1927 News
History > Newspaper Stories 1900 - 2000 > 1920-1929
03 Jan 1927 Times
Old Downs School
"Expert coaching for all examinations for Army, Navy, Universities and professions. Many successes. Prospectus from Mr J R Stickland MA Cantab Wrangler, The Old Downs, Hartley"
15 Jan 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Parish Meeting
(1) Steep Hill [Castle Hill] has been repaired at request of last meeting. (2) Hartley Green "A plan by the Rural Council for treating the Green aroused a brisk discussion. Under the scheme put forward the Green will be planted with shrubs and arranged with gravel paths, provision also being made for a depot and a certain amount of road widening. The chairman said his first feeling was strong opposition to the alteration as he felt that an open piece of grass afforded children their only playground. The Surveyor, however, had urged that at present the Green could only be regarded as a death trap, as the children coming out of school naturally rushed across the road to the Green. Accidents to children frequently arose in such circumstances and the real interests of the children would be met by the proposal. Mr Gray said that whatever was done the meeting should refuse to accept the plan if a stone depot was included. Stones on the Green had always been a menace. Mr Symons moved the adoption of the council's proposal, but with the stipulation that the depot be omitted. Mrs Oldrey, who seconded, suggested that there was a prospect of a recreation ground being provided, in which case the children would not be without a playing field. The resolution was carried." (3) Electricity. "Mr Tate speaking on the question of electricity supply reported that he had an interview iwth the General Manager and Chief Engineer of the West Kent Electric Co who stated, after surveying the neighbourhood that they concluded the supply of current impracticable. Mr Tate pointed out that the Company obtained recently a confirmation of the official order giving them the right to supply the area, defeating the Gravesend Council's appllication. The company's officials however argued that a supply from Gravesend was just as impossible as the revenue would be insufficient in either case. Special conditions has enabled the parent company from which the West Kent Company took their supply to deliver current in the Cobham district. Finally the Company could undertake no great extension of mains until the scheme of the Electricity Act 1926 had been made public. This act authorised the provision of a network of electric mains over the whole country under government auspices, involving a total outlay of over £30,000,000 and until this scheme was defined the Company felt unable to move. He regretted their hopes of securing electricity had been disappointed. Dr Welch moved and Mr Sizmur seconded that the South Suburban Gas Company be approached as to the possibility of supplying gas in the district. The Gas Company already had powers in Longfield and might be willing to act if assured of a demand. The motion was carried. (4) Motions carried to ask Fairby Grange and the Primary School to remove trees obstructing Ash Road.
05 Feb 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Car for Sale
"Standard 9hp, 2 seater, dickey, 1914; offers; Culvey Down, Hartley"
12 Feb 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Youth and the Charleston
(poor quality photocopy) "Socially Longfield goes unnoticed in the floodtide of modernity, as its youth does not Charleston. This must be one of the few spots on the globe where flaming youth blushes at the mention of the word. But don't blame the youth. Charleston they would and perhaps Charleston they will. Without being critical, one must point an accusing, but not too accusing finger at those who in their youth danced the valeta and polka. One must accuse them of unintentionally driving away the Charleston because they have not got their house in order. The house, the Village Hall has not been used for the Terpsichorean art for many a day. The reason is a mere trifle. The beastly heating arrangement has been out of order and no-one has had the energy or [.......] to get it repaired or to organise a dance. Thus does the youth go unattended. Maybe one of these days, their spirits will revolt against the medieval tone of the village. They will conquer the bad? and Charleston to their hearts' content. Till then cannot the Hall Committee cater for their need [rest badly faded, something about billiards table] AC."
Land to Let
"Land to let for grazing - 40 acres of good pasture land adjoining Fawkham Station, rental 30s per acre. Apply Woodward, Hartley Manor Farm, Longfield. Phone Longfield 37."
19 Feb 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Servant Wanted
"General wanted; fond of children; small family; help given; comfortable home. Mrs Ralph Day, New House, Hartley."
Nursery Business
"Evergreen laurels, scotch firs, spruce firs, larch firs, Rosemary, Lavender, Snowberry, Silver Birch, Cherry Plum, Bird Cherry, Ash, Elms, Beech, Poplars, Laburnums, Cypresses, Quince, Broom; all above 4s per dozen, 30s per 100. Apple, Pear, Plum and Cherry Trees, 15s per dozen, 100s per 100. Blackcurrant, Redcurrant, Gooseberry bushes, 2s 6d dozen, 16s per 100. Inspection invited any day, Sunday excepted. Packing free, on rail free, cash with order. James Brown, Hartley, Longfield, Kent."
20 Feb 1927 Reynolds's Newspaper
Three Years for Motorist who Assaulted a Girl
"While Cecilia Waters (21), a wardmaid at a Lee Hospital, was waiting for a tram (sic) at Fawkham to take her home to Dartford on December 28, Charles Archie Allen (19), a plumber's mate, offered to driver her home. She accepted his offer. The sequel was heard at the Kent Assizes yesterday, when he was sentenced to 3 years' penal servitude for criminally assaulting her. It was stated that he stopped on the way, and attracted by the girl's screams, two men went to her assistance, and Allen made off on his machine."
25 Feb 1927 Dartford Chronicle
When Wagon Meets Lorry
"Messrs Martin and Stilles, haulage contractors, Strood, sued William Sale of Hartley, for £3 17s 6d damages. Mr N Haynes appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr H Goff for defendant.
The action arose out of a collision between the plaintiff's steam waggon and defendant's lorry, damage being done to the amount claimed.
William Russell of Rochester, said on July 15th 1926, he was driving a steam waggon along Watling Street towards Crayford, and was going about 7mph. A motor lorry, coming in the same direction as private motor, passed in the opposite direction. The lorry struck the cabin of the steam waggon in passing. It was not true that he turned out of his course - he kept on a straight one. The mark of wheels pointed out after the accident was not witness's.
In reply to Mr Goff witness denied that he swerved out.
Alfred Culley, mate to last witness, said they were about 18 inches from the kerb, and the other lorry cut in and caught their cab. He turned too sharply as he passed. If he had kept straight on he would have had plenty of room. Russell did not swerve at all. There was plenty of room for defendant to pass.
William Sale of Hartley, said he was travelling along Watling Street, and as he was going to pass a steam waggon he gave warning, but driver of the steam waggon swerved out. After he had passed he glanced round and saw plaintiff signalling to him, and he stopped and went back. He did not feel any impact, and showed plaintiff how his wheel marks came out, and thought it was because there was a bad patch in the road. His own wheel marks shewed a straight course. It was not because he cut in, but because plaintiff turned out.
Judgement was given for plaintiff."
05 Mar 1927 Times
Family Announcement
Birth of dau to Cdr Thomas and Joan Mallet Morgan (The Birches, Ash Road)
12 Mar 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
New Licenses Refused
(Dartford Magistrates) "Mr Hugh Goff applied on behalf of Mr S H [Sidney Horie] Ellerington [of Rose Cottage, 61 or 63, Essex Road], who holds a beer licence, for an off licence to sell wine and spirits at his premises in Station Road, Longfield. Mr Tatham, opposing, said people could easily get what they wanted from the Railway Tavern, which was only a stone's throw away, or from the Black Lion or other places. Mr Arthur Adams, Longfield, Assistant Overeer, said the Overseers had instructed him to say that in their opinion the licence was necessary. The Chairman remarked that he was surprised to hear that they took such a step in their official capacity. Persons so positive might have come to speak for themselves. Mr Tatham suggested the overseers were concerned about most was an increase in their rateable value. Mr Goff submitted that the overseers had taken the proper course. Supt Fowle: I am instructed by the Chief Constable of the County to oppose the application on the ground that a new licence is not necessary for the requirements of the district. Mr Goff: The Chief Constable has not come to speak for himself (Laughter). The application was refused."
19 Mar 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hatching Eggs for Sale
(advert) "Eggs for Hatching 7/6 per doz. Barnevelder, White Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red. From healthy, hardy and prolific stock. C S Bignell, Colyton, Hartley, Longfield."
26 Mar 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Comedy Well Acted at Hartley
"The Hartley Players, who have already gained a reputation as a clever company of amateurs, added to their laurels by their presentation of James Montgomery's comedy 'Nothing but the Truth' in the Constitutional Hall, Hartley on Thursday, Friday and Saturday..." Leading roles went to Robert Hale, J A O'Brien, John Corn Boulger, E M Thom, Blanche Curwen, Edith Evans, May Symons, Lulu Bancks, Ethel Lingham.
A voluntary Bankrupt - Longfield Poultry Farmer with a Surplus
"At Rochester Bankruptcy Court on Monday before the REgistrar Mr F F Smith, Oscar Stephen Bailey, a taxi proprietor and poultry farmer of Newlands Shaw, New Barn, Longfield, was examined by the Official Receiver (Mr J L Poland). Debtor gave his gross liabilities as £1,631 of which £935 was expected to rank for dividend. A receiving order had been amde on his own petition, and he said his assets exceeded his liabilities, consisting of securities in the hands of creditors £850, and funiture and motor car £100. He said that until 1920 he was employed by a firm of house furnishers in London as a salesman at a salary of £575. In Athens he contracted typhoid fever and had to relinquish his position. He bought Newlands Shaw for £800 and at one time had as many as 500 head of poultry. He found the poultry did not pay, and in 1923 sold up his stock for £62. He then bought a taxi for £200, and as that did not pay, he eventually gave it up. He attributed his failure in the taxi business to competition and to his customers buying their own cars. Debtor was allowed to pass."
Fawkham Green Motor Accident
"While drving a motor car across the cross roads from the direction of Ash on Saturday, Mr Archibald J Grace, of Holywell Park, Ash, a driver for Mr R H Foa, collided with Mr James W Minords of Charmwood, Farwell Road, Sidcup, who was driving a motor cycle with Miss Dorothy Love of the Grange, Hawley near Dartford as passenger. Minords sustained a cut face and bruised eye and Miss Love a cut at the back of the head and a bruised leg and ankle. Both were attended by Dr Beadle of Hartley and taken home in Mr Foa's car."
House for Sale
(Advert for Porter Putt & Fletcher) "Hartley - Well arranged freehold country house, known as St Mary's, Church Road, containing 3 reception rooms, good domestic offices, 5 bedrooms, bathroom etc. Garage and well arranged garden."
Hartley 2 Longfield 3
(Football - Kent Amateur League) "This local derby took place at Hartley on Saturday, when Longfield won by 3-2. The home side were unlucky to lose having mastered their opponents by a 2-0 lead at half time. However, a penalty was awarded to Longfield, which was converted by D Morris. Shortly afterwards the visitors equallises. Hartley worked hard to increase their lead, but luck was against them, and finally Longfield found the net. Seal scored both goals for the homesters. Teams: Hartley - Peeke, Norwood, Rogers, Jackson, Ballad, Shambrook, Sims, Johnson, Seal, Crowhurst, Edmeades. Longfield - Day, A Foster, Bristow, L Foster, Hemsley, Canden, Mitchell, Bennett, H Foster, Longhurst, Morris."
09 Apr 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Seizure While Lawn Mowing
"Gardener's Death at Hartley. Mr H B Sewell conducted an inquest at Hartley Constitutional Club on Tuesday, concerning the death of William Henry Joy, 50, of the The Bungalow, Green Street Green. Deceased, a gardener, was employed at The Gables, Hartley, and died suddenly whilst at work on Saturday. Dr Burt was foreman of the jury. Mrs Lily Joy said her husband seemed all right when he left home at 7am. He had never been attended by a doctor for at least 30 years. Mr E F Newcomb of the Gables, said deceased had been employed there for 2 years. She paid him at 11.30, when he seemed alright. Not long after, looking through the drawing room window, she saw deceased lying on his back on the lawn, which he had been mowing. When she went out, he was breathing quickly. She gave him brandy and the baker went for the doctor. Dr S A E Griffiths of Meopham, said he was called for at 12.20pm, and found deceased dead. A post mortem examination, showed that death was due to valvular disease of the heart. A verdict of 'death from natural causes' was returned."
Longfield Annual Parish Meeting
"....The Clerk, speaking of the work of the Parish Council, said they had met 22 times during the year. Their chief work had been in connection with the widening of the main road. In collaboration with the Cricket Club, a turf cricket pitch had been laid at Whitehill. the matter of the projected footbridge at Fawkham Station had fallen through, as the Railway Company suggested that the Council should bear the cost....." Financial statement followed. Parish had loans of £500 to purchase land for allotments (£275), for recreation Ground (£140) and new burial ground (£85).
23 Apr 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
// (1) Cricket club said they are in process of putting pitch at Whitehill Road in order but unlikely to be ready this season. (2) Tender of Mr Inkpin to erect fence between allotments and recreation ground accepted. (3) Mr Wright resigns as chairman, F Foster unanimously elected.
Longfield Girl Guides
"A company of Girl Guides has been formed under Miss Whiteman and meet at the Village Hall on Thursday evenings. The formation of a Boy Scout Troop is contemplated."
07 May 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield's Loss - Death of Mr Ernest Albert Grant
"The death occurred on Thursday week of one of Longfield's best known residents and sportsmen in Mr Ernest Albert Grant, 30 of 3 Victoria Terrace, [34] Essex Road. Mr Grant had been ill for over 2 years and had been employed by Dartford RDC. A keen sportsman, he had represented Longfield, his native village, both on the cricket and football fields. He served on the committee of the now defunct football club. Gardening was his favourite hobby. A member of the local Cottage Gardeners' Association and its committee, he earned distinction in 1924 by winning the cup at their show for the highest number of points. He was the youngest competitor. He was a member of the Longfield Village Hall committee since its inauguration...." Description of funeral and floral tributes.
20 May 1927 Dartford Chronicle
Recovery of Tithes
"In a case where it was sought to recover certain tithes from landowners at Hartley, it was stated by plaintiff that the defendant was liable for part of the tithe and therefore it was lawful to claim the whole from him, and he had power of recovery from others who were liable. His Honour said it was monstrous that when small sums had been collected for years the amount should suddenly be raised to a high figure. A representative for the collectors said that he had spent 2 hours explaining to defendant, and his honour retorted: 'You may have to spend another 2 hours with me, but I am not sure you will have to instruct counsel.' The case, with others of a similar nature was adjourned."
28 May 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Sale of Crops
7th annual sale of growing crops by Ambrose and Foster at Maidstone on 9th June includes 4 acres of cherries and apples at Hartley Court for Mr G Day.
04 Jun 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Car for Sale
"Overland Tourer, 5 seater, c.l, s.s., good condition; 1920 model. Reasonable offer, Chuter, Little Downs, Hartley." [not sure what abbreviations stand for]
Longfield Bazaar - Opened by The Hon Mrs McDonnell
"Longfield, on Saturday, made a splendid effort to wipe out the debt of £60 incurred by the installment of a new heating apparatus at the Parish Church. In a shaded meadow, loaned by Mrs Hickmott, a bazaar and fete conspired with the sylvan beauty to bring joy to the visitors....." Raised £65.
11 Jun 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Postman injured
"Mr Turner an auxiliary postman of Bean, was cycling from Whitehill into Main Road, on Tuesday, when he collided with a car driven by Mr Seabrook of Longfield, and sustained a broken collar bone. Mr Porter, a ganger, rendered first aid.
Longfield Parish Council
Council accept offer from Messrs Latters of 15s for the grass crop on Whitehill Recreation Ground. Cricket club told to wait until they start next season before erecting a shed.
25 Jun 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Stable on Fire
"A fire was discovered in a stable at the top of Station Road on Friday. A horse, belonging to Mr J Foster, which had been put into it only 10 minutes before, was burned to death. Fire appliances were obtained from the station, and the railway staff and others endeavoured to stem the outbreak. Messrs Newing, Sexton Ganden, Longhurst and Remington, in particular, rendered energetic services, but their efforts to free the horse were in vain. The stable - mainly a wooden structure - was almost destroyed. The flames, however, were extinguished before the arrival of the Dartford Fire Brigade. In an adjoining shed was a tank containing a large quantity of oil. The hose was played onto this building, which happily did not catch fire. The cause of the outbreak is unknown. Although the stable was the property of Sir Gerald Hohler, it was in the use of Mr J Foster."
Motors Collide
"A misunderstanding caused a motor smash at the bottom of Whitehill on Tuesday. Mr A Dines was coming from Fawkham, and Mr Judge from Dartford. Apparently each thought the other was going to stop, and in consequence Mr Judge's car crashed side on into the other, which was sent into a fence opposite. Both cars were badly damaged, and the fence knocked down."
16 Jul 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Shooting for Sport
(advert) "Wanted for next 2 or 3 seasons within easy motor run of Hartley, rough shooting, nothing elaborate, just somewhere to exercise dog and gun at weekends - Apply Major P I Newton, Bundoran, Hartley." [Bundoran is now 1 St John's Lane]
Signwriter
// (advert) "Signwriter (experienced) desires occasional work, commercial motors, signs and notice boards - ERT, Ash Croft, Hartley Hill, Longfield" [ERT was Edgar Richard Taylor]23 Jul 1927 East Kent Gazette
Foot and Mouth Disease
Outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease at Hunton, Hartley etc in 15 mile restricted area
12 Aug 1927 Dartford Chronicle
St John Ambulance
Plans for a St John Ambulance branch in Longfield and Fawkham district
20 Aug 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Parted on the Eve of Diamond Wedding
"On the eve of his diamond wedding, Mr Thomas Baister, 81, passed away at Hartley on Tuesday. His wife, who is 84, is bedridden and does not realise that her husband is dead. A devoted couple, they were married at Darlington, where Mr Baister started his career as engineer's fitter on the North Eastern Railway. A few years after he was transferred to Middlesbrough, and later to Ashford, where he was employed in connection with the old South Eastern Railway. Returning to Darlington, he was place on the pensions list at the age of 74 He then came to live with his daughter, Mrs A Robson, at Hartley. When the Royal Albert Docks were being erected, Mr Baister was sent by the Railway Company to the firm of Dorman, Long's to direct the engineering side. He was also concerned with the erection of the north quay of Bramley Moor Docks by the Teeside Engineering Company. He held a responsible position with the railway company, and when any new engine was finished, he would accompany it on a 100 miles test trip. Two sons and one daughter are living. The funeral takes place at Longfield." [according to the 1924 electoral register he lived at Maclean, Ash Road]
27 Aug 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Property for Sale
Henry Parker & Co of Swanley and Longfield have 5 roomed bungalow at Hartley Hilltop for sale. Also "freehold building estate, 56 acres, Gorse Wood, Hartley, Longfield."
Hartley Through the Ages
(review) "Kent literature is all the richer for this fascinating story of a typically Kentish village. Mr Bancks already enjoys a considerable reputation as an author, and in his latest work he has ingeniously contrived to tell a story of one village that can be applied to any other....."
01 Sep 1927 Times
Longfield Railway Station
Station comes 4th in Southern Railway horticultural competition
10 Sep 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Dartford RDC to let them have gravel to repair pond to Station Road footpath free of charge. (2) Football club thanked them for use of ground at Whitehill but said they wouldn't use it this season because of bad condition, requiring harrow and roller. (3) Rats said to be damaging crops at allotments, clerk asked to find poison that would work.
School Trip
Longfield School children go to London Zoo.
29 Oct 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
An Unusual Accident
"befel Mr Thomas H Martin, of Hope Villas, Station Road on Friday. He was walking along Fawkham Bottom when a passing car caused a sharp flint to hit his shoe and ankle. He found the flint had cut his shoe and also badly cut his ankle. He was assisted home by a cyclist. A doctor found that the artery had been cut, and inserted 4 stitches."
05 Nov 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Station Road. Mr Hicks told his privet hedge is overhanging the footpath. (2) Longfield Hill. Tree boughs overhanging Mission Hall. (3) Rat problem. E J Rich asked to be compensated for 6 rows of potatoes lost. PC reply they have no authority to pay for that but they are consulting a professional rat catcher.
11 Nov 1927 Somerset Guardian
Miner to Florist
"Mr Bernard W Wheeler or the Nurseries, Station Road, Longfield, Kent, formerly of Timsbury, who left his work as a miner at Camerton Colliery 2 years ago, to take up business as a nurseryman in Kent, met with a conspicuous success with exhibits of chrysanthemums at the Gravesend Horticultural and Chryssanthemum Show held in the Market Hall, Gravesend, on Wednesday Week. He staged 4 entries; one a spray and 3 exhibits of Japanese specimen blooms, and was highly gratified when awarded 3 first prizes and one second. His many friends in the Timsbury and Camerton area will be pleased to hear of his success."
12 Nov 1927 Kentish Gazette
Sale of Stock at Hartley Grange
(Advert) "Hartley Grange, Longfield, Kent. 1 mile Fawkham Station, bus services to and from Dartford and Gravesend pass the property.
Sale by auction of about 300 head of poultry. Including: pure bred pullets (White Wyandotte, Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn) and 63 ducks, all good laying strains. 4 goats, 5 pig shelters, 8 scratching sheds, Nissen Hat; 12 sectional poultry houses, corn bins, dry mash hoppers, drinking and feeding troughs, coops, Glevum Incubator, egg boxes, Tamlin Brooders, cart, plough, scarifier, shepherd's hut, tanks, fruit sprayer, poultry gates, lawn mower, 2,000 yards wire netting.
Henry Parker & Co are instructed by E Harry esq, to sell the above by auction on the premises on Wednesday 23rd November 1927 at 11am. On view day prior to and on morning of sale. Catalogues may be obtained of the Auctioneers, Longfield, Kent; Swanley Junction, Kent or 153 Cheapside EC2."
19 Nov 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Armistice Day at Hartley
"A service was held at the village war memorial. The school children assembled with their teachers, together with many residents. In the absence of the rector through illness, Mr J Wells Thatcher took the service and delivered a short address. A further service, arranged jointly by local organisations, took place at the Memorial on Sunday afternoon. Contingents of scouts and rovers from Gravesend and district supported the Hartley troop, who marched with their colours to the Memorial, followed by the Hartley Girl Guides, also carrying their colours. Marches were played by the Hartley and District Band, which assisted with the accompaniments of the hymns. An anthem 'Call to Remembrance' was rendered by the Hartley Musical Society. During the service, which was taken by Mr Wells Thatcher, the 23rd Psalm was read by Mr S H Ellerby, and at the close the 'Last Post' and 'Reveille' bugle calls were sounded. Brig-General Andrus, before the opening of the service, expressed gratitude to Captain Webster, whose artistic floral decoration of the Memorial made it a scene of real beauty. Remembrance services were also held at the Parish Church, the collections being donated to Earl Haig's Fund. At Evensong Mendelssohn's 'Hear my Prayer' was sung by the choir. Mrs H M Clark sang the solo part and Mr Roy Chisholm was at the organ."
25 Nov 1927 Dartford Chronicle
Riding without Lights
Percy Edwards fined 7s 6d for riding bike without light at Hartley
03 Dec 1927 Times
Letter to the Editor
Mr J A O'Brien from The Stoep, Hartley says retailers will not sell date stamped eggs because it would then be obvious how old "new laid" eggs really are
10 Dec 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Scouts
"The 1st Hartley Patrol, who hold their meetings in the hut lent by Mr Ellerby, have now been inspectd and approved by the District Sub-Commissioner (Mr Bond). Mr P Wright BA, an experienced scoutmaster, has joined the troop to assist Mr O Delf."
Longfield Parish Council
(1) Tree overhanging mission church at Longfield Hill cut back. (2) Southern Railway told by Ministry of Health to repair Station Road, they say it is in hand. (3) Auditor praises Longfield PC. (4) Outstanding loans: (a) Recreation Ground, borrowed £140 owing £93 (b) Burial Ground borrowed £85, owing £18 (c) Alltoments borrowed £275, owing £221.
What's in a name?
"A correspondent writes: 'Is it not ridiculous that the name of Fawkham is borne by the railway station in Longfield? In justice to the village and travellers it would perhaps be fair if the Company were to rename the station. Only recently I encountered a gentleman, apparently a commercial traveller, in Station Road, and politely asked the way to Longfield. The answer came as a pleasant surprise. One of these days someone might have occasion to ask the way to Fawkham.' "
The late Mr A Johnson
"The funeral of Mr Alfred Johnson, who was accidently drowned off Messrs White's works, Swanscombe, on the previous Tuesday, took place at the parish church on Saturday. The Rector (Rev H B Hennell) officiated. Miss C Meadway played Mendelssohn's funeral march, and the hymns sang were 'The Church's One Foundation' and 'Abide with Me'. A muffled peal was rung on the bells both before and after the service. Deceased was an active member of the Bellringers' Association, and was a keen footballer, playing for Ash and District in 1925 and 1926, and for Hartley in 1927. He also belonged to the Young Men's Club. He played football for Hartley the Saturday before his death, and rang the church bells on the Sunday. The coffin was carried to the church by 8 football colleagues. The grave was lined with evergreens and chrysanthemums......" List of mourners and floral tributes.
15 Dec 1927 KM (Gravesend Telegraph)
Hartley Players
Favourable review of "Mrs Gorringe's Necklace" performed at the Constitutional Hall over the weekend. Leading roles went to May symons, Blanche Curwen, Lulu Bancks, Edith Evans, J A O'Brien, Hugh S Beadles, Robert Hale, Eric Green, Frank Gable.