Newspaper Stories 1930-1939
14 Mar 1930 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Longfield Rectory Tennis Club Dance at Constitutional Hall
04 Apr 1930 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Thomas Hockley of Ash Road, contractor, witness in case of Harry Reeve
13 May 1930 Local News in Brief Times
Bundoran (= 1 St Johns Lane; 5 bed, 3 r, orchard, 2 acres) for sale at £1,850 by Major P I Newton
16 May 1930 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Man summoned for persistent cruelty against his wife.
16 May 1930 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
John Alfred Hawkins of Church Road summoned for persistent cruelty against his wife, May.
15 Aug 1930 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Library used by 180 of the 730 inhabitants
16 Aug 1930 No Driving Licence Essex Newsman
Romford Magistrates: "For driving motor vehicles without being duly licensed, fines were imposed as follows… William H Daniel, Hartley House, Longfield, Kent - 10/-."
19 Aug 1930 Local News in Brief Times
Mrs Spier (Hartley House, Ash Road) requires protestant governess for 4½ yo boy and 8 yo girl
29 Aug 1930 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Leonard John Glidewell, father of child by Kathleen Emily Osborne of the Institution, West Hill, Dartford, ordered to pay 7s 6d for the child. Miss Osborne said they had been associating for a year and 4 months before the birth went into the institution together as man and wife, later discovered they were not married.
18 Sep 1930 Disengaged Actor Advert The Stage
"Mr Wilfred Mansfield. Disengaged, disengaged. Hartley Green, Near Longfield, Kent."
26 Sep 1930 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Cdr Colin Alexander Gordon Hutchinson of Hartley Manor fined for driving car without lights
14 Nov 1930 Woman and Windows Chelmsford Chronicle
Grays Magistrates: "Mrs Ethelwin Baldwin [1888-1956], Hartley, Longfield, Kent, was summoned for damaging 8 panes of glass in Tyndall Square, Tilbury to the extent of 8s 6d - Mr William Murray, Tyndall Square, said Mrs Baldwin knocked at the front door, bu he did not answer, as he knew who it was, and did not want to see her. Mrs Baldwin then went to the back door, and knocked. He still refused to answer, and she then broke a french window. They had words through the broken window. Defendant returned to the front of the house and broke 7 panes of glass. Defendant, who did not appear, was fined £1."
30 Jan 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
H T Jennings Clark promoted at Legal and General [Lived at Lamorna, Church Road]
06 Feb 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Congregational Church concert at WI Hall (see also 13.2.31)
20 Mar 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Players perform A A Milne's "The fourth wall"
20 Mar 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Arrangements for electricity in hartley (see also 27.3.31)
10 Apr 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Easter service at All Saints' and Congregational Church
10 Apr 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Suggestion at parish meeting for local fire brigade
17 Apr 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
17th annual report of Hartley Agricultural Society
24 Apr 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Mrs Elizabeth Supple of Treveor, Ash Rd 88
25 Apr 1931 Local News in Brief Meath Observer
"In the death of Mrs Elizabeth Supple, which occurred last week at the residence of her son-in-law (Gomer B Davis of Treveor, Hartley, Longfield, Kent), many old friends in Drogheda regret the passing away of a lady who had long and happy associations with the town. The deceased lady, who had reached the venerable age of 89 years, was the widow of the late Dr R H Supple JP, and formerly resided at 14 Fair Street, for a number of years when she won the high esteem of a large circle of friends and, indeed, of everyone who knew her."
28 Apr 1931 Local News in Brief Times
William Henry Daniel of Hartley Manor, executor of William Samuel Sykes of Leeds
15 May 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Children born to the Greens, Walshes Erclei and Dennises Clifton
03 Jul 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Congregational garden party and concert at Meadcot
03 Jul 1931 Typewriter for Sale Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Typewriter, Underwood, first class condition, trial any time, £6 10s - Parkin, Church Road, Hartley, Longfield, Kent."
10 Jul 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
29 year old Hartley man fined for driving without licence
10 Jul 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Ernest Edward Hurst (29) of Hartley Green fined for driving without licence
07 Aug 1931 Revival at Hartley Kent Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Motorists who want an objecteive for a Saturday afternoon run this week should seek out the village of Hartley in Kent, with its old church, part of which dates back to Saxon times, and where Daniel Defoe, of Robinson Crusoe fame, once lived.
Hartley folk will be in holiday mood tomorrow (Saturday) as they are holding an old Village Fair on the grounds of the local Sports Club in rear of the Constitutional Hall.
Three miles of flags will deck the grounds, the centre of which will be given up to sports for which many valuable prizes have been given. One of the main features will be inter-village tug of war contests, and teams are entered from Ash, Stanstead, Sole Street, Fawkham, Betsham, Longfield and Hartley.
All around the field are arranged a succession of amusing side shows, including hoopla, coconut shies, helter skelter, tip-em-out Boat, race game, gift table, bubbles and many others. Thousands of prizes are arranged for, to reward the successful ones. The Village Band will perform, the Girl Guides will give a display of free gymnastics; the Peter Pan Amateurs, a clever troop of children, aged 14 to 2, will give a song and dance display in costume.
The Hartley Players Amateur Dramatic Society will give two short plays on an open air stage. A tennis tournament will run all the afternoon, and the Fair will end with dancing on the lawns by the light of Chinese Lanterns. Refreshments and Teas will be on sale.
This charming village is easily found - it is about 17 miles' run from Bromley, and a car park is arranged for under the direction of the local police...."
14 Aug 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley village fair attended by 600+ for Country Club
04 Sep 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Electricity has reached Longfield, plans for extension to Hartley
18 Sep 1931 Hartley Grange for Sale Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Easy daily reach of City, West End, Greenwich and Woolwich.
Modern freehold house with 16½ acres of orchards, gardens and meadow lane. 3 receptions, 5 bedrooms, maid's sitting room, bath, butler's pantry, main water, electric light, modern drainage, garage, outbuildings, glass house and pits.
Bungalow - 4 rooms and bathroom and loft.
2,000 fruit trees, valuable road frontage.
For sale privately. No agents. Full illustrated particulars from Owner, Hartley Grange, Longfield, Kent. Phone: Longfield 15" (Picture of House)
[This was before Hartley had mains electricity, so the reference to electric means they had their own generator]
02 Oct 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
County court case: Charles Mansbridge Ellerby of Church Rd v Samuel Mapp
02 Oct 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Wilfred Henry Baines of Woodside, Hartley v Henry Albert Bull, re damage to car in collision
02 Oct 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Tractor demonstration on smallholding of Mr Francis Tate by George Morris ltd.
02 Oct 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
County court case: Charles Mansbridge Ellerby of Church Rd v Samuel Mapp
09 Oct 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Mysterious group of men seen testing fire extinguisher at St Johns Ln
09 Oct 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Collision between car and milk cart outside Fairby Grange
16 Oct 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Electricity up to Black Lion and Stocks Hill hopefully by Christmas.
23 Oct 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Fire said to have burnt down school a few months earlier
30 Oct 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Sermon preached at Rochester Cathedral by Rev Bancks
06 Nov 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Man from Ash jailed for not maintaining wife and 3 children, who live at Hartley
06 Nov 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
William Edward Barlow (54) of Merton Rd convicted of benefit fraud
06 Nov 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Ernest Arthur Brant (45) [1886-1933] of Ash, imprisoned for not maintaining wife Jane and 3 children at Hartley
13 Nov 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Longfield & Dist Cottage Gardeners Show at Hartley Constitutional hall
27 Nov 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Mr R Hollands Grey Bus was first at Hartley and is still going
11 Dec 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Guide Ranger group begun under Misses Walley and Sheath
18 Dec 1931 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
C of E and Congregational children give toys for East end children.
21 Dec 1931 Roman Relics in Kent Perth Daily News (Australia)
"During excavations in a small gravel pit at Longfield, Kent, a Roman water bottle in perfect state of preservation was found about 2ft 6in from the surface. It is beautifully shaped, with a graceful neck and handle, and measures 7¾in in height, and at the greatest circumference 16½in.
A few feet away was a funeral urn of black Upchurch ware. The cover was unfortunately smashed, but the urn itself wa intact. It measured 6¾in in height and 25in in circumference. The urn was filled with ashes and small pieces of calcined bone. A foot or so away from the larger urn a smaller one of somewhat similar shape was found, which measured 4½in in height and 13½in in circumference. The smaller urn was empty when found. About 5ft from where the urns were found was embedded a quantity of ashes mingled with small pieces of calcined bone, and it is thought probable that the site was a Roman crematorium and that the urns were interred close by the place of burning."
[The site is given as ¼ mile past Longfield church towards Meopham, probably where Gallops View is today, see KCC webiste]
04 Mar 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Symposium "Have men lost their freedom: women in public affairs
01 Apr 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
John Butler of Ashleigh in maintenance arrears, due to change in personal circumstances
03 Jun 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
216 eggs collected by Hartley Guides for Dartford infirmary
17 Jun 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Dudley James Campkin of Cherry Orchard and of Joseph Hann of Hill Crest, Ash Rd
01 Jul 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Dangerous state of pond 8/7/1932 - fence to be put up
01 Jul 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Alfresco concert at Greenways, Church Rd for Congregational Church
08 Jul 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Haverstock Drive [Wellfield] - house struck by lightning
08 Jul 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Exam success for Daphne Joy Day of New Hayes & Margaret Benson of Coppice Lea
19 Aug 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Mrs M Edward of Meadcot, Ash Road 26/8/1932 - funeral
19 Aug 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Florence Mary Giles of Church Rd proves desertion by her husband
02 Sep 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Alfred John Thompson of Gorsewood Rd - no vehicle rear light
09 Sep 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Resignation of Vice Admiral Wigram, representative for Hartley on Dartford RDC
16 Sep 1932 A Day's Tramp Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"I promised myself another pilgrimage last week I much prefer to imagine myself a pilgrim than call myself a hiker. I have no objection to the thing, but I dislike the name, and I dislike the hiker because of that. I am no modernist. The Farnborough Rector can have his hike. I am content with my obsolescent tramp. Modernism is all very well for people with tastes that way - but much of modernism is but old stuff served up in a new-fangled mode. I prefer it unembellished. If I had had my 'hike' with a hiking party, I should have returned depressed and dissatisfied. I had my ancient tramp, and I feel I have done something: had a sort of adventure and made a voyage of discovery. In a hike, you discover nothing, because discovery is not its object. Its object is to pursue a programme; cover so many miles and make one of a crowd. Conducted tours are no good to me. I am too rebellious.
But about my tramp. That is no great matter. It was really a pilgrimage because I went out to see somthing, and I saw more than I was promised. I had been looking through a village history 'Hartley Through the Ages', a book that had some good press notices, and formed teh submect of a leader in the 'Morning Post' I remember, when first th ebook was published. I like these local histories, but I have never met one to satisfy me yet. This one doesn;t, though I am not going to write a criticism of it. I am only too grateful to the Rector for writing it at all. At any rate, I am in his debt for an interesting tramp, because I wanted to see this Kentish village that I had never even heard of before. I saw it - a part of it. Like all such villages within an easy motor ride of London, it is being horribly spoiled by those builders' outbursts called bungalows. They are, I have no doubt, replete with every modern convenience, but the old thatched cottage, with all its ancient inconveniences, attracts me more. There are still enough of them left to witness an earlier picturesqueness, but the delights of Hartley are departing. Its lanes, or some of them, are as yet unspoiled. And if you look in the Rector's book you will find a couple of photographs that show what the modern road improver has done to one of them. However, I didn't pass along Hoseland Hill. Now that I have looked at the 'History' agains and studied the map, I must have walked along the Ash Road, past the Village Green and the Village School, turned into St Johns Lane, and so into Church Road. I was looking for the village Church. I came to it in due course, but it was before I reached it that I made my grand discovery.
Now there's one disadvantage in studying the guide book first - it prevents you making any discovery yourself. My advice to trampers is: read the guide book afterwards. You'll probably find you have missed much. But the few things you haven't missed you will have discovered for yourself, and that makes any pilgrimage worth while. Had I really studied the Rector's book beforehand, I should have known what to expect. As I hadn't, I had my adventure.
At the junction of four cross roads I saw what looked like a very well preserved barn. But it was a curious looking barn, for it had a number of tiny windows in its walls. There was a little notice board on the door. And as I read most notices, I went to read this, and found the barn was a church. Curiosity aroused, I went in, and discovered - a Roman Catholic Church.
How old the barn is I know not, I daresay to people ersed in such matters its beautiful old beams, fitted and jointed with wooden pegs, will date it pretty nearly. I can believe it has stood there for over 400 years. And if you go through the building you will find another doorway opening upon the old world garden of the 'Middle Farm'. 'The foundations of the Middle Farm are 11th century; to this the 16th century added somewhat; and the 20th century has added more. There is some enormously thick stonework; there are floors tilted at disconcerting angles; there are twisted oaken beams of astounding solidity, the framework of walls and the support of roofs dangerous to unwary heads.' But if he doesn't stay to examine these architectural details, th stray visitor cannot fail to be fascinated by the closely trimmed lawn, the garden of old fashioned flowers, and the dovecote, which a peep through the doorway of the church brings to view. Here, surely, is a sample of what Hartley was like in bygone days before the roadmakers and builders came to mar it.
Old though this church in the barn is, as a building, the date is very modern as a church, for it is not yet 20 years young. The story of its birth the curious can read in a little booklet by Father Martindale; but if one remembers that there were pre-Reformation days, the catholic chapel is but the resurrection of things that existed in hundreds of other villages once upon a time. The Rector's history hasn't much to say about this revival, but to judge from a will he quotes dated 1473, there were a least 3 priests in Hartley then, for Thomas Cotyer left money to them 'for masses for his soul.'
But it is not only the building that is of interest to the seeker after the things of the past - as I confess, I am no modernist. There is a sanctuary lamp, with a history that probably started in the hands of some Italian craftsman, and which was at one time in the possession of the Duke of Norfolk. There is a statue of the Virgin which I learn was rescued from some obscure second hand shop and came from Belgium. But the robe is adorned with the representation of the Rose and Irish Shamrock. What the significance of that is I, being no Catholic, am unable to tell. But one might hazard a guess that the rarity of this form of decoration hides some interesting history of its first owners - exiles perhaps in a foreign land who wished to remind themselves of something very near to their home in the British Islands.
This, then, was the chance discovery of a chance trampinto a village of Kent. After that the Parish Church seemed insignificant in comparison. Its history can be read in the Rector's book, bu tthere is little in the building itself that is in the nature of an historical memento. I looked around its rather bare walls and found nothing that was not modern. I returned across a footpath back into the Ash Road and the only object that might attract the traveller was the Black Swan (sic) Inn; but it was closed. There is a legend that Daniel Defoe lived nearby, and it was here he wrote Robinson Crusoe. But as that legend crops up in connection with other inns (we have it too, in Bromley) I am not setting much store by it. However I must make a return visit to Hartley when I've read the Rector's History again more carefully. I wonder what Farnborough's modernist Rector would say to my anti-modern interests in ecclesiology.
Hugo".
23 Sep 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Suspended sentence for John Butler of Ashleigh, Church road for maintenance arrears
28 Oct 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Street lights in Longfield said to be causing envy in Hartley
04 Nov 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Enterprise Motor Services apply to run Gravesend - Hartley service
05 Nov 1932 Kent Farm Fires News Chronicle
"Three outbreaks yesterday…... A large 17th century barn and old hop kiln on New Hayes Farm, Hartley, Kent were seriously damaged by fire last night. Fire brigades from Swanley and Eynsford fought the flames for over 2 hours. The farm is owned by Mr George Day JP of Ashtead."
11 Nov 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Fred John Jackson, of Forge Cottage fined for fare evasion
11 Nov 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Frederick Crouch fined for driving without licence
11 Nov 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Picture & account of fire at New Hayes Farm, cl7th barn destroyed
09 Dec 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hedge near Biack Lion replaced by fence for safety reasons 9/12/1932
16 Dec 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Players perform "The Whole Town's Talking" at Dartford All Saints'
23 Dec 1932 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Christmas toy service for Given Wilson Institute in Plaistow
13 Jan 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Proposal at Parish Meeting to give money to Govt has no support!
20 Jan 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Arthur Percival Robinson of Maxelton sued for Phone bill
03 Feb 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Ethel Shaeffer Wells-Thatcher, wife of John.
03 Mar 1933 House for Sale or to Let Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Modern bungalw, 4 rooms, kitchen and bathroom, to let 17s 8d exclusive; sell £750, freehold, Hartley, Kent. Apply 32 Mycenae road, Blackheath."
24 Mar 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Bus fares reduced by Maidstone and District Bus Company
25 Mar 1933 Local News in Brief Times
Hector and Eva Meek remanded on robbery charges from the Croftons
31 Mar 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hector Meek and others charged with stealing £900 of jewelery from Mary Crofton's house, Spinney Corner cont'd 7/14/4/1933
31 Mar 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Girl's Alarming Experience - attempted abduction of Eileen Bayntum of Manor Road
07 Apr 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
South Suburban Gas Co considering laying on gas to Hartley
07 Apr 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
J Cuff of Fernholme [now Apple Tree Cottage], Church Rd, retires as works manager for Camberwell Borough Council
07 Apr 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
South Suburban Gas Co considering laying on gas to Hartley
05 May 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Dartford RDC accepts offer of £45 for land at Hartley [Probably land at Copse Side they bought for council housing that never went ahead]
12 May 1933 Hartley Grange for Sale Times
For sale, with 16½ acres including 10a of orchard, description, picture
29 Jun 1933 Local News in Brief Camden News (New South Wales)
"On Monday of last week, June 19, at the Camden District Hospital, Mr George Longhurst, orchardist of East Minto, passed away at the age of 76 years. The deceased gentleman was born at Hartley (Kent), England, and was the third youngest son of the late Edward Longhurst, being one of a family of 11 children. 47 years ago the late Mr Longhurst arrived in Australia, and prior to coming to East Minto 37 yeasr ago, was for 10 years a resident of Parramatta, his occupation being that of bricklayer. On arriving at East Minto, the late Mr George Longhurst with his brother Mr William Longhurst were among the first settlers of that part, and they can be classed as the pioneer orchardists of East Minto and Kent Farms."
[Minto is now a suburb of Sydney]
28 Jul 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Thomas Lamon of Thames View, Church Rd, collided with telegraph pole
18 Aug 1933 Dog for Sale Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Low price for quick sale - Billingshaw Cerberus, White Bulldog, registration no 26777/31, born 21/2/1931 by Newington Chief out of Beauty of Jenotan. Grandparents: Ch Tweedside Red Chief, Pengodene, Ch Diomed, Oakville Pride. GG Parents include Ch Dunscar Draughtsman and Crew So White Man. May be seen at Westward Ho Kennels, New Barn, Longfield, Kent... Owner moving. Present address: E Harry, Hartley Grange, Longfield, Kent. Phone Longfield 15. City phone Met 4931.
08 Sep 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Accident to Violet Bartlett of Peckham, hop picker
20 Oct 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Electricity still not extended beyond Hartley Hill
20 Oct 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Sidney Etherington of Longfield fined for driving on Hoselands Hill without a licence
20 Oct 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Mr E Hurst of Hartley Green (funeral 27.10.33) (20.10.33) (20.10.33)
27 Oct 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Harry Hinde of The Stoep summonsed for driving without insurance
10 Nov 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
League of Nations Association bookshop at Bank Chambers
17 Nov 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
St Johns Ambulance - Supt Dale of Villa Rosa, Church Road
08 Dec 1933 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Mrs Gibson of Langleys, Ash Rd will 19/1/1934
26 Jan 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Bus services taken over by LPTB, fare to Green from Longfield increased by 2d to 3d
09 Feb 1934 Local Sales and Auctions Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Messrs Carter, Law and Leech announce a sale by auction… on March 22nd at 3pm at the Royal Bell Hotel, Bromley… The Stoep, Hartley, Kent."
23 Feb 1934 The Stoep for Sale Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Well built freehold two storied modern bungalow residence, with 4 bedrooms, bathroom, 2 reception rooms etc, loggia, occupying a charming country position with orchard and garden grounds of about 2¾ acres…. Carter Law & Leech will submit the above to auction on Thursday, March 22nd 1934 at 3pm at the Royal Bell Hotel, Bromley.
23 Feb 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Rev Bancks funeral - 2/3/1934; will 2/3/1934
02 Mar 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Over 190 dancers at Constitutional Hall's Fancy Dress Dance
02 Mar 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Accident to young cyclist from Poplar on main road
06 Apr 1934 Bungalow for Sale Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Double decker bus, converted into bungalow; newly decorated; splendid condition; cheap for quick sale - seen at Sunnymead, Hartley Bottom, Hartley, near Longfield, Kent."
11 May 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Semi-detached house to let - 5 rooms - £1 per week
18 May 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Dr Marsden is moving to Shrewsbury, in practice at Hartley since 1926
15 Jun 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Inquest on David William King(2½) of Fairview, Church Rd
22 Jun 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
All Saints - living to be offered to Rev A Godson of Speldhurst
06 Jul 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
John Allwright of Sunnydale House awarded damages after crash
13 Jul 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
All Saints - some of congregation want Rev Stevens to be rector
20 Jul 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Wilfred Alexander of Cavan - no Hackney Carriage Plate on Car
03 Aug 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Edward RJ Barlow 20 of Nil Desperandum, Merton Ave cleared of careless driving
31 Aug 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Marriage of Alice Hollands [Probably Alice Mary Hollands, born Ash 1905]
07 Sep 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Motorcycle accident to James Balchin (29) of Red House
05 Oct 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Rev T P Stevens to be new rector 2/11/1934 - induction
19 Oct 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley - large selection of properties for sale by Messrs Pilley & Talbot, next Post Office, Ash Rd
09 Nov 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Joseph Brooks, Frank L Cox fined for driving without licence
09 Nov 1934 Orpington Women Conservatives Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Miss Barker of Hartley, Kent, addressed a meeting of the Orpington Women's Constitutional Association on Wednesday on 'National Defence'. She said we did not want to fight, but we had to defend our trade routes. She advocated a larger Air Force, Army and Navy...."
26 Nov 1934 Local News in Brief Times
Death of Frank Reed, pillion rider in collision with lorry at Bermondsey
07 Dec 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Country Club to be opened by cricketer A P F Chapman, details picture and report - 14/12/1934
07 Dec 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Thomas Pepper of Laxton, Church Rd, gardener
14 Dec 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley & Dist Social Club founded see also 28/12/1934
21 Dec 1934 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
To let - Semi-detached house, 5 rooms, large garden 17s 6d pw
04 Jan 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
All Saints - resignation of Rev Stevens; retirement of John Thatcher as editor of parish magazine; memorial tablet to Tate brothers
25 Jan 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
All Saints - 150 attend Church Social at Country Club
15 Feb 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
WI 14th anniversary; telegram from Misses Brown of Bournemouth
08 Mar 1935 Keston Conservatives Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"The women's branch of Keston Constitutional Association have been awarded a certificate of merit in connection with the recent Chislehurst divisional branch efficiency test. The cup presented by Miss Eva Smithers, sister of of Sir Waldron Smithers MP was won by the Hartley branch, who gained one mark more than Keston."
22 Mar 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Bankruptcy of Hartley builders who were building 3 houses on Hoselands Hill
22 Mar 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Bankruptcy of Archibald Robson of Maclean, and Edgar Hollman of Lynsted, builders
29 Mar 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Elm tree .at Fairby Grange falls on telegraph wires
29 Mar 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Rev Henry Hewitt from India spoke at Congregational Church
03 May 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hearts of Oak Hartley Lodge of Oddfellows procession
27 May 1935 Miss Davies-Cooke US Patent Office Gazette
Patent for design of religious medallion by Miss Beatrice Davies-Cooke
07 Jun 1935 Local News in Brief Times
Offer for sale of HL Groom & Son, managing director Harry Groom
05 Jul 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Golden wedding of Mr & Mrs R Hoadley of Thames View
09 Jul 1935 Local News in Brief Times
JR Stickland member of Association of Private and Army Tutors ad
19 Jul 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Frank Bunton (sic) avoids being made bankrupt (of Highfields)
09 Aug 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Parish Council - request to extend electricity beyond Church
30 Aug 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Letter from W J Barnard of Pleasant - complaints by parish council about his second hand furniture which he denies see also 6/9/1935; letter in support by Dr Fellows 27/9/1935; picture 18/10/1935
20 Sep 1935 Bungalow to Let Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"2 bedroomed furnished bungalow to let; low rent for winter months. Frenli, Hartley Hill, Longfield."
[now Brindles, Church Road]
04 Oct 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Chestnut tree planted on green for Jubilee? -see also 15/11/1935
04 Oct 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Edward RJ Barlow fined for being drawn while on bicycle by car
11 Oct 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Mr Baines-Lewis of Hartley Grange agrees to sell land for road widening
18 Oct 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Mrs Laura A Waters of Woodside, Ash Rd plaintiff in County Court
18 Oct 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Goats of W J Barnard said to have been attacked by badger
15 Nov 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
LT hope to have hourly Longfield-Dartford bus instead of 2 hourly
29 Nov 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Players "Third Time Lucky" includes picture
13 Dec 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Miss J F Maxton of Hartley Manor offers 5½a for churchyard
13 Dec 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Burglary at Tichfield, home of Dr Percival BP Mellows
27 Dec 1935 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Resignation of Rev T P Stevens due to ill health see also 19/1/1936
24 Jan 1936 Oxford Local Successes Bromley & West Kent Mercury
Passes at Downham Centre include L L Morris, Old Downs, Hartley
31 Jan 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Rev Leslie G Lenton to be new rector picturesee also 28/2/1936
21 Feb 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Guides - 1st Hartley Company reformed under Misses Edward & Fielder
06 Mar 1936 Old Downs Haystack Fire Dartford Chronicle
Old Downs Haystack fire cost £15 to put out! /3/4/1936
27 Mar 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Players - "The Middle Watch" 10/4/1936 - report/picture
03 Apr 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
All Saints - F F Tate & Charles Appleton to be churchwardens
03 Apr 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley School said to lack proper heating and ventilation
10 Apr 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Harry Kay (28) of Ash Rd fined for stealing from employers
17 Apr 1936 Governess Required Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Daily Governess required; boy 5, girl 6. Mrs Stickland, Old Downs, Longfield, Kent. Longfield 9".
07 May 1936 Old Man's Funeral Cancelled Sunderland Daily Echo
"Coroner's Decision - Husband of Woman Chemist - 'Nothing to Hide' says Widow
Owing to the decision of the NW Kent Coroner to hold and inquest, arrangements for the funeral of Ernest Edgar Crofts (74), husband of a woman chemist, of Station Road, Longfield, near Dartford, which was to have taken place today, have been cancelled.
Mr Crofts died suddenly on Saturday morning. A Home Office pathologist has, it is understood, carried out a post mortem examination and has taken away certain organs. The inquest will be held at Dartford tomorrow afternoon.
Mrs Parkes [Should be Pounce], a sister of Mrs Crofts, speaking to a Sunderland Echo representative, said, 'Although Mr Crofts died suddenly last Saturday, he had been under the doctor since February'. The family were all upset as a result of the 'unnecessary trouble'. 'My sister has had a harrowing time of it,' she said, 'and we simply cannot let her be troubled with callers. There is nothing we can say. There has been a great deal of misunderstanding. My sister thought she had arranged for the funeral to take place today. Apparently there had been some misunderstanding on this point with the undertaker, and it is because of that the interment has been delayed. A doctor had been attending Mr Crofts throughout his illness. The whole thing has come as a complete shock to us.'
A tradesman in business close to Mrs Crofts said, 'Mrs Crofts and her husband came to Longfield about 4 years ago. She is charming little woman, and is very popular. She looks after the shop and we knew that Mr Crofts, although he was always about the place when he first came, had been in indifferent health for some time. They were very happy together.' Mr Crofts was a retired post office employee.
The widow is deeply upset over the development. 'I am at loss to understand it,' she said, 'I have absolutely nothing to hide. I will welcome the inquest proceedings, because they will be the means of everything being cleared up. It has been a very trying time for me.' Mrs Crofts, a flaxen haired, middle aged woman, was attending to her shop when interviewed. She was behind the counter and wore a dispenser's white overall.
Mr Crofts acted as Chairman and Treasurer of Hartley Social Club. 'One of the best officials the club has ever had,' was how Mr Watson, a member of the committee, described him. 'He regularly visited the club,' said Mr Watson. 'As a result of an incident which involved which involved litigation last November, Mr Crofts was very upset and he fell ill a short time afterwards.'
The superintendent of Brookwood Cemetery said, 'The funeral of Mr Crofts was to have been today, and the grave and everything were prepared. 'Last night we received an order cancelling the funeral, as there was to be an inquest.'
[Bradford Observer 8.5.1936 added Mr Crofts's pension was £2 a week]
08 May 1936 Stopped Funeral: Surprise Move News Chronicle
"Porridge pan for analysis - Dead man worried by 'poison pen' notes. Longfield (near Dartford, Kent), Thursday.
Ernest Edgar Crofts, the 74 year old husband of a woman chemist whose shop is in the main street of this village, died early on Saturday after a 3 months' illness.
He was to have been buried today. Wreaths were ordered and the grave, his family grave, at Brookwood Cemetery had been prepared.
At the last minute the village heard that the burial had been stopped. Dr J L Priestley, of Longfield, who had attended Mr Crofts since last February, was unable to sign a death certificate. The West Kent Coroner has ordered an inquest and Dr Davies, Home Office Pathologist, has made a post mortem examination. I learn tonight that a saucepan in which porridge was cooked for the dead man, his wife and his wife's sister last Friday, has been taken from the shop for analysis and that 2 or 3 medicene bottles are also being examined.
The sign over the little brick built shop in Station Road, Longfield, says 'Dorothy Crofts MPS.' I found Mrs Crofts, small, fair haired, dressed in a dispenser's white coat, behind the counter. She has the help of her sister Mrs Pounce, and a girl assistant. Mrs Crofts told me 'I know that my husband absolutely worshipped me. We have been married 12 years, and the more I lived with him, the more I loved him. I felt last week that he was a dying man.....' Her voice faltered and she burst into tears. Mrs Pounce said: 'I don't know - none of us knows - what brought about his death, but I am perfectly sure what was helping to make him so ill.' Then she related an incident which she said 'had a terrible effect' on the old man. Towards the end of last year he was involved in a police court case concerning a dog which had been brought to the shop to be destroyed. It was alleged that the dog was treated cruelly and a heavy fine was imposed. 'Since that time 200 letters, mostly anonymous, have come in,' Mrs Founce said, 'and you could see it was worrying him. In some of the letters he was advised to 'go and take cyanide of potassium' Most of them were written in the same handwriting. While the Post Office stopped the anonymous postcards, they could not interfere with the letters which kept arriving.'
Mr Crofts had suffered other anxieties and misfortunes. He was a retired Post Office official on pension. He married earlier in life; he lost 2 children and his first wife died. Mrs Crofts, whose maiden name was Clayton, was 29 when they were married [they married at Birmingham in 1924]. They lived in London and then in Manchester before they came to the Longfield shop, where Mrs Crofts began to dispense most of the village medicine. The inquest will be held tomorrow afternoon at Dartford Fire Station."
[Dorothy Crofts, nee Clayton, married Ernest at Birmingham in 1924. In 1936 Q4 she married Amos Whittam (1881-1957) at Burnley who had lost his wife in December 1935, who moved in with her at Station Road. She died in 1943 and is buried in Burnley cemetery in the same plot as Amos and his first wife. The Chemist's shop was about where the vets is today in Longfield]
08 May 1936 Retired Postman's Death: Inquest Opened at Dartford Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail
"Wife's Evidence - 'Not been well during the last few months' - Collapse after card game - 'Went funny colour: I thought he was dying'
Mr W A Thomson, the NW Kent Deputy Coroner, opened the inquest at Dartford today on Ernest Edgar Crofts (74), a retired postal employee, whose funeral was stopped a few hourse before the time fixed for the service.
Mr Croft's wife is the owner of the local pharmacy in the village of Longfield, near Dartford, whre the couple lived.
Mr Crofts, who had been ill since February, died on Saturday. The grave had been dug at the Brookwood Cemetery, and friend of the family had ordered their wreaths.
The Coroner sat with a jury.
Mrs Crofts, a fair haired woman, came into the court without a hat. She was obviously very upset, and for a time had to be partially supported.
The Coroner said that the dead man was a retired postman and his wife was a qualified pharmaceutical chemist. Mr Crofts had been under medical treatment since the end of February and had been attended by Dr Priestley. Apparently the doctor was in some difficulty in diagnosing the trouble, and on Friday it was decided that he should go on the following day into hospital for observation. Unfortunately before that could be done he died suddenly on Saturday. 'Dr Priestley was unable to give a certificate as to the cause of death,' and the case, said the coroner, 'was presented to me as one in which the cause of death was unknown.'
The Coroner pointed out thtat the inquest had been fixed for this afternoon without any knowledge of the funeral arrangements having been made. 'In fact,' he said, 'I had no knowledge that the funeral arrangements had been started, and therefore there was no question of stopping the funeral excepting, of course, that this could not take place without the death certificate.'
Mrs Crofts said that she and her husband had lived at the chemist's establishment about 3 years. Her husband had not been well during the last few months. His illness began in February. He kept to his bed for a little while, but would get up at short periods. He went to church on Sunday before he died. He was not able to walk much. If they went out they had to have a car. He seemed to be suffering from general weakness, and alway appeared to be short of breath, but there did not seem to be any specific complaint.
The Coroner: Was he better or worse the week before his death? Witness: He seemed to get down in health. He did not take his food very well and had had very little for some time. He had a tonic which Dr Priestley prescribed and which she made up from a book of formulas. The Coroner: Was it anything more than a tonic? Witness: I don't think so. It was the usual tonic. He was sick in February, but not again until last week. The Coroner: Was this sickness after taking medicine or food? Witness: After taking food.
Mrs Crofts said that the doctor saw her husband on Friday about 6 o'clock and he returned about 8 o'clock with another doctor. They examined Mr Crofts and decided he should be sent to hospital for an X-Ray examination. The Coroner: You made no objection to that? Witness: Certainly not. She added that Mr Crofts was downstairs on Friday morning, but he had had some difficulty in getting from his bedroom. On Friday night he was very restless, but suddenly sat up and said, 'Come along and let us have a game of bridge. It will be long time before we have another.' They had a game of bridge, but he went a funny colour - a bluey grey. 'I thought he was dying,' she added. 'He returned to bed,' Mrs Crofts continued, 'and then I could see he was going. I said, 'he is dying,' and dashed round to the telephone and rang up the doctor.'
The Coroner: Have you ever known your husband to take any medicine or drugs other than those prescribed for him? Witness: No. Your husband would know where to find any drug if he wanted one? - I do not think he knew much about the drugs. He could not read the Latin labels. The poisons were kept in a cabinet, which was locked. Mrs Crofts said that her husband had an attack in the middle of April and fell down. 'I have never seen anything like it,' she said. 'He was fighting for air, I thought he was dying then.'
Replying to Mr R H C Parker (for the relatives) Mrs Crofts said that her husband was concerned in a case about a dog some time ago, and it broke his heart. He received a lot of anonymous letters and worried right up to the end. Answering Mr Parker, she said that both her sister and herself had some of the porridge which Mr Crofts had had for breakfast.
Mrs Emily Pounce, of Gibbons Road, Wolverhampton, sister of Mrs Crofts, said that she had an idea for the last 2 years, and particularly in the last 6 months. She visited her sister last Thursday, and was surprised to see Mr Crofts looking so well. She expected to find him in the last stages. She made the porridge on Friday morning. She returned home on Friday, and at 6am on Monday received a message from her sister saying, 'Ernest gone. Will you come.'
Dr J O Priestley said that he first saw Mr Crofts in February at the request of Mrs Crofts. He was suffering from gastritis and a chill and made a slow recovery. 'At no time did I think he was likely to die in the near future,' said the doctor. 'On several occasions Mrs Crofts said to me that he was very ill and likely to die.' On April 15 and 24 she hold him her husband was dying. On April 30 she said that her husband was very ill and could not live long. 'I repeated that I must have a second opinion if I was to continue with the case,' said the witness. 'She said she would think it over.'
[Edition of 9 May says jury reached natural causes verdict without the need to retire to consider a verdict]
08 May 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Harry Myers of Church Rd fined for dangerous drvining
09 May 1936 Stopped Funeral: No Trace of poison News Chronicle
"Heart disease, says specialist. Natural causes verdict. A verdict of death from natural causes was returned at the inquest yesterday on Ernest Edgar Crofts (74) of Longfield, near Dartford, Kent, whose funeral was stopped on Thursday a few hourse before the time fixed for the service.
The doctor who attended Mr Crofts said he was unable to diagnose the cause of death and suspected poisoning. Dr Arthur Davies, a Harley Street specialist who made the post mortem examination, told the coroner there was nothing to suggest poisoning.
Opening the inquest, the coroner said that the dead man was a retired postman and his wife a qualified pharmaceutical chemist. Mr Crofts had been under medical treatment since the end of February. The doctor had difficulty in diagnosing the trouble from which Mr Crofts suffered, and on Friday last it was decided that he should, on the following day, go into hospital for observation. Before that could be done he died suddenly on Saturday.
The coroner pointed out that the inquest had been fixed for Friday afternoon without any knowledge of the funeral arrangements having been made. 'In fact', he said, 'I had no knowledge that the funeral arrangements had been started, and therefore there was no question of stopping the funeral, excepting, of course that this could not take place without the death certificate.'
Mrs Crofts said that her husband had not been well during the last few months. His illness began in February and he had been under the care of Dr Priestley. He kept his bed for a little while, but would get up at short periods. The Coroner: Was he better or worse the week before his death? - He seemed to get down in health. He did not take his food very well and had had very little for some time. He had a tonic which Dr Priestley prescribed and which she made up from a book of formulas. On Friday night he was very restive, but suddenly sat up and said, 'Come along and let us have a game of bridge. It will be long time before we have another.' He sat up and they had a game of bridge, but he went a funny colour - a bluey grey. 'I thought he was dying,' she added. 'He returned to bed,' Mrs Crofts continued, 'and then I could see he was going. I said, 'he is dying,' and dashed round to the telephone and rang up the doctor. The doctor came shortly afterwards.' She had never known her husband take drugs. Poisons in her shop were kept in a cabinet which was locked.
Replying to Mr RHC Parker, for the relatives, Mrs Crofts said that her husband was concerned in a case some time ago and it broke his heart. Mr Parker: I understand that he received a lot of anonymous letters? - Yes. The case was one of killing a dog by improper means. Her husband worried right up to the end.
Dr J O Priestley, who had attended Mr Crofts, said he told Mrs Crofts that he would require to have another opinion on the case. He called in Dr Hasler, and they decided Mr Crofts should be taken into hospital for observation. Before that could be done he died. The Coroner: Have you any reason to suspect that Crofts has taken any drugs or poison of any kind? Dr Priestley again hesitated for a few moments, and then replied quietly: 'Yes'. Crofts, he added, had said to him: 'You are not poisoning me, are you?' On a subsequent occasion he said: 'This is another Nurse Waddingham case.' [This refers to the case of Dorothea Waddingham, who was hanged a few weeks previously for murdering a patient who had written a will in her favour. In the Waddingham case there was clear medical proof of poising]. His presecriptions, he said, were not written, but verbal. 'You must have had great confidence in Mrs Crofts, then,' commented the coroner.
Dr Arthur Davies, pathologist, of Harley Street, who made a post mortem examination, said that he found signs of heart disease in Mr Crofts. The coroner: Any suggestion of irritant poisoning may be elimated? - My examination shows no sign of irritant or corrosive poisoning. Do you think as a result of your examination, that he might have been wandering at times? - The condition I found would certainly be associated with a definite impairment of his mind and body. The condition of Mr Crofts was quite consistent with death from natural causes."
09 May 1936 Poison Notes killed my husband Daily Mirror
"Life made misery by unknown writer.
Longfield (Kent), Friday. 'These poisonous letters killed my husband as truly as if the writers of them had given him poison'. Her eyes flashing with scorn, Mrs Dorothy Crofts, the woman chemist, of Longfield, said these dramatic words to me soon after the verdict of death from natural causes had been recorded at the inquest on her husband at Dartford today.
The funeral of her husband, Mr Ernest Edgar Crofts, a 74 year old retired Post Office official, was stopped yesterday by order of the coroner.
As I stood chatting with Mrs Crofts, a 41 year old blonde, neighbours kept coming into the little shop to shake her by the hand and say how glad they were that her ordeal was over.
The poisonous letters of which Mrs Crofts spoke were received by Mr Crofts after a police court case concerning a dog which had been brought to the shop to be destroyed. It was alleged that the dog was treated cruelly. 'The truth about the dog,' Mrs Crofts tole me, 'was that both my husband and I left it for dead, but some spark of life must have remained in it, and it was later found suffering. Had we known, we would never have dreamed of leaving it in that condition. I have often put cats and dogs to sleep out of kindness for people, but I shall never kill another animal for anybody. When these letter began to come, it hurt my husband terribly, for he was a most tender hearted man. When they continued - nearly 200 of them - they made his life a misery. They broke his heart. They were not not written by Longfield people - nobody who knew him could have written them. I am sure the people of Longfield have not indulged in malicious gossip about him, they have been very kind to me, but there has been this post mortem and the inquest. It has all be very terrible for me. My husband and I were just happy simple people.'
With Mrs Crofts was her sister, Mrs Pounce. 'It is all over now my dear,' said Mrs Pounce. Mrs Crofts, despite the fact that her eyes were weary from lack of sleep, and her face drawn with suffering, managed to smile back at her sister, and say how grateful she was for all the comfort Mrs Pounce had given to her. 'And now let us have a cup of tea,' she added.] Article includes picture of Mrs Crofts behind the chemist shop counter.
15 May 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Dr Priestley witness at inquest of E Crofts of Longfield
15 May 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Sanitary committee for Hartley, Fawkham, Ash, Kingsdown
22 May 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Miss M Baker exhibited at W Kent Art Society exhibition
12 Jun 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
All Saints - complaints about burial fees see also 10/7/1936
26 Jun 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Congregational Church - 1st wedding - Henry D MacDonald of Newbury, Ash Road
26 Jun 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
W H Baldwin of Gorsewood Rd injured in motorbike accident
26 Jun 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
William Ball of Haselhurst (Haselholt) fined for driving without licence
10 Jul 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Telephone box to be placed on site of old pond in Ash Rd
17 Jul 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
4 convicted of breaking into Hartley Cooperative Stores see also 24/7/1936 & 31/7/1936
23 Jul 1936 Local News in Brief Times
Chauffeur Mechanic requires situation, aged 32 married, 12 years exp detailed
31 Jul 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Bermondsey BC objects to Dartford RDC's planning scheme re Fairby grange
31 Jul 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Guides - Miss J Fielder captain, wants more members
21 Aug 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Frank E Hewitt fined for not paying employer's NI contributions
02 Oct 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
All Saints/Congregational Church - Harvest Services
02 Oct 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Industrial Cooperative Society Ltd - 240 members
23 Oct 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Miss June Worsley to play piano on radio Childrens Hour
23 Oct 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Death of Emily Fiore (17), parlourmaid at Fairby Grange
03 Nov 1936 Money in Dustbin for Safety Belfast Telegraph
"Fearing thieves who were known to have been operating in the district, a girl shop assistant in London Road, Borough, London SE, put the day's takings in the dustbin when she closed the shop for the night.
When she arrived the next morning the dustbin had been cleared by the scavengers. She reported the matter to the owner of the shop, who hurried agitatedly to the refuse depot.
But the Southwark Borough Council is expeditious with its refuse disposal; the consignment had already been loaded into trucks. Where amongst the 200 tons of unwanted trifles wer the day's takings?
The scavengers got busy and traced the refuse from London Road to a certain truck out of the 40 that had been loaded so far. A man put in a day's hard work and eventually, nearly at the bottom of the truck he found a cardboard box. The money was intact.
'It is remarkable how we meet with success in cases such as this,' Mr CF Tyne of the Borough Engineer's Department, told a reporter. 'Some people are foolish enough to regard the dustbin as a safe deposit. I remember a case in which the wife of a tradesman put the takings, about £6 in the dustbin for the weekend. The husband knew nothing about it, and on Monday morning he actually helped the Council employees to carry the dustbin away. Fortunately within an hour the fact came to light, and the money was found at our place at Longfield, Kent."
20 Nov 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Col Frances C Willes (48) of June Hill accused of drink driving, (acquitted 12.12.36))
11 Dec 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Mrs Elizabeth T McDanell of the Knoll, Church Rd
25 Dec 1936 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
W H Chisholm retires as Church organist after 14 years
15 Jan 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Gillian Worsley (16) of Manor Drive broadcasts on Regional Programme
10 Feb 1937 Motor Cyclist Killed Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Accidental death was the verdict at an inquest at the County Hospital, Farnborough, yesterday on Leonard Arthur Prosser, 25, milk roundsman, of Palm Avenue, Foots Cray, who died in the hospital on Monday from multiple injuries sustained in a collision between his motorcycle and a bus at Sidcup Hill, Sidcup, earlier that same day.
Evidence was given to the effect that Prosser, who was motorcycling uphill, drew out from behind a bus and collided with another coming down the hill.
The jury assisting Deputy Coroner, Mr W A Thomson, expressed the opinion that the driver of the second bus, George F Baker, of Longfield, Kent, was not to blame."
19 Feb 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Clifford W Nairn of Elm Cottage, Church Rd 78. Funeral Chronicle 26/2/37
12 Mar 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Husband and wife from Gorsewood Road charged with mortgage fraud. Another also charged19/3/1937, 26/3/1937,16/4/1937; 4/6/1937 - husband jailed
12 Mar 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Robert Roy Burnsten-Wilson (39) and another charged with mortgage fraud (19.3.37) - wife Maud charged too; also 26.3.37,16.4.37); (4.6.37) - Robert jailed)
16 Apr 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Players "The Young Idea" (report and picture)
21 May 1937 Motor Cyclist's Fatal Collision Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Albert Edward Hawes, aged 27, of 15 Bridge Road, Orpington, died in the county hospital Farnborough, on Monday following a collision between his motorcycle and a car, in Orpington bypass, just south of Provost Road, on Wednesday last week - Coronation Day. The car, the driver of which was James Reginald Webster of Church Road, Hartley, near Longfield, is said to have been stationary at the time of the accident. Hawes received terrible head injuries. Sidney Sales, aged 20, of 1 Brookmead Way, Orpington, who was riding pillion, sustained a broken right arm and was also taken to hospital. An inquest will be held. The funeral of Mr Hawes has been arranged to take place at Orpington Churchyard tomorrow at 10.30 am following a service in the house. Messrs J Humerston & Sons Ltd are the undertakers."
28 May 1937 Coronation Day Crash Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"A vivid description of an accident at Orpington by-pass road, near Poverest Road Crossing, about 5.30pm on Coronation Day, when a motorcyclist sustained fatal injuries, was given at the inquest at the County Hospital, Farnborough, on Friday, by a special constable, Herbert Henry Colyer, who was on duty at the time.
The motorcyclist, Albert Ernest Hawes, journeyman painter and decorator of 15 Bridge Road, Orpington, recieved multiple injuries in collision with a stationary car, the driver of which was James Reginald Webster, of Church Road ,Hartley, near Longfield. Hawes died in hospital on Monday, May 17th. Sydney Sales of 1 Brookmead Road, Orpington, who was riding pillion on the motorcycle, also had serious head injuries and was unable to give evidence.
'The car came over the crossing, travelling very slowly', said special constable Colyer, a domestic gardener, of 31 Hearns Rise, St Pauls Cray, 'The motorcycle was then about 100 to 120 yards away. Just before reaching the car breaker's yard on the opposite side of the road, the driver of the car put out his right hand as a warning that he was going to stop, which he did.'
Witness was questioned as to the sign given, as he at first indicated a 'turn right' sign. He said he corrected the sign, adding that he clearly understood that the car driver intended to stop. The car stopped 18 inch to 2 feet from the kerb.
'When the motorcyclist got about three parts over the crossing,' continued witness, 'he turned his head over his left shoulder, as though to speak ot his passenger. He was travelling very slowly. He continued to do that until he was 15 to 20 feet from the car, when he suddenly turned his head towardds the front. He hit the near side of the car. The pillion rider was thrown into the air and toppled backwards. The driver of the cycle held onto the handlebars and as the hind part of the machine lifted, his head went through the rear window of the car. His body lifted from the machine but fell back again, and, as the cycle toppled over to the right, he went over with it, still holding the handlebars.'
Mr W A Thompson, deputy coroner for West Kent, remarked that the pillion passenger had stated that the car turned to the right. Witness: 'No sir.'
Mr Webster, a taxi driver, said he looked in his mirror before stopping, but did not see the motorcyclist. He definitely gave a stop signal. 'I had been there at least a minute - long enough to take out my pocket book - when I felt something more a snap than a smash. The glass partition in the car deadened the sound.'
The coroner said the pillion rider had stated that the car slowed down, but instead of stopping, turned across the road to the offside at an angle of about 45 degrees.
Henry Joseph Hawes, clerk, a brother of the dead man, said that his brother was conscious when the witness visited him in hospital, but was unable to remember anything of the accident.
Dr J F Hackwood, medical superintendent at the County Hospital, said that deceased sustained a facture of the skull, nasal bone and lower and upper jaw.
The jury, after retiring, returned a verdict of Accidental Death."
28 May 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Bankruptcy of Maud Bernsten-Wilson of Beauval, Gorsewood Road. Liabilities £3,464, assets £59. She said she had 150 shares in HA Clarke Ltd that had built a number of homes in the Longfield area and in Jubilee Stores and Hartley Pharmacy, now closed
04 Jun 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Oddfellows fete at meadow behind Hartley Cooperative Society
04 Jun 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Dartford RDC has 40 houses in Longfield, none in arrears of rent
11 Jun 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Congregational Church - thanksgiving service for raising of purchase money see also 18/6./1937
02 Jul 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Bus in Church Rd has upper desk windows broken by bough of tree
03 Jul 1937 Local News in Brief Kent Messenger
Overhanging branch breaks windows in upper deck of bus in Church Road. Glass scattered on 2 passengers but no-one hurt
10 Jul 1937 Local News in Brief Kent Messenger
Funeral of Mrs A Morris of Hartley Bottom, aged 81, at All Saints
30 Jul 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Hartley Manor - Barn fire, fought by Horton Kirby Fire Brigade, assisted by locals with buckets of water.
31 Jul 1937 Local News in Brief Kent Messenger
Large barn at Hartley Manor Farm belonging to Derick Dallen of June Hill, containing hay and agricultural implements, destroyed by fire, Horton Kirby Fire Brigade attend
06 Aug 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Sir Stephen Tallents - Defoe did not live in Hartley, Dartford
06 Aug 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Retirement of Longfield Postman Edmund Crouch (pictured) after 44 years; walked 20 miles pd, about 335,000 in all
06 Aug 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Patrick J Mclnerny of Hampton Cottage, Hartley Green fined for assaulting unemployment officer
13 Aug 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Miss Bouchers shop in Church Rd broken into, two convicted see also 22/10/1937, 20/8/1937
27 Aug 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Theodore Mees of W Kingsdown fined - insufficient brakes
27 Aug 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Patrick Mclnerny of Hartley Green fined - no dog licence
28 Aug 1937 Local News in Brief Kent Messenger
Longfield & Dist Flower show. Gladys Cherry of Hartley CofE school wins prize for best bouquet of wild flowers
08 Oct 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
B J White, cricket captain, moving to Stratford on Avon
08 Oct 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Longfield Parish Council complains of fireworks being let off on highway
29 Oct 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
George Ripley of 2 New Hayes Cottages - no dog licence
11 Nov 1937 Local News in Brief Times
Mr & Mrs Middleton organising sports holidays to Braunwald, seek applicants to join "jolly party".
12 Nov 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
England Cricketer, Andy Sandham, visited Country Club
10 Dec 1937 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Longfield Parish Meeting - question about sale of cricket ground. Messrs D & K Woodward said cricket club had first refusal "That condition is final and cannot be altered. If that condition is not upheld, there won't be a sale". Concerns about cost of fencing said to be as high as £100.
14 Jan 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Gift of land by Harry Groom of Hartley Manor for burial ground
28 Jan 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Discharge from bankruptcy for Archibald Robson and Edgar Holman
11 Feb 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Ancient documents suggest Hartley parish owned land near Black Lion
11 Feb 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Forge Cottage - meeting "Present World conditions in relations to ourselves in the light of the Scriptures"
18 Feb 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Frances Walker of Moulton Abbot fined for careless driving
11 Mar 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
George W West of Orchardside, Ash Rd - fined for careless placing of poisoned meat
11 Mar 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Dennis P Austin (15) of Manor Drive dies in rabbit shooting tragedy
18 Mar 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Herbert P Austin of Manor Drive fined for driving without lights
25 Mar 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Edward O Jones of Kchana, Gorse Way - cycling without reflector
01 Apr 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Margaret N Tate - first baby born at Dartford RDC Nursing Home
08 Apr 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Arnold Clark of Church Rd - cycled without lights at New Barn
06 May 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Road widening between School and War Memorial approved
15 May 1938 Life Passes By Reynolds's Newspaper
"Two men knocked at the cottage door of Mrs Jones, a widow of Ogmore Vale yesterday. One was the postman with a letter from a son in which were fiver £1 notes - joy. The other was the village policeman. He came to tell her another son had been killed while working at Hartley, near Dartford, in Kent. He fell 130 ft down a well, slipping from a platform. Mother fainted - the £1 notes fluttered away."
[This was probably the construction of the Hartley Pumping Station]
18 May 1938 Well Sinker's Fatal Fall Western Mail
"A verdict of accidental death was returned at the inquest at Dartford on Tuesday on Edgar Thomas Jones, aged 34, a well sinker, of Suffolk Place, Ogmore Vale, who was killed when he fell 120 feet down a well at a new waterworks being constructed at Hartley, near Dartford, on Friday afternoon. It was stated that Jones, with 2 other men, were on one side of the platform 10 feet from the top of the well cementing the side when the platform tipped up. Jones fell off, but the other two grabbed the side and climbed to the surface."
10 Jun 1938 Hartley Country Club Cricket 2nds Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"Hartley Country Club 2nd v Chislehurst 2nd. At Hartley on Saturday. Chislehurst failed against the bowling of Harris 9 for 17. Hartley passed the visitors' total without losing a wicket but later lost wickets cheaply to the bowling of Spooner (4 for 7) and Plevin (4 for 25)." Chislehurst 2nd - 43 all out. Hartley 2nd 85 all out (Sheppard 22, Rose 29)
15 Jul 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Complaint about post address being changed to Dartford
29 Jul 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
George Ripley of New Hayes Cottages - no dog licence
05 Aug 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
John T Warren of Southview, Church Rd - cycling without lights
05 Aug 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
David Copus (79) and Edith Pope (39) to wed (see also 19.8.38))
26 Aug 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Edward O Jones of Elderberry Cott, Gorse Way - dangerous dog
09 Sep 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Obituary of Capt James W Webster of Church Rd (72)
20 Sep 1938 Local News in Brief Times
Electricity tariffs to be reduced to Hartley, Fawkham, Longfield, Ash from 1d to ¾d a unit
23 Sep 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
The Heritage of Kent - Ash, Stansted, Ridley, Hartley etc
23 Sep 1938 Reduction in Rates for Electricity Supply Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"West Kent Electric Supply Co Ltd - in the parishes of Ash, Chelsfield, Cudham, Darenth, Downe, Eynsford, Farningham, Fawkham, Hartley, Horton Kirby, Kingsdown, Knockholt, Longfield, Lullingstone, Ridley, Southfleet, Sutton at Hone and Wilmington. Business and Domestic Two Part Tariff: Unit charge from 1d to 3/4d. Business two part tariff: Fixed charge from 7/6 to 6/3 per quarter per 100 watts of installed lighting (5/9 in the rest of the company's area)" From 4th quarter of 1938. Offices at Orpington, Petts Wood, Hayes and Barnehurst.
30 Sep 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
All Saints/Congregational Church - Harvest Festival
30 Sep 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Marriage of Gladys I Parkin of The Laburnums, Church Rd
06 Oct 1938 Holiday Advert Times
Mr & Mrs Middleton organising sports holidays to Braunwald, seek applicants to join "jolly party".
07 Oct 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
To let: 3 bedrm "charming country bungalow" - 20/- pw
28 Oct 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Herbert P Austin (21) of Manor Drive - stole ladder
28 Oct 1938 Chislehurst Division History Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"With the title of 'Ourselves' Miss Eira Barker of Hartley, near Dartford, has written a book giving the history of the Chislehurst Parliamentary Division. In 1924 there were 33,000 electors in the division; now there are about 110,000. Copies of the book (2s each) are obtainable from Miss Eira Barker, Heortlea, Hartley, near Dartford."
04 Nov 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Florence M Balchin of Red House, Ash Rd - car accident
11 Nov 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Herbert P Austin unsuccessfully applied to have driving ban lifted.
11 Nov 1938 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Wilfred Mansfield of Woodview - neglected chickens
02 Dec 1938 Big Whist Drive: Conservatives' Divisional Final Bromley & West Kent Mercury
"59 tables were occupied at Chislehurst Divisional Constitutional Association whist final at Orpington Village Hall on Thursday last week…." (boxes of cigarettes given to organisers) "… Prizewinners were as follows: Ladies: 1 Mrs W Clark, Hartley; 2 Mrs D Goodwin, Hartley.....Gentlemen: 1 Mr Storer, Hartley; 2 Mr C Goodwin, Hartley; 3 Mr F Goodwin, Hartley...."
06 Jan 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Austin W Jukes (25) of Sanroque, Fairby Lane - stole car
10 Feb 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Dartford RDC - census for rural billeting completed
17 Mar 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Large feature on Hartley and Fawkham by "A Modern Chronicler"
25 Mar 1939 Hint to Law Society Rockhampton (Queensland) Evening News
"After a jury at the Old Bailey, London, had acquitted Peter Gordon Holloway, 21, a solicitor's articled clerk, of Longfield, Kent, charged with the manslaughter of William Henry Wilkinson, road sweeper, Mr Justice Graves-Lord said he thought they had acted rightly.
Wilkinson was fatally injured by a car in Peckham High Street on November 4.
Holloway, who was found guilty of dangerous driving, was stated to be of the highest character. Mr Justice Graves-Lord: 'The evidence of character is one to which I ought to pay attention. I hope this will be acase where the Law Society will not think it necessary to add any other burden to what I have to do. I would not dream of sending you to prison,' he added, 'but one's sense of the offence must be marked, and that will be done by a fine of £25 and a suspension for 2 years of your driving license.'
Holloway had stated that his car collided with Wilkinson's barrow as the result of a skid."
[Daily Mirror 20.1.1939 has shorter article, says he was convicted of dangerous driving and had not stopped after accident, he said he had no idea he'd hit anyone.]
14 Apr 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Wedding of Nora Mary Gayes [1913-2002] to Hartley Cricket club member
28 Apr 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
hartley Players "Forced Landing" (30th production)
02 Jun 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Dartford Rural ARP - local arrangements for Hartley
20 Jun 1939 Local News in Brief Times
Letter about Indian States from prince of Nandgaon State of Old Downs School
07 Jul 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Church Rd - part to be widened; passing places at St Johns Lane
06 Oct 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Lectures on Home Nursing to form Red Cross Detachment
13 Oct 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Plaque, gift of Miss Robertson, attached to war memorial
13 Oct 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Education - complaints that not all evacuated children attend school
20 Oct 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Cub Pack formed; Congregational Church Boys Club reformed
27 Oct 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Dr Archibald George of Grafton House attends rail accident
27 Oct 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Eileen Gurne, land army girl of 3 The Parade, Ash Rd, in accident
10 Nov 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Air Raid Shelter planned for school; canteen for evacuated children at school planned
17 Nov 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Film Production "Brick Fields" being filmed at Hartley
15 Dec 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
George S Mainprize (47) [1893-1963] of Blue Cottage, Gorse Way - accused of stealing coal from Hartley Cooperative Society
15 Dec 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Peter A Mainprize of Blue Cottage - no bicycle lights
22 Dec 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
Harold Stevens of New Hayes Cottages - no bicycle lights
29 Dec 1939 Local News in Brief Dartford Chronicle
William G Mallard of 2 The Parade, Ash Rd - horses straying on road