Post by Les on Dec 4, 2017 17:26:42 GMT
Country: New Zealand Maidstone I remember it well:
I remember the barges with their red sails bringing timber,corn etc up to the bridge, timber for Smythes yard by the bridge. As a lad in Dad's Army, my father was our sergeant,
guarding Maidstone Bridge determined to fight the Hun. Lucky for me none ever ventured near,just as well with a 303 and 6 rounds they wouldn't have stood a chance.
We saved the river Shirley for you to enjoy your boating. I lived in Tovil so enjoyed the use of Avery's skiffs. About midnight on HG duty we heard two matelots scrambling over the coal heap next to the bridge,
they been on the town and went to sleep it off by the river and fell in. The police came to the rescue and got them cleaned up and rested and promised would be back at Chatham in time to return to their ship.!942
I was called to the forces but not the army, must have heard from the Royal West Kents I wasn.t much of a shot. Cheers.
I learned from Philip the name of the teacher who enjoyed wielding the ruler edge across my fingers 79 years ago. I took action by running away several times, Mr Naylor a kind neigbour gave me a penny to get home,
he worked in a bicycle shop. Halfords? nearby. I soon found myself learning at Tovil infants where kindly Miss Brittain? was the head. Enjoyed it there before I went to South Borough with mostly great teachers for the times.
At least I have some good memories of it. Cheers.
Haven't read about the Palace cinema in Gabriels Hill, it was opposite The Golden shoe shop and the Ship Inn, landlady nice but tough,Everyone enjoyed her beer and behaved themselves the stinking atmosphere from the smokers
of a cinema visit the beer tasted even better. Back in the 30-40's the Empire cinema in Earl St. was known as the bughutch and Mr.Feast constantly shouted "keep quiet in the tuppenies' and shone his torch on the culprits.
The pennies sat on the forms at the front and came out with a stiff neck after watching the film from almost 180 degrees I experienced that, good practice for watching our boys win the Battle of Britain fight.
Anyone remember Fishy Baker's just below the Palace?great meal in a bag for a tanner. Cheers.
Thank you Rene, I did mention the Palace in Gabriels Hill in the cinema page but I had forgotten about the fish and chip shop though. Thanks for the reminder
By chance just read Reflections. one submission, can only guess the author. Until we get some guts back in society, bury the do gooders and the PC brigade we will never fix the social problems.
Our mealy mouthed politicians, so worried about votes and encouraging the lower sociology economic group have contributed to the social problems of today. ie.encouraging even children to have no consequence
for bad behaviour, no work ethic, why work when the taxpayer will pay you to stop at home and booze, gamble or drup up.
Young girls have a baby and t/p's will fund you, so much that no problem if you slip up again and again.Break into a house, get beaten up by the husband and he will go to gaol, you will get a wet bus ticket slap
or at most full free board and warm bed in a comfortable place for a short spell,inclusive of TV and you don't even have to work.
Will encourage you to carry on with your criminal ways. The poor police have had their powers taken away, their numbers dwindled and under funded. Teachers,parents etc. are in the same boat.
We are now pestered with families that are now second and even third generation who have never had a job and kept themselves. Is it any wonder that we have our social problems? Have some guts people,don't put
up with it, write to your MP's and the Prime Minister, if anyone uses offensive language etc. in front of your wife or kids say something to the offenders of any age, in fact don't put up with any anti social behaviour.
I don't and so far it has been successful and I know it is risky but it is cowardly to not make your protest about these low lifes that been have thrust on us by the do gooders.
Alas I talking about NZ but I believe Britain is suffering the same malady. DO SOMTHING.
I really didn't think it was that bad in NZ thought it was only over here in UK. Please move back to UK Rene and I will vote for you.