenue].  Hartley, £2,025 - detached double fronted bungalow.  Plot approximately 55ft x 210ft.  Good hall, 2 bedrooms, lounge, large kitchen, boiler, bathroom..."

16 Aug 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

He revived the Legion at Longfield

"Sailing shortly for New Zealand with his wife and 9 years old son, Mr William Millward Aldcroft, 34, of [2] Pescot Bungalows, Longfield [pictured 1923-2007], who during 4 years in the village, has left his mark in many ways, including the reforming of the Southfleet and Longfield Hill branch of the British Legion, now one of the largest and most active in the county.

Mr Aldcroft, a farm worker for Messrs J J Barker & Son, the Southfleet farmers, will change from agriculture to livestock when he gets to New Zealand, because he has been given a job on a large sheep farm near Otago on South Island.

When Mr Aldcroft came to Longfield in 1953, he missed the British Legion branch he had belonged to when he was in Cheshire, and made inquiries to find out where the Longfield branch was.  He discovered that there had been a branch once, but it had closed down through lack of support.  As there seemed to be quite a few people interested in Legion work in the village, he organised meetings, and on May 12th 1955 at the Railway Tavern, Longfield, the branch was reformed.  Since that date the branch has nevr looked back. It has organised 2 fetes, and won a cup this year for the largest increase of membership among branches in the south of England.  Much of this has been due to the work of Mr Aldcroft, who has been secretary of the branch.

Born in Manchester, and serving with the Green Howards during the last war, Mr Aldcroft joined the British Legion after the war.  At Longfield Village Hall on Friday, members of the branch gave a farewell party of Mr and Mrs Aldcroft....."

[The family left of SS Captain Cook from Glasgow on 15 October 1957.  They settled at Balclutha near Otago.  Both he and his wife would win the Queen's Service Medal for Community Work.]

Prison for Soldier

"Said to have been born 20 years ago, Peter David Packham RASC [1937-2012, born Ash] stationed at Lufton Camp, Yeovil was gaoled for 6 months at Dartford on Tuesday last week for stealing a pedal cycle belonging to [NAME] of Downs View [11], Ash Road, Hartley.  Det Cons [NAME] (Northfleet) said Packham was seen by the Essex policein possession of the cycle and made a statemetn in which he said he had overstayed his leave.  'I had a row with my girl friend and we have parted,' he said, 'I had a walk round the country, saw the bike and pinched it.'   Day had asked for two other offences to be taken into account."

17 Aug 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Obituary of W J Bye

[William James Bye] of The Firs, Manor Drive, who died at the Southern Hospital 13/8.  He was formerly newsagent at Longfield, retired 1939, founder member (1926) and committee member of Constitutional Club, one of first directors of Country Club (1935) and cricketer for club.  

Piano Exams

Music exam success: G3 piano - [NAME] and [NAME]; G2 piano - Linda Prime; G1 piano - [NAME]; G3 (theory) - [NAME]; G1 (theory) - [NAME], [NAME].

23 Aug 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Hemesley's Advert

"Greengrocers!!  You can obtain regular supplies of all home grown and imported produce, ex-depot or direct delivery from D Hemesley Ltd, Woodlands, Hartley, Nr Dartford.  Tel Longfield 3394/5."

Hodsoll Street en Fete

"A fine afternoon brought many people to the annual fete of the Hodsoll Street and Ridley Village Hall Association in Terry's Field on Saturday......"  Details of competition winners, and picture of flower show winners.

30 Aug 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

A Car in the front room!

"A car which swerved off the road at Sevenoaks early on Sunday demolished the front part of a house, which had to be shored up before the vehicle could be removed.  The accident occurred just after midnight when [NAME] of June Hill, Manor Drive, Hartley near Gravesend, was driving along Crampton's Road, Sevenoaks.  The car crashed into the front room of No 75, demolishing the bay window and finishing up with two-thirds of the car inside the room.  Police decided it would be dangerous to the structure if the car was removed without first shoring up the house and a local builder strutted the front of the building with timber.  No one was injured."

31 Aug 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Hartley Man was in the Pilgrimage Train Crash

"Mr Donald Bishop, aged 26, or Rosaria [now Bergers], Gorsewood Road, Hartley, was one of a party of young British Catholics involved in a train crash in France in the early hours of Wednesday.  They were homeward bound from a pilgrimage in Rome.

Mr Bishop, who arrived home yesterday (Thursday) morning told the Reporter, 'I was awakened  at about 2.10 by a terrific jolt to find the engine and the first 8 carriages had gone off the rails.  I was in the 8th carriage, which was partially derailed.  The first 6 carriages were the worst damaged, and it was remarkable that no-one was seriously injured.  Two girls were detained in hospital in France.  There was absolutely no panic.  We finished our journey in what I can only describe as two [??? too faded].'

A second train, carrying hundreds more British pilgrims, which was fiollowing, was stopped just in time by the guard of the crashed train.  But the pilgrims on this second train had troubles enough.  60 of them were suffering from an epidemic of suspected Asian flu.  Whe the party left on board the Channel steamer 'Maid of Orleans' from Boulogne on Wednesday night, 5 of them went on stretchers.

Mr Bishop, who is a member of the Northfleet section of the Young Christian Worker Movement, was the only local representative at the pilgrimage attended by over 30,000 young people from all over the world.  He saved for 2 years to be able to make the trip.  The highlight of the pilgrimage was a mass congress in the square of St Peter's Rome on Sunday, when the Pope gave his blessing.  It was estimated that something like 300,000 people were packed into the square for the ceremony.  On the previous day Mr Bishop took part in a spectacular torchlight procession in Rome."

06 Sep 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Longfield called a 'dump' at Council meeting

"The village of Longfield was called 'a dump' at Tuesday's meeting of Dartford Rural Council during a debate on a proposal which would result in 55 acres of land on the north side of the main road near the Whitehill crossroads being used for housing development [Part of this land would presumably be the future Northdown Road, although that is only 8½ acres].  The council was asked to agree to the piece of land being included in the Hartley, Longfield and Meopham town maps.  The idea was to substitute it for 'any further ribbon development fronting the main road outside the immediate confines of the centre of the village.'  Mr A E Edward said development there was getting to the position when Longfield would extend along one side of the road as far as New Barn.  'We are simply suggesting that further development could take place in the village centre.'  Mr F T C Sims said Longfield was becoming a 'dump' and Mr G Mellor, agreeing with the him, said the problem of turing it into a decent looking village would have to be tackled.  'But it cannot be done by just adding to it.' he said.  The proposal was attacked by Mr L L Reeves, leader of the minority Labour group, because he said the plan was an 'almost ovrnight change of policy without any justification.  It was a betrayal of the idea of the developmentof Longfield, Hartley, New Barn and parts of Meopham as an area which would retain all the existing characteristics and amenities of a rural district,' he said.  The proposal was referred back to the Town and Country Planning committee for further consideration by 8 votes to 3....."

Council also refused application for rate relief by Hartley Country Club.

Poor fruit crop, but wheat yield satisfactory

"North Kent farmers report that the harvest has been good.  Rain has meant the loss of some whet, but the yield has been very satisfactory and considering the dry spring, barley did well though the crop is below average.  Spring oats suffered somewhat from the drought.  The fruit crop is poorish.  There is generally a shortage of cooking apples with the biggest shortage in Bramleys.  Worcesters are plentiful.  The plum crop is extremely poor.  Potatoes have picked up well and a fair crop is expected.  Root crops are good and winter greens look promising, although somewhat backward.  Although the hay crop was light the quality was good."

10 Sep 1957 Evening News

'As you were' for Villages

"A recommendation that the ancient Kent villages of Hartley, Longfield and Meopham should be opened up for residential development has been rejected by Dartford Rural Council.  Councillor Greves Mellor said the council would be reversing a former decision if the allowed the areas to be built on.  'Three years ago we prevented the London Council Council from coming in and building a new town in this district; now we are being asked to let it out ot private enterprise,' he said."

13 Sep 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Village Library Closes - No demand for it in Fawkham

Because the demand for it had shrunk almost to vanishing point, the branch of the County Library at Fawkham has been closed.  It had been in existence for 27 years.  Mrs Green, Billet Hill, Ash, who started the branch when she lived at Fawkham and had been the librarian ever since, told a reporter: 'We used to have over 100 people come to the library each week, but latterly it was used by only 4 or 5 people.  It is sad to see the library close, there seems little demand for it now.  I blame TV and the fact that so many women in Fawkham now go out to work and have little time for reading.'  The library was stocked with 100 fiction books and 60 non-fiction volumes.  At a meeting of the parish council the closure of the library was regretted. The children's branch of the county library is carried on at the village school."

13 Sep 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Rural Drainage Scheme

Longfield Parish Council Meeting.  (1) Mains Drainage.  PC happy with scheme but wants to know whether Pinden End Farm and Hillside Cottages, Fawkham Road is intended to be excluded.  (2) Local resident wrote to say hedge at Whitehill Crossroads is a traffic hazard.  PC take no action.

Longfield Obituaries

(1) Mrs Annie Mancer, aged 88 of 47 Kent Road, leaves 3 sons and 2 daughters.  (2) Miss Beatrice Eliza May Gander, aged 47, of 6 Mile End Green.  Died at Southern Hospital where she had worked 14 years.  For last 14 months she had worked at the Dartford College of Physical Education.

20 Sep 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

For Displaced Persons

WI Fete for displaced family they sponsor raised £40.  Had to be moved to WI Hall and Congregational Church due to poor weather.

21 Sep 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Did Estates Director have a stroke before car accident? - Inquest Query

Did Company Director Richard Talbot have a stroke shortly before his 32hp car careered down Hoselands Hill?  This possibility was probed by Coroner ....at the Dartford Inquest on Wednesday, when the jury returned a verdict of misadventure on Mr Talbot, who died in West Hill Hospital, 5 days after the accident.  An Estates Director, he was 72 and lived at Gorse Way, Hartley.  Evidence of Identification was given by a son-in-law, Dr James Jenman of Round Street, Cobham.  He said Mr Talbot has suffered from blood pressure which limited his physical activities, but he was mentally quite alert.  His father in law knew his blood pressure was fairly high.  Strokes had occurred in other members of his family.  There was nothing to suggest it was dangerous for him to drive.  Dr Peter Read of The Court, Longfield, told the coroner he was called to a road accident at Hoselands Hill.  He saw Mr Talbot who was injured and unconscious.  he later examined Mr Talbot and found that he had had a left sided stroke.  This may have been due to a clot of blood in the brain or spasm of the vessels, either of which woudl be likely to cause instant unconsciousness.  [NAME] of Dover Road East, Northfleet, a clerk at Ash Road, Hartley, said that she was told Mr Talbot had been outside in his car for some time on September 4th.  He was in the driving seat when she spoke to him and he said he was afraid of hitting some concrete posts, one of which was about 10 inches to the side of his front wheel.  He then started the car and drove off very quickly.  Mrs Winifred Hollister [1922-?2013], of Old Downs, Hartley, told the coroner that she was driving uphill towards Hartley from Longfield when she saw, on her side of the road, a large grey car being driven towards her very fast.  It appeared to be out of control.  "I swerved as much as possible to my right, but before I could get out of the way this car hit me on my near side, tearing off the wing." stated Mrs Hollister.  The other car went on past, she said, and when she got out she saw it stopped right across the road behind hers.  Mr Talbot was lying in the side of the road.  Evidence was given by [NAME], a laundry van driver, of Old Road East, Gravesend, that when he went to Mr Talbot's car the handbrake was on and the gear was in neutral."

21 Sep 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Planning appeal

by Mrs M Ayres [May Ayres of Oakfield, Castle Hill 1915-1984] over land at Castle Hill opposed by Dartford RDC (prejudice future green belt around Hartley), MAFF (loss of agricultural land) and Medway Water Board (potential pollution of water supply as no mains drainage)

22 Sep 1957 Sunday People

Howzat for a story of guts

"A year ago young [NAME] was a boy with a golden future as a cricketer before him.  The 17 year old Gravesend engineering apprentice was booked for a trial with Kent County Cricket Club.  Then came disaster - or what everyone imagined was disaster - [NAME] blew off his left hand.  He went down to the garden shed behind his home in Church Road, Hartley, near Dartford, and started juggling with a home made bomb.  The bomb went off.  Team mates in Hartley Country Club XI said this was the end of [NAME] as a cricketer.  Letters of sympathy poured in.  But the boys of the Hartley XI left one factor out of the reckoning - the lion like guts of [NAME].  From hospitals at Dartford and Roehampton he sent defiantly cheerful messages. 'Thanks for the sympathy boys, but I'll be playing again.'  And this week his cricketing pals are proud and glad to admit their gloomy prophesies were wrong.  For brave [NAME] has battled his way to 350 rund for his club for an average of 14 - not bad, when top class club batsmen usually average about 23!  Add to this his record of 40 wickets and you have an achievement which is miraculous for a lad with [NAME]'s handicap.  How did he do it?  [NAME] will pat his artificial hand with pride and tell you - 'Here's the secret.' For when the doctors got around to fixing that artificial hand, [NAME] told them all about his love of cricket.  Sympathetically they nodded their heads.  And they devised for [NAME] a special clamp which gives a good strong grip to the handle of a cricket bat.  Talk to team mate [NAME] about [NAME] and more facts about the cricketing wizard ermerge.  Says [NAME]: '[NAME] takes catches in deep field like I would pick cherries off a tree.  He's safer than most two-handed men.'  [NAME] is nothing if not independent.  He never bemoans his fate.  And he insists on dressing without any help.  Today he'll be buckling on his pad for the last time this season.  He has a home match against South Beddington.  And he will be playing just as skilfully as he did before that bomb exploded.  Let [NAME] - former skipper of the team have the last word: 'That [NAME] has made a come back at all is astounding.  That he has made it in one season is miraculous.'  Which all goes to show what a lad with guts can do." (Picture)

27 Sep 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Advert for Lucy Barfield's School of Dance

"Learn to Dance before the New Year!  Instruction by Lucy Barfield AISTD.

Ballroom Classes will be held every Tuesday from October 15th.  The under 30s at 7.30pm; over 30s 8.45 till 10pm.  Individual attention assured - Private lessons taken, course of 6 lessons 30 shillings.

Ballet classes for children are now being held every Friday.  5-7 years at 4pm.  8 years and over 4.45 till 5.45pm

All classes are held in the WI Hall, Ash Road, Hartley.

For any enquiries ring Longfield 2273 or write 'Westfield', Church Road, Hartley, Dartford."

Ash Parish Council

Sevenoaks postmaster to look into complaint that some properties in North Ash only get one delivery a day.  County Council has experimented with new boring scheme to dispose of surface water on Billet Hill.

27 Sep 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Fine Record

Presentation to Miss Capper who has taken Women's Hour meetings for 25 years.

£300 needed for organ repairs

Rector of Longfield says although it is still used it is a bad condition with fractured pipes, pedels that need repair and whole instrument needs cleaning.

Mayor's 'family' show helped charties

Event at Milton Barracks featured [NAME] from Pinden at a spinning wheel with hair from her unique French angora rabbits.  She said it takes 3 hours to spin an ounce of wool.

28 Sep 1957 Gravesend Reporter

Obituary of George Bassano

"The funeral of Mr George Bassano of The Croft, Ash Road, Hartley took place on Saturday, a service being held before cremation at Eltham.  Mr Bassano had no connection with Small Owners Ltd, but merely purchased lands from this company in 1913, shortly after he came to reside at Hartley.  It should be stated that he ran his own concert party many years ago, and it was as "Phil Mayford" he appeared with his party.  His sudden death last week came as a shock to his many friends in this district."

04 Oct 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Council told of noise nuisance after dance

"Hartley Parish Council is supporting a complaint by a resident about the alledged nuisance arising from Saturday night dances at Hartley Social Club.  In a letter read at a meeting of the council, the resident complained that the parking faciliities were inadequate and consequently cars and motorcycles were parked in the road and elsewhere to the inconvenience of occupiers of adjoining property.  In addition, when the dances terminated at midnight there was a great deal of noise and disturbance as the dancers dispersed, particularly from motorcycles which raced up and down Ash Road for no apparent reason.  The writer said he had no objection to village dances as such, but these dances attracted people from places outside Hartley, and their standards of behaviour were not good.  He proposed to take legal action to enndeavour to obtain assurances from the appropriate authority that the music and dancing licence granted to the club should be renewed only upon conditions providing for the prevention of nuisance and, if necessary, for police supervision. Mr A E Edward and Mr Grieve supported the complaint, and it was agreed that letters should be sent to the licensing authority and to the police.

Dartford Rural Council asked the council's opinion about a proposal to divert the footpath between St John's Lane and Le Stocks Farm in Church Road.  The council will not oppose the diversion.

In a discussion on the Kent Development Plan and its effect on green belts, Mr Ball said he thought there was a certain flexibility in the areas of green belts.  The main purpose of such belts seemed to be to prevent villages merging into one another.  Mr Edward pointed out that in view of proposed buidling development in North West Kent, it seemed probable that the green belt in this area would disappear altogether.

Referring to a proposed drainage scheme affecting parts of Ash Road and Church Road, as outlined in a letter from the Dartford Rural Council, Mr Edward said that such a scheme was regarded as a matter of urgency in view of hte number of houses recently built in Hartley."

Is your phone call really necessary?

"Many Kent firms this week had printed notices placed by their telephones.  They read 'Is your call really necessary?'  Telephone charges, both for rental and calls, went up on Tuesday.  So did postal rates.

In the Canterbury telephone area, which covers most of Kent, the announcement of the increased charges had already resulted in a number of subscribers asking for their connection to be severed.  The sales manager told a reporter that about one subscriber in 60 had given up the telephone (1,071 subscribers out of 64,162)  On the Whitstable exchange 65 out of 2,052 have ceased subscription; Faversham 21 out of 841; Canterbury City 79 out of 3,400.

Before the announcement, the waiting list for telephones had been cut down by thousands, and in some places people could get one within a day or two of making the request."

Weds while awaiting trial

[NAME] (21) given 2 years probation for receiving stolen duffle coat and sweater which he admitted.  Plea of not guilty to breaking into offices of J Stone & Co of Gravesend accepted.  He was of Gravesend but now living with in-laws in Hartley.

11 Oct 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Flu hits Rural Clergy

Meopham lay readers help out at Hartley, Stansted and Meopham due to clergy there coming down with flu.  [October was the first peak of the 1957/58 flu pandemic]

New Rector of Cliffe

"New rector of Cliffe and Cooling will be the Rev J W Henderson AKC rector of Hartley, near Dartford.  He will be instituted and inducted to the livings after Christmas.  Mr Henderson is succeeding Canon F S Gammon, who is retiring after 47 years in the ministry, including 19 years at Cliffe.

Ordained nearly 20 years ago, he hed curacies at Welling and Orpington before coming to Hartley. where he followed the Rev LGW Lenton.  Nearly 2 years ago he was appointed Rural Dean of Cobham....."

18 Oct 1957 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Harvest Supper

First Longfield Church Harvest Supper on Thursday.  After service in church, about 50 went to the Merry Thought Café.

One Man Buses

"London Passenger Transport have introduced 39 seater single decker buses operated by one man on the 489 route."

Rector Going

(Hartley PCC) "...the rector (the Rev J W Henderson) announced that he would be leaving the parish soon after Christmas to suceed Canon F S Gammon as Rector of Cliffe andCooling.  The council received the announcement with great regret, particularly in view of Mr Henderson's futher statement that it seemed unlikely that Hartley would have a new rector for some time.  Services would be conducted by a priest-in-charge."

25 Oct 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Ploughing Match Postponed because of rain

North Kent Ploughing Match at Hedge Place Farm, Stone.  Competition revived in 1953 after lapse of 29 years.  Prize list included 2nd prize for thatching awarded to [NAME] employed by Mr M T Fulford of Hartley [New House Farm]

01 Nov 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Hartley Parish Council

Buses - landing stage to be provided for stop at War Memorial.  Concerns about poor connections with other buses in new timetables.  Some buses now driver only.  Green Belt - concerns about building in green belt, Cllr Edward said at this rate there would be no green belt between the river and Hartley.

Fairby Grange

Advert says they have vacancies following opening of extra wing.

Geese for Sale

"4 Geese, £1 each - Briar Cottage, Gorsewood Road, Hartley, Dartford."

House for Sale

(Porter Putt & Fletcher) "Hartley - post war detached house, high position with good views and near station.  Hall, through lounge, dining, cloakroom, ½ tiled kitchen, 4 bedrooms, ½ tiled bathroom, w.c.; 2 garages, approximately 1 acre, excellent condition.  £4,450.  [Description would seem to fit Mark House, Ash Road, at the top of Hoselands Hill]

08 Nov 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Golden Wedding

"Mr and Mrs A [Albert] Humphrey, Rochford, Church Road, Hartley, have just celebrated their golden wedding.  They were married at St Nicholas Church, Newbury, Berks and first came to live in Hartley in 1912.  In 1929 Mr Humphrey went to Longfield as sub-postmaster where he stayed until he retired in 1945 and returned to Hartley.  Mr Humphrey has won many trophies for his exhibitions of sweet peas, chrysanthemums and carnations."

Village will fight any move to deprive it of a rector

"Any attempt to merge Hartley with another parish or parishes so that it no longer had its own rector, will be strongly resisted by local church people.  This was made quite clear at All Saints' Parish Church harvest supper in Hartley Country Club hall on Saturday which was well attended.  The Rector (the Rev J W Henderson) referred to his forthcoming departure to Cliffe and said his main concern was for the future of All Saints' Church.  He appealed for loyalty and support for its officers.  [NAME] emphasised that Hartley church must be kept open and any scheme to combine Hartley with other parishes for ecclesiastical purposes should be resisted.  [NAME] strongly supported this view.  He said it was essential that Hartley should have its own rector...."

15 Nov 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Three on Machine

"Summoned for being one of two persons in addition to the rider carried on a motorcycle and for abetting the driver in riding on land off the highway, [NAME], 18, of Rosaria, Gorsewood Road, was fined a total of £2 at Gravesend on Friday."

Kent Beekeepers' Show

F C Robertson of Hartley won Best Shell or Frame of Come Honey prize.

Buses 'too late or too early'

Longfield Parish Council complain about bus service.  Excuse of bus company for not allowing passengers to alight from 489 at King Street, Gravesend described as 'tommy rot' by council chairman.  A E Potter gave report of meeting on green belts, he felt they didn't really exist here.  Proposal would be that land around village centres would need good reason to build.

22 Nov 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Hartley Naturalist Club

8 new members enrolled, expected total membership will be 40 by December.

Hartley Players

Review of 'And this was odd' performed at the Country Club Hall.

29 Nov 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Country Club

Members agree to increase subscriptions to cover £200 increase in rates bill.  It was said the main income for the club was the bar profits.

'Housing plan would destroy rural characteristics'

"Hartley Parish Council at its monthly meeting with the chairman of the Rural Council's town and country planning committee regarding the revision of the Hartley, Longfield and Meopham town map, and expressed concern at the proposal to house 18 persons to the acre.  It was considered that this density would permanently destroy the rural characteristics of the area.  It was decided to press for a reduction in the propsed density.

With regard for a suggested site for playing fields, Mr James Grieve pointed out that the council had previously suggested that land in St John's Lane should be reserved for this purpose.  It was decided to draw the attention of the County Council to htis point.

No information was available regarding the refusal of permission to develop a building site on Hoselands Hill.

It was reported that arrangements had been completed for provision of a layby for the bus stop at Hartley War Memorial and that consideration was being given bo the improvement of traffic conditions at the junction of Church Road and St John's Lane."

Hartley Guides

Picture - "The handkerchief lady at the 1st Hartley Guides' Christmas Bazaar being admired by the opener Miss D Walley."

06 Dec 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Bishop to think again about proposed merger of parish

"When the Bishop of Rochester attended a meeting of Hartley Parish Church Council to discuss his proposal to merge the parishes of Hartley and Longfield, he was told by Mr E R Collins, secretary to the council, and Mr W Ball, who is also chairman of Hartley Parish Council, that parishioners of Hartley were strongly opposed to the proposed merger.  There has been a Rector of Hartley since the 12th century.  Mr W Ball produced a graph which he had prepared giving particulars of the parish including its present and probable future population and development.

The bishop told the council he was very impressed by the earnestness of the arguments put forward and most particularly so by the obvious strength and enthusiasm of the youth of the parish show by the younger members of the council.  This he considered to be a most important factor.  He told the council that in the light of what he had learned from the meeting he thought it only right that his proposal should be reviewed and further consideration given to the possibility of appointing a new rector of Hartley....."

Village needs baby clinic

Fawkham parish council supports call for one in Fawkham.  Improvements and redecoration to village hall completed.  Signposts to mark 9 main footpaths to be erected.

13 Dec 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Villagers get their way

"New rector will be appointed.  Villagers of Hartley near Dartford, have won their battle to have another rector appointed in succession to the Rev J W Henderson, who is leaving early in the new year.  This week it was announced that the living of Hartley had been offered to the Rev Edward Tennick [1910-1996], who has been vicar of East Farleigh, near Maidstone, since 1949.  Mr Tennick is expected to accept the appointment, but will not take it up until Easter.  The patron of the living is Miss I King...... Mr Tennick trained for the ministry at St Aidan's College, Birkenhead.  He was ordained deacon in the Sheffield diocese in 1940 and priest the following year.  He held curacies at Worsboroguh and Frodingham, and was priest in charge of Belton in the Isle of Axholme for 3 years until coming to East Farleigh.  [For some reason he did not take up the offer of the post]

Hartley Evening WI

37th annual meeting heard of increased membership since switching to the evening.

27 Dec 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

Children Entertain

End of term performance of singing and percussion by under 8s and Nativity Play by older chlildren at Hartley Primary School, followed by PTA party for the children.  Children had subscribed to gift for Rev Henderson.  Mentions headmistress Miss Barnes and teachers [NAME] and [NAME].

Scouts Active

"....on Friday the 4th annual carol service was held round a 'camp' fire in the attractively decorated hall at the Scout headquarters at Hartley Social Club...."

27 Dec 1957 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)

90, he walks 4 miles daily to get a drink

"[NAME], landlord of the George Inn, Meopham, is very proud of one of his regular customers - Mr Ralph Cleghorn Bensted, who walks 2 miles every day from his home Horns Oak, Harvel, up the very steep White Post Hill for his drink and then home again.  Many of Mr Miller's young 'regulars' do not walk that far, and Mr Bensted is 90 years old.

'I guess I am active for my age,' said Mr Bensted, 'I suppose it was my 50 years farming in Manitoba that has made me fit and strong.'

Mr Bensted arrived in Canada in 1889, shortly after his 21st birthday party at sea.  When he got there he was given a 160 acre plot of land by the government, but no place to live.  'My first few days in Manitoba were spent cutting down trees to build myself a log cabin,' he said.  'Canada certainly had the pioneer spirit then.  As soon as it became known that I had arrived, people came from miles around to help me build a farmhouse.'

Mr Bensted has only been bak in England for 8 years.  He was born at Longfield Court, Longfield and his father and grandfather were owners of Hartley Court Farm, Hartley, near Gravesend.

'Farming was very hard when I first arrived in Canada,' he stated, 'I had to made do with my 160 acre farm for a long time, but eventually I managed to double the size of it.'

Mr Bensted has never had a cold and never wears an overcoat in England.  He believes the rugged climate of Canada has had a lot to do with his freedom from colds and chills.  'Out there the cold is very dry,' he said, 'and you don't feel it so much.  But when I first went there I heard of several settlers who were frozen tod eath in their beds, because something went wrong with the furnace in their home.'  Mr Bensted considers the English winter is 'very tame, but terribly unhealthy.'  He thinks people of this country are much colder than the weather.  'Folk seldom stop and talk to you,' he said.  'In Canada one would discuss problems with a stranger.'

Mr Bensted, who lives with his brother, Mr William Bensted, aged 74, and his sister, Miss Mary Bensted, 84, does not consider himself very tough, but many of his friends do.  Mr Miller recalled how one morning he was chatting with Mr Bensted about some seed potatoes.  'In the afternoon,' said Mr Miller, 'I was surprised to see Mr Bensted arrive at my house with a 28lb sack of potatoes which he had carried on his back all the way from Harvel.  A man a third of his age would have thought twic about doing that.'

During his 50 years in Canada, Mr Bensted made 2 trips to England, one a social visit and the other, in 1914 with the Canadian Army.  During his half century in the Commonwealth, Mr Bensted has seen many changes.  When he first went there the roads were bad.  Now everyone has a car.  'My heart,' he said, 'will always be in Canada.'

Disaster struck the Bensteds in July 1954, when their farmhouse was gutted by fire.  Both Mr Bensted and his brother were in bed when the fire broke out and were lucky to escape from the blazing building.  They live in a new house built on the site."