Post by Les on Dec 10, 2017 19:33:58 GMT
Maidstone I remember it well:
I was searching online for something for my father, still alive and kicking living near the old haunt The Rose. How strange it was to fall upon this page and see comments and names half forgotten and long buried in the depth of my brain! Some fond memories brought back by the words of entries on this page made me smile briefly.
St Pauls - ah the Jeyes Fluid – I wondered why I always hated the smell now I know how I got that phobia along with the claustrophobia caused by the high windows and not being able to see out! Thanks for the entry above you helped me settle that origin! North Borough – Maypole dancing was good fun and who remembers the air raid siren on it’s regular check to make sure it still worked but I can never forget being humiliated by the headmaster infront of the whole class –
lovely man but put the fear of god in me! Then there was the day I cried my heart out when I knew I had failed the 11 plus and was doomed to go the Vinters Girls School (otherwise known as the “College of Knowledge” and not for academic subjects!). Too much to say on Vinters so I will say nothing except I rebelled and at 17 made my escape.
I return for a brief spell when I was 20, when I tried commuting to London to work, awful experience. Early rise and a walk to the Maidstone East, standing room only all l the way and back in the evening, followed by the long walk up the hill with a quick drink in the Rose on the way (shame the Rose has gone), then it was bed by 9 or 10 to be ready for the next morning.
But my happiest memories are still the simple things like a cycle up to Boxley, the Pilgrims Way and the North Downs with a picnic. Penenden Heath for Tennis, putting or a walk with the dog.
The fascinating history in so many village churches around about. Playing rounders in the street – no chance now too many cars parked! But the call of the countryside and the open space was for me so I left again to work abroad.
When I returned to the UK (minus the Kentish accent) it seemed Maidstone was changing and expanding so I headed to the wilds of Scotland. That was 1978 (I think!). I don't regret moving to Scotland, it was right for me, but I have regretted the loss of contact with all the people and places I had known and grown up with.
To those who stayed, you are the lucky ones to have your roots and your memories. Maidstone is not a bad place and has lots of good things going for it. It’s history, origins and sense of place today is in your hands and I wish you all the best.
Hi Diana just in passing I'm sure there was a Carmody at St. Francis in my time. Probably most of the people looking at this site no longer live in Maidstone so its as much about fond memories of young days as much as of Maidstone itself.
I no longer live in Maidstone myself although I do have a business there in Willington Street. Thanks for looking anyway and all the best, Peter