1956 News - Hartley-Kent: Covering Hartley, Longfield & District

13 Jan 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Resurfaced road dug up to lay gas main

Longfield PC meeting.  (1) "About 4 months ago, Main Road, Longfield was resurfaced.  But not long after Gas Board workmen started excavating a trench along its 2 miles to lay a gas main.  PC unhappy at waste of money resurfacing if KCC knew it was going to happen.  (2) Fawkham Road.  PC write to KCC about flooding between Whitehill Crossroads and rail bridge in wet weather, something they promised to do 2 years ago.  (3) Coles Pit.  Apparently they can dump what they like because it is more than 100 yards from any houses.  Fire no under control.  (4) St Mary's Way. Developers apologise about noise and promise no further nuisance during church services.  PC confirm this has been done.  (5) Fence to be put up by Pescot Bungalows to stop people scrabbling down bank to bus stop.

West Ash 'hit and run' driver fined £14 and disqualified

Edward Henry Arney [1922-1979], labourer of North Ash Cottages, West Ash fined for dangerous driving and failing to stop, after he knocked down a motorcyclist turning right into Whitehill Road at the Crossroads in a car he'd hired from a Gravesend garage.  He told court he panicked and didn't stop.

Leave Hartley alone is all that WI members ask

In questionnaire members said they wanted to keep rural character.  Hartley WI to adopt one family in displaced persons camp in Hamburg.

Christmas tree on the green

"The pleasing spectacle of a giant Christmas tree illuminated with over 200 lights, which decorated the green at Hoselands View, Hartley during Christmas and the New Year, received favourable comments at the parish council meeting..... A vote of thanks was passed to Mr W J Everard [William Joseph Everard 1889-1958], the donor, for his generosity in providing the tree and the provision and cost of lighting and all other expenses.  It wsa stated that his kind gesture was widely appreciated by both residents and visitors to the village."  (2) Hoselands Hill, KCC say the banks are being turfed. (3) Stocks Farm to St John's Lane footpath.  Local resident objects to clearance on the rates and says it is on wrong alignment.  (4) "After reference to the tithe map with the assistance of the Rector.... it was decided to suggest the name of Springcroft for the new road off Manor Drive."

Old Banshee Again

"Civil defence air raid sirens will be sounded for test purposes in parts of the Dartford rural area on Tuesdays.  The siren at Wilmington memorial hall will be tested at 10am and tests will follow at the old fire station, Eynsford (10.30am), Vernon Close West Kingsdown (11am) and Hoselands View, Hartley (11.30am).  A steady note similar to the wartime 'raiders passed' signal, will be sounded for 60 seconds."

20 Jan 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Springcroft Advert

"Bungalows, semi-bungalows and houses now in the course of construction from £2,185 including road charges.  Early possession.  Full information from R E Jury & Co 74 Rochester Road, Gravesend. Tel 881 and Prall & Prall, 53 Spital Street, Dartford Tel 2214."

10 Feb 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) "The council was asked for its opinion on the type of street lighting required for the new development off Manor Drive.  The clerk will reply that the council has not adopted street lighting for the village and has no intention of doing so."  (2) Hoselands Hill, after beech trees were felled for widening KCC planted new ones but they died, and for 2 years PC has been campaigning for replacement.  

17 Feb 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Social Club's Good Year

51 new members joined and substantial increase in sales compared with previous year.

Longfield Primary School

"The little primary school at Longfield cannot cope with the number of children who now attend it.  A new annexe which will relieve congestion there has been built in the meadow adjoining the school and is nearing completion.  Mr N T Goff, the headmaster, tells me he hopes pupils will be able to move in after the half term holiday at the end of the month.  The annexe consists of 3 airy classrooms which will each hold 40 children.  Two of the rooms are connected by sliding doors and can quickly be converted into a dining hall to seat 75 pupils.  There is a small kitchen with a serving hatch and boys' and girls' cloakrooms.   'It is an excellent building,' Mr Goff told me, 'It is well planned to make the maximum use of the space available and has a pleasant colour scheme.'  Another good bit of news for Longfield children is that the old school is to be entirely modernised this summer.  Longfield has also been chosen as the place where a large secondary school to serve the district will be built."

02 Mar 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Obituary of Mrs Mildred Lilly Leigh

of 45 Kent Road, widow since 1923.  Born Farningham, had lived in Longfield for 45 years.  Leaves daughter.

Subscription going up

Hartley Country club AGM.  Subs to rise for locals rises from 20s to 30s and for those more than 4 miles away from 10s to 20s.  Ladies subs remain at 10s.

16 Mar 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Parish Council meeting

(1) Street cleaning of Church Road would be done shortly.  (2) Hoselands Hill in bad condition caused by pipe-laying excavations [probably the gas pipes mentioned earlier in Main Road, Longfield.]

23 Mar 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Nursery School

(advert) "Infant school, Hartley, 2½/5 years - for particulars, Mrs S Molony [prob 1920-2011], Westwood, Gorseway, Hartley, Dartford."

30 Mar 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield School annexe meets great need

"those stalwarts of Church education who in 1881 built Longfield village school, which has gone on serving the youth of the parish until its walls were almost bursting under the strain of the ever increasing numbers pressed inside it, would probably rub their eyes in wonderment - and pleasure - if they could see the new annexe so beautifully situated in the Rectory Meadow on the other side of the road.

It is a lovely building with so many big windows that it will be light even on the dullest day.  The three classroom are attractively decorated in delicate shades of pink and cream, and the doors are painted in a rich yellow.  From the windows of the building, which was officially opened by Alderman E J Howcroft, chairman of Thamesside Educational Executive and a retired headmaster, on Thursday last week, the pupils can look out on the green grass. What a contrast to the old building, which Mr N T Goff the headmaster, said was bitterly cold in winter while in the summer, because of the poor ventilation, children and staff had to work in the afternoons in an 'atmosphere of cooked cabbage'.  The extension is the result of a long struggle by the school managers.

The Rev C H Sutton, Rector of Longfield and chairman of the managers, who presided at the ceremony, spoke of the pressure the managers had to put on the Kent Education Committee to get the building.  'When I compare this school with some of those I knew in Chile, where I was a missionary, I say it is a good thing to count our blessings,' he said.   Alderman Howcroft said the KEC which was often criticised had done an excellent job in providing the annexe and he know that Longfield people were looking forward to the erection of a new secondary school further down the road.  This would enanble children over 11 to go to school in their own district instead of being taken to Swanscombe and Northfleet.  'Wehn I was on the KEC,' he said, 'I pressed for secondary schools to be built in the country so that children would not have to travel to the towns.  I am very glad that at long last this policy is being put into effect.'  He stressed that the finest thing that could be given to children was a good education and even more important than good buildings was a good staff, such as they had at Longfield.  Mr Goff was an excellent headmaster.

A short service was conducted by Mr Sutton, and the building was dedicated by the Rev J W Henderson, Rector of Hartley and the new Rural Dean of Cobham.  The singing of the hymns and the 121st Psalm was led by the school choir who performed most creditably.

In proposing a vote of thanks to Alderman Howcroft, Mr Goff also thanked the managers who had been striving since 1947 to reduce overcrowding in the school.  Now their efforts had been crowned with success.  Mr Goff also recalled the work of managers in past years, saying they had also worked hard to improve the educational facilities in the village.  In thanking his staff, Mr Goff siad for many years they had carried on with great cheerfulness and loyalty in overcrowded classrooms.  Mr A E Potter, a member of the managing body, who seconded, said for 20 years they had fought for a secondary schoolfor the district and now it was on the way.

To round off a memorable evening, Major E M Amphlett, president of the Southfleet and Longfield Branch of the British Legion, handed Mr Goff a challenge shield for the school.  'We hope it will show we are interested in the rising generation,' he said, 'and we trust it will engender a spirit of fair play and keen but true sportsmanship which has been such a force in the history of this country.'  A large number of parents attended and after the ceremony they were free to wander over the building which is surely a place where teaching and learning should be a pleasure.  The old school is to be modernised." (Two photos of the ceremony)

Rural Dean instituted

"The Rev J W Henderson AKC, Rector of Hartley, who was instituted Rural Dean of Cobham at Meopham Parish Church on Saturday by the Bishop of Rochester, is believed to be the first rector of the parish to become rural dean.  The service was held at Meopham because Hartley parish church is too small...."

13 Apr 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) Main Road.  Complaints about lack of proper reinstatement after trench dug [for gas mains], especially bad by shops and at New Barn.  (2) Longfield Court Estate.  PC suggest Dene Close, Ashbourne Road and St Mary's Way as road names.  (3) Whitehill Road.  Gypsies had encamped at the council's field.  They decided to get quotes for fencing."

Surprise at the opera for former POW

"After being captured in Greece while serving witht he RASC in the 1st Armoured Brigade, Mr S Brearley [b 1912], now a newsagent at The Parade, Hartley, near Dartford, spent 4 years in a German prison camp.  There, to help relieve boredom among his fellow captives, he produced several Gilbert and Sullivan operas.  One of those who took part and showed exceptional keenness was Trevor Hills [b 1913].  He had never appeared in G&S opera before and often asked Mr Brearley, who was on the stage before the war, how one joined the D'Oyly Carte Company.

On Saturday Mr Brearley went to Streatham Hill theatre with members of Longfield's KH Club to see 'The Gondoliers' performed by the D'Oyly Carte company.  Glancing through the programme, he say the name Trevor Hills against one of the parts.  His mind flew back to the prison camp.  Could this be the Trevor he used to know?  When the performance started Mr Brearley was no longer in doubt.  It was the Trevor he had helped to appreciate the beauty of the G&S operas.

Before Mr Brearley's party left for home, he went backstage and had a brief chat with Trevor, whom  he had not seen for 11 years.  'I had often tried to trace him,' said Mr Brearley, 'He told me he has appeared with the company all over the world and loves the life.' "

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Road names.  Dartford RDC accept suggestions of Old Downs and Springcroft for new roads.  (2) Buses.  PC continues to complain about cuts in services meaning Hartley only gets one bus every 2 hours.  They call for hourly service.

27 Apr 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Newcomers do well in Hartley Players' 55th production

"With a wealth of new talent available, Hartley Players, who presented 'A hundred years old', their 55th production at the Country Club Hall …. Seem assured of a further fine run in the future....." Reviewer praised many of the cast and also their diction, which carried to the back of the hall.

[Previous week's paper has a picture of the cast]

04 May 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Longfield Man fatally hurt

"Mr George Day, a 60 years old labourer, of 7 Essex Road, Longfield, died in Gravesend and North Kent Hospital, on Saturday, from injuries he received in a road accident when cycling at Darenth the day before.  He was involved in a collision with a car.  Mr Day was employed by Dartford RDC."  [This is the first reference I have seen to houses in Essex Road being numbered]

11 May 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Buses.  PC got nowhere in their meeting with LT about bus cuts.  (2) Burial Ground.  Owner of Hartley Court wants 6 foot close boarded fence to new burial ground or they will make claim for loss of amenity.  PC to take advice.  (3) Hartley Green.  Kerb to be installed opposite school to prevent cars mounting the grass.

Longfield boundaries beaten again

Picture feature.  One picture is of the rector being bumped on stone near Howes Garage [61] Main Road. The other is of the whole party at the junction of Hartley Road and Main Road.  It was last done in 1936 but this time it took longer because Longfield has grown to incorporate Pinden from Horton Kirby and also land from Hartley to the north of the railway.

Longfield's fight for better roads and paths is succeeding

Longfield Parish Council meeting.  (1) Reinstating of roads dug up by public services has now been carried out.  PC think this is due to their complaint to KCC.  (2) Whitehill allotments.  PC threaten legal action to motorist they say damaged the fence with their car.  

18 May 1956 Kentish Express

County Council Briefs

"A Medway Water Board proposal for a borehole at Fawkham to pump up to 2,500,000 gallons daily is being opposed."

18 May 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

21 Years Old

"About 150 members of the Congregational Guild and guests sat down to tea in the [Hartley] Congregational Church hall to celebrate the Guild's 21st anniversary…"  Mrs Shambrook has been president all that time.

Hartley Naturalist Club

AGM.  40 members with a long waiting list."The year as been one of the most successful in the club's history"

25 May 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Kent woman in Poland radios her greetings

"Mr and Mrs G Andrews, 12 Valley Villas, [229 Main Road], Longfield near Gravesend, had a big disappointment on Monday.  They received a telegram from Warsaw Radio telling them that on Monday evening their eldest daughter, Mrs Josephine Umecka [PIctured 1922-2005], wife of a Polish instructor dental technician who lives at Cracow, would be sending greetings to her parents and friends in England.  But unfortunately Mr and Mrs Andrews cannot get Warsaw on their set and neighbours were also unable to help them.

Mrs Umecka was also sending greetings to Mrs Alice Reeves, 1 Barton Road, Maidstone, whose son is buried in teh British Military cemetery t Cracow.  Mrs Umecka tends his grave.

Aged 33, she met her husband while serving int eh WAAF in the last war.  He was a sergeant in the RAF.  Mrs Umecka, who has a daughter [NAME] aged 10 years, has lived in Poland for about 8 years.  She paid a visit to her parents last year and brought her daughter.  Among her friends in Poland are several English women who married Polish men during the war.  In her letters home Mrs Umecka says conditions are improving year by year.  Amazing progress has been made in building the country up agains from the devastation left by the war....."   [It seems she and her huaband subsequently emigrated from Poland to Canada - see obituary]

02 Jun 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Faulty Car Silencer

John Neary of Church Road fined £2 for defective silencer on his car at Miskin Road, Dartford.  Had been driving since 1927 with only 1 conviction - for speeding.

08 Jun 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Women's Guild

"A Cooperative Women's Guild formed in Longfield is receiving good support.  The Guild, which meets in the Village Hall on Fridays has arranged a programme which will include whist drives, socials, talks, film shows and outings.  Drama and handicrafts may be added. Membership is open to all women.... Children aged 7-11 living in Longfield have for the last 6 months been catered for by the Cooperative Playways Group."

15 Jun 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

240 years old apple tree

"In the garden of South Ash manor, Ash, the residence of Mr and Mrs Kenneth Kingston [1908-2004] there is a 240 years old Blenheim apple tree, one of four originally brought to this country by William of Orange.  It still crops well.  The tree was admired by 37 members of the Hartley and Ash OAP Association, who were guests of Mr and Mrs Kingston...."

22 Jun 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Indoor 'garden party' at Longfield

Picture feature on event run by Longfield Church for the Rochester Diocesan Extension fund.  It raised £23. The more infirm were given free taxi rides to the event by members of Toc H.  "One of the biggest attractions was Mr Lunn's display of model railway engines and trucks which have taken may children and adults for rides onthe track in his garden at Littleholme [The Drive].  The oldest engine on view was made in 1906 by Mr Lunn, a retired works manager in a vinegar factory.  He was trained as an engineer and his lifelong hobby has been the making of model trains.  He used to make only steam engines, but now he concentrates on electric engines.  One train on view which he completed only last winter after working on it for 18 months, is about 3 feet long and will pull 6 adults.  This 50 volt electric locomotive has been made entirely from junk.  The main fram is from an old bedstead, iron gear box from a piece of Morrison shelter, motor from a burnt out car dynamo, reversing switch from parts of a magneto, wheels from metal plate, pick up from piece of motor coach hood guide, gears from a brass cap off an old farm cart wheel hub, and the axles from old bolts from a telegraph pole....."

New School in 1958

At the [Hartley Primary School] PTA meeting the ... Divisional Education Officer .... spoke of the plans for the new Hartley Primary School which will be necessary with an increasing population.  It is hoped that the first part of the new building on the new site will be available for use in 1958...."

Tree struck by lightning

"Lightning struck a poplar tree in Manor Drive, Hartley near Gravesend.  Windows of a house nearby were broken by flying fragments of wood and telephone and electricity cables were damaged."

06 Jul 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Bus Timetable Changes

(LT notice) 451/490 Hartley Court and Gravesend "On Mondays and Fridays.  Buses will be retimed.  This will mean a better service if you are travelling to Gravesend to shop, to Southfleet for the children's clinic, or visiting the doctor's surgery.  The new times will also improve connections with the trains at Fawkham Station......" 489A Hook Green to Gravesend will now run via Fawkham Station.  [It seems LT took on board some of the criticisms of the earlier timetable but paper of 20/7/56 says Hartley PC were still dissatisfied]

Poultry for Sale

(Advert) "250 Rhode Island and Light Sussex Pullets, 15 weeks, good laying strain, £187 10s, lot or near offer.  Reason selling, ill health.  Burwell, Church Road.  Longfield 3246."

Saxons win house cup at Longfield School Sports

"Excitement at Longfield Primary school's 18th annual sports in the school playing field on Saturday was maintained right until the end as it was not until the last race - the interhouse relay - that the winners of the house cup was known.  For the first time for many years this was won by Saxons House with 114 points, Normans were second with 108, Romans third with 101 and the Danes 4th with 61....." (picture of Saxon House)

Obituary of Thomas Plumpton

Of The Orchard [26 Hartley Road], died of a heart attack aged 69.  Lived for many years in Meopham.  Worked for London Electrical contractors for 45 years.  Leaves widow and 2 daughters.

13 Jul 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Church Garden Fete at Hartley

"Record number of entries in flower show - In wonderful weather, a gay and happy crowd thronged the garden of the Rectory for the recent annual fete and flower show.  The Rector, the Rev J W Henderson, warmly welcomed Mrs L Andrus of Scadbury House, Southfleet, who formally decleared the fete open.  Mrs Andrus is no stranger to the village, having been a member of the church for many years when she lived at Hartley Court.

The stalls were well stocked, much of the handwork having been done by members of Mothers' Union and Girls' Friendly Society.  In addition there were many side shows nad amusements, including pony rides and swings.  Scouts did good business in 'hot dogs' cooked in camp fire style.  The boys also provided music and dealt with announcements.  A delightful feature was the children's fancy dress parade organised by Miss Audrey Payne.  Mrs Andrus was the judge.  The class for the most attractive costume was won by [NAME] (Robin Hood); with [NAME] (Bo Peep) 2nd.  The class for a fancy dress made for less than 2s 6d was won by [NAME] (Ladybird) with [NAME] (witch) 2nd.

For those who enjoy a more formal parade there was a fine display by the bandof the Gravesend Sea Cadet Corps under their officer Lt D R Jennings RNVR.  The cadets performed the ceremony of hoisting their colour and later in the afternoon  they 'Beat the Retreat' and marched through the village.

A great attraction at this fete always is the show of fruit, flowers and vegetables.  This was beautifully staged in the marquee.  Dealing capably with a record number of 200 entries in the 44 different classes were the usual judges, Mr F C Robertson and Mr G Willsmore [1903-1971].  It was srange not to see also the genial countenance of [NAME], but a cablegram received at the Rectory earlier in the day from [NAME], who are now in Ontario, Canada, wishing the fete and show success and this was read by the Rector.  [NAME] FRHS was the judge and the awards were as follows: ......" [Long list of winners; KM 13/7/56 report also has picture of Mrs Andrus with the fancy dress winners]

13 Jul 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Auction

Porter Putt & Fletcher of Gravesend auctioning the investment properties 34, 36 and 40 Whitehill Road, Longfield, producing together £454 12s 0d per annum.

20 Jul 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Eltham Crematorium opens

Eltham Crematorium opens on 17 August for Woolwich, Greenwich, Bexley, Dartford, Erith, Chislehurst, Crayford

20 Jul 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Fun at Longfield fete despite the rain

"Revived branch of the British Legion raises £100….....The launching of this fete was an encouraging indication that the Southfleet and Longfield Hill branch of the Legion, first formed in 1920 and revived in August last year after being suspended for 4 years is getting back to its pre-war strength.  In 12 months it has recruited 174 members, most of whom fought in the last war....."

Worst ever storms hits NW Kent

"Widespread devastation was caused by a cloudburst in Dartford rural area on Wednesday night.  It was the worst in living memory.  Houses were flooded, farm buildings demolished and roads blocked with debris and mud washed from the banks by the violent thunderstorm.

In half an hour Dartford Fire Station received 40 calls to pump out flooded buildings. Appliances from the Medway Towns, Gravesend, Sidcup and Bexley were called in.

One of the worst hit spots was Leechcroft Avenue, Swanley, on Dartford RDC's estate, where 18 houses were flooded to a depth of 4 feet in 20 minutes and made uninhabitable.  People living in these houses lost everything in the downstairs rooms after the flood water subsided were covered with thick slimy mud....."  Article mentions incidents and Farningham, Sutton at Hone, Hextable, and Dartford.  Includes picture of flooding at Longfield - Green Street Green road where 30 cars had to be abandoned.

27 Jul 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Stormy Weather

"One of the most violent storms in living memory swept through the Darent Valley on July 18th", reports of flooding

28 Jul 1956 Clitheroe Advertiser

Read - Birth

"A former resident of Read now living at Hartley in Kent, [NAME] gave birth to a daughter in an ambulance which was taking her during the night to a nursing home.  She is the wife of [NAME] of Merryways, Ash Road, Hartley, who formerly resided in Hapton.  [NAME] is very well known in the Burnley district as an elecutionist.  The baby [NAME] is Mr and Mrs [NAME] second daughter.  Ambulanceman Mr George Davies, he is 52, delivered the baby in the ambulance.  His colleague and Mrs Dewhurst's husband assisted him.  Mr Davies said later: 'Nothing to it.'  He assisted at all the births of his own 12 children except one."

03 Aug 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Another local storm

Another local storm, with gales up to 70mph on Sunday 29 July.  Thickly wooded areas of Fawkham and Longfield said to have suffered badly.  Fallen tree on new house at Longfield Court Estate but not yet inhabited

Kent Messenger of 3/8/1956 also reports that at Whitehill Crossroads, [NAME], aged 12 of Valley Wood, Castle Hill suffered a fractured leg when a falling tree struck him.

03 Aug 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Drainage problem delays new Longfield Secondary School

"The building of a new secondary school at Longfield, which was to have been in Kent Education Committee's 1957-8 programme is having to be postponed.  Alderman W C Redman, chairman of the Committee, told the County Council that main drainage was not to be provided in the area for the time being because of the embargo on capital expenditure.  But the committee was so concerned for a speedy start on the school that a scheme for cesspool drainage  to meet minimum needs had been evolved.  It sounded an expensive idea but such was the measure of the committee's desire for the school it was prepared to carry it out.

The Medway Water Board, however, wanted to sink a borehole for water nearby at Fawkham.  It would not therefore be desirable for cesspool drainage.  The committee is to object to the board's proposal at a coming public enquiry if the presence of the borehole is not compatible with the existence of a drainage plant for the new school.

'We are very sorry indeed that the new school is thus held up,' said Alderman Redman. 'We will do all we can to provide accommodation in neighbouring schools.'  Earlier Mr W Simmons (Dartford Rural East) had said he was very disturbed that the new school was being jeopardised.  There was immense development going on in the area and a school was essential.  He urged the committee to take up the matter strongly and not let it drift."

08 Aug 1956 Lewisham Borough News

Lewisham Way Collision

"There was a slight collision on August 2 in Lewisham Way near to the Marquis of Granby between an Austin motor lorry and a private saloon car, both of which were travelling towards London.  The driver of the saloon car, Mr [NAME] of Beauclerk House, Steatham, and Mr Leonard Edmett [1922-1984], a resident of Fawkham, Kent, the lorry driver, escaped injury."

10 Aug 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Building Plans in Two Villages

"… Whether land at Old Rectory Meadow, Hoselands Hill, Hartley, should be developed was argued at a Dartford public enquiry on Thursday last week.  [NAME] of Southfleet Avenue, New Barn, Longfield, who, after buying the land for more than £2,000 was told he could not develop it, was appealing against the decision.  He proposed to build 35 houses with garages.

Dartford RDC refused permission on the ground that the site is included in the Kent Development Plan (Part B) 1953 in an area in which it is intended that the existing uses of lands hsall remain for the most part undisturbed, moreover, adequate provision is made in the plan for primarily residential development in close proximity to the site, and the development would be likely to cause inconvenience and danger to traffic.

The inquiry was conducted by [NAME], and inspector of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.  [NAME], counsel for [NAME] said the suggestion that that proposed development might cause incovenience and danger to trafffic was at least equally true of the other development allowed by the Rural Council on the hill.  'It seems unreasonable that there should be a rule for one side of the road, and another for the other.  There is no consistency here.' complained [NAME].

The Clerk to the Rural Council, Mr J H Milburn, said it had been planned that Hartley and Longfield should be two separate villages.  If the development was allowed, they would be joined up.  Mr Brian F Kirby [prob 1904-1971], Engineer and Surveyor of the council recalled two previous applications for planning permission in respect of the site, the first in 1946, the other in 1948.  Both were refused he said.  A planning assistant in the KCC Roads Department, [NAME], said Hoselands Hill was a series of curves, with a 1 in 10 gradient down to the railway bridge.  The appeal site was above the level of the road.  The road was widened last year to make it safer.  'Nothing should be done to make it more dangerous or detract from the improvements,' he added.  Another junction to bring traffic from the proposed estate onto the hill would be unsafe."

[KM 26/10/56 says appeal to build 34 houses and garages was dismissed]

10 Aug 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Conservative Fete

Picture of Hartley and Fawkham Conservative fete at Hartley

24 Aug 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Rector on Courage

Rev Sutton, rector of Longfield in his monthly letter writes on courage.  He cites the Christians in Kenya who were killed for not taking the Mau Mau oath, and the brave stand of Bishop Trevor Huddleston against apartheid.  [Not sure why the paper put brave stand in inverted commas, they might just be quoting the rector, or maybe the journalist didn't agree with him]

31 Aug 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Hartley Agricultural Co-Operative Society changes its name

Special AGM to change rules and name to Hartley Agricultural Supplies Limited.  Increase in turnover noted.

Paper of 17/8/56 said "all connection with the Cooperative Wholesale Society had been terminated."

06 Sep 1956 Evening News

Exploded

" 'Bomb' found at Hartley near Gravesend and reported to the police, turned out to be a used 12 bore cartridge case containing pieces of a bicycle pump."

14 Sep 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Hartley Women's Institute

Hartley WI Fete raises £55.  Discussion whether to hold meetings in evening or afternoons, they choose evenings

14 Sep 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Explosion as boys were making fireworks

"While three 16 years old boys were making fireworks in a shed in West Ash, near Gravesend, on Sunday evening there was an explosion.  One of them [NAME] …. Cavan, Church Road, had his left hand blown off and received injuries to his left hip and leg.  He is detained in West Hill Hospital, Dartford.  [NAME], Lynwood, Gorsewood Road, Hartley, was hit by a piece of flying metal.  He was taken to hospital suffering from shock, but was later allowed to go home.  The third boy, [NAME]... Corner Farm, West Ash was uninjured.  After the explosion [NAME] phoned for help.

Dr W D Hasler [1901-1966] of Meopham arrived and gave emergency treatment to [NAME] before he was taken to hospital.  The explosion occurred at Corner Farm.

[NAME] who goes to Gravesend Technical told a reporter: '[NAME] was fixing a firework in a vice.  Suddenly there was a terrific flash and a bang and we were all thrown across the shed.  I was hit by a flying piece of metal and for some minutes did not know what had happened.  When I came to I saw [NAME] was holding his arm.  He told me his hand was blown off.  I could see the wound was serious, so while [NAME] was phoning for an ambulance I made a tourniquet round his arm with amy handkerchief.  After that I became unconscious and did not remember anything until I found myself being carried up the steps of the hospital on a stretcher, with the piece of iron that hit me still wedged in my jacket.  I consider myself lucky to be alive.'

[NAME] is an apprentice with Messrs E A & H Sandford Ltd, engineers, Thames Iron Works, Gravesend.  He went to Gravesend Technical School.  He was a most promising young cricketer and played for Hartley Country Club's first team. 'He lived for cricket,' said his mother, 'but now I am afraid his playing career is over.'  [However a Sunday People article a year later said he was back playing cricket]  [NAME] said her saon could not speak too highly of the prompt action of [NAME] in applying the tourniquet, particularly considering his own condition at the time.  My son thinks his action saved his life,' she added....."

Longfield Parish Council Meeting

(1) PC heard that the Secondary School project had been shelved with consternation.  Will press Dartford RDC to expedite mains drainage for the parish.  (2) Electricity.  Continuing complaints about low voltage in Longfield and Longfield Hill, especially at weekends.  Some people say they can't operate a TV or cooker.  (3) Telephones.  PC to ask Post Office for phone box on Main Road / St Mary's Way junction.  (4) Council hope to sell recreation ground at Whitehill Road for development and buy the land at Whitehill Crossroads, which is a disused rubbish dump owned by the Rural Council, for a new recreation ground.

Kentish Cat Show

Picture of [NAME] of The Pales, Hartley with her three blue long hair kittens.

21 Sep 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Hartley Parish Council

(1) Hartley Parish Meeting agreed to raise £800 to pay for a new burial ground.  (2) Dartford RDC will deal with surface water problem near the Black Lion and supply bin  at War Memorial.

21 Sep 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

New wells needed to save Medway area water shortage

Public enquiry at Chatham into Medway Water Board's application to sink wells at Fawkham and Luddesdown.  They cited increasing population and water using industries.  Objectors were: Mid Kent Water, who wanted to develop them themselves; Metropolitan Water Board and Thames Board Mills, concerned about supplies at their existing wells at Green Street Green and Purfleet respectively; Luddesdown Parish Council; Kent County Council as it would jeopardise new school at Longfield and other developments because there is no mains drainage.

05 Oct 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Legion's progress

Membership of revived Southfleet and Longfield British Legion up to 200.  [Paper of 30/11/56 mentions numbers now up to 250]

09 Oct 1956 Times

Fairby Grange Auction

Auction at Dartford of Fairby Grange and 2½a of land with outline planning permission. 12 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. 4 reception rooms

12 Oct 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Power outages

Longfield Parish Council complain of power outages every time there is a thunderstorm locally and persistent low voltage on Sunday lunchtimes and in the evenings

12 Oct 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Stole Building Materials

"Sending a man to prison for 3 months at Dartford on Monday, the chairman … said a serious aspect of the case was that all of the accused man's fellow workmen must have been under a cloud of suspicion.  45 years old Joseph William Rose [1911-?1968], Main Road, Longfield, had pleaded guilty to stealing timber, tiles, plumbing accessories, fittings and other building material  and tools from a building site at Longfield Court, Longfield, the property of Gough Cooper & Co Ltd. Chief Inspector said ..... Rose made a statement in which he said: 'I first started taking stuff from the site by taking a few tiles but it just grew to my taking this, that and the other.  I have taken bricks, tiles, timber, breeze blocks, cement, lime, wash basin, cistern, roofing felt, lengths of copper piping, paint, window frames and other materials.  It was my plan to build another bedroom and a bathroom on to my place when my son came out of the army....."

12 Oct 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Joyce Green Hospital

Introduction of trolley phone service at Joyce Green Hospital.  Donated by Friends.

15 Oct 1956 Hartlepool Northern Echo

Electricity Outage

Large area of Kent as far as Tunbridge Wells blacked out for about an hour due to breakdown at Littlebrook Power Station

19 Oct 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Hartley Parish Council Meeting

(1) Hartley PC complains to Kent Agricultural Committee of weed infested land near Larksfield.  (2) Kent County Council say kerbing of Hoselands Hill to be included in 1957/58 estimates (3) Old Downs - KCC to put up sign after confusion caused by construction of Old Downs Road - people visiting home try to go down there. (4) Ash Road.  Poor state of road down to SEGAS excavations.

26 Oct 1956 Kentish Express

Sunny Start for Queen's Visit to Medway Towns

"Thousands of people appreciated a gesture by the Queen during her first visit ot the three Medway Towns on one day on Wednesday.  In bright sunshine, she declined a drive from Rochester Guildhall to the Cathedral, and walked in procession with the Mayor and Corporation to give the crowds a better view.

After being greeted by the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Cornwallis, and Lady Cornwallis, Her Majesty shook hands with [NAME] 27, stationmaster at Meopham - his first appointment.  The Queen also met civic leaders of Strood, Meopham and Gravesend.  Outside the station the approaches were crowded with children.  There little [NAME], aged 8, daughter of the chairman of Meopham Parish Council, stepped forward and handed a bouquet to the Royal visitor.

All other traffic was barred as the Queen's maroon coloured Rolls drove into Rochester, slowing as it passed the many groups of people waiting to see the Queen.  At Rochester Guildhall was the first of three rapid ceremonies at which the mayors and corporations of the Medway Towns were introduced to her majesty, who, at Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham, signed the visitors' books and autographed a portrait of herself to commemorate her visit.

Among those lining the route of the first five minutes' walk to the Cathedral were boys of the King's School, Rochester, Combined Cadet Force.  The Procession was headed by the Principal Water Bailiff of the City of the City of Rochester, [NAME] of Strood, and the Principal Mace Bearer, [NAME].  Her Majesty walked beside the Mayor, [NAME], who, at a council meeting earlier this month, deplored the fact that the Royal visit would take only 15 minutes.

Greeted at the Cathedral entrance by the Dean of Rochester, the Very Rev T Crick, the Queen paused inside, when, for the first time during the visit, the National Anthem was sung by the Cathedral Congregation, who had balloted for places inside.  After signing the visitors' book, Her Majesty inspected the Textus Roffensis, which contains records of the Cathedral from the 12th century.  Throughout her 15 minutes' stay in the Cathedral the bells rang.

Back to the royal car and off through the cheering crowds for a 10 minutes' visit to Chatham Town Hall.  Then off again to the Gillingham Municipal Buildings for another civic reception.

When this was over, the Queen drove to Brompton Barracks for the main purpose of her visit - to spend time with the officers and men of the Corps of Royal Engineers, of which she is Colonel in Chief.  Her visit coincided with two centenaries being celebrated this year by the Corps.  In 1856 the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners became incorporated with the Corps of Royal Engineers, and in the same year the Corps Band was formed.  At the Barracks, where she was met by the Chief Royal Engineer, [NAME], Her Majesty inspected a Guard of Honour of 100 men and 3 officers and afterwards spoke to 15 members of the RE Association and 12 warrant officers and sergeants.  Among the RE Association members were two Kent men: the General Secretary, [NAME], of Pembroke Road, Bromley, and [NAME] of Cornwallis Avenue Gillingham.  The Warrant Officers and sergeants included: WO1 [NAME], of Roorkhee Road, Gordon Barracks, Gillingham; [NAME] of No 1 Block, Kitchener Barracks, Chatham; and [NAME] of Kirkee Terrace, Gordon Barracks.

Lunch in the mess was a simple meal, at Her Majesty's request.  When it was over she visited Gordon Barracks where she watched a demonstration showing how the REs fact the challenge of modern warfare.  Her Majesty showed great interest in the static exhibits, including a Robert Howe steam engine, built by Robert Howe and a party of sappers at the school of Military Engineering in 1823.  In charge of the engine, still in working order and the oldest in the country, stood [NAME], dressed in the uniform of the period.  After studying other machines, the Queen was shown a working model of a military port and railway system and spent some time in a map reproduction lorry.  Then, from a 30ft Royal Box, specially built by Sapper trainees from RE Brompton workshops, Her Majesty watched a half hour display of the Engineer's latest machines - bulldozers, excavators, minelayers and bridge builders.

After the display Her Majesty who was accompanied by  Lady Margaret Hay  [1918-1975], drove to Gillingham Station where the Royal Train was waiting to take her back to London.  Among those with whom she shook hands before leaving was [NAME], Chief Constable of Kent.

What the Queen Wore

The smiling Queen was a slender figure in the new jewel colour emerald green.  Her fitted velour coat had a wide black astrakhan collar and a full skirt, softly falling into unpressed pleats at the back.  Her matching cossack hat was 'waisted' with a narrow black ribbon, ending in a small bow at the back.  Her gloves, shoes and handbag were black.  She wore three-strands of pearls, pearl earstuds and a coat ornament to match.  Her bouquet was orange and yellow, the city of Rochester's colours.

Lady Margaret Hay, who accompanied her Majesty, was in a loosely flowinng coat of jewel blue, with a small hat of brightly shaded feathers, and black accessories."

26 Oct 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Fawkham Trial Borehole, 15in waste water main

(Medway Water Board advert) "Tenders are invited for laying, partly overground and partly underground, about 1,400 lineal yards of 15in diameter spun iron Class B pipes from the site of a trial borehole at Fawkham to a dispostal area at Longfield Kent......"

09 Nov 1956 Dartford Chronicle

New Department Store

Dartford Cooperative Department Store opened

09 Nov 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Springcroft Advert

"Detached houses with garage £2,495 with comprehensive specification.  Contemporary decorations if required.  Also bungalows from £2,200 and semi-detached houses from £2,300.  All prices inclusive of road charges.  As only a few plots remain early reservation is recommended."

16 Nov 1956 Dartford Chronicle

False Alarm

Electrical fault causes South Darenth Air Raid Siren to go off, causing concerns given international situation

16 Nov 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

One year old

"children of Longfield Playways celebrate their first anniversary with a party tomorrow.  They had a sale of work and beetle drive in the Village Hall on Saturda which raised £5"

Obituary of Charles James Hollands

of 7 Elm Terrace, Station Road, Longfield, aged 64.  Had lived in Longfield all his life and was employed for many years by J and E Hall of Dartford.  For sometime he was the local greengrocer and served in teh Home Guard during the war.  Leaves widow, 4 sons and 5 daughters.

50 Per cent drop in attendances

27th Longfield Hill WI AGM.  It was reported that since the bus cuts attendances have halved and they might have to move meetings to Longfield.

23 Nov 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

The Ladies redeemed 'I killed the Count

Picture and review of Hartley Players' production.  Reviewer thought it was a poor choice of play as it has 10 men and 3 women and they think their productions are better when there are more female characters.  They thought the female actors rescued the production.

14 Dec 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Hartley WI Annual Meeting

Membership 78.  Hall redecorated externally.

14 Dec 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Fairby Advert

"Preliminary Notice: Hartley.  Private Eventide Home opening early new year.  Pleasant Surroundings.  Matron Qualified SRN.  Reservations Accepted."

Picture of Mrs Russell-Roberts

"With her Papillon (Butterfly) puppies at the Kent Dog Show held at Maidstone on Saturday."  [d 1991? Executor notice]

21 Dec 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Intolerance

RC staff at Southern Hospital ordered by local priest fr A F Colburt, not to take part in the Nativity Play because the producers aren't Catholics

21 Dec 1956 KM (Maidstone Telegraph)

Kent lady on TV Programme

Mrs Rowena Ross [1917-1979] of Pales, Hoselands Hill, Hartley.. Took her 2 years old cream Persian cat, Hathaway Anthony Roly with her when she was interviewed in the BBC's 'Highlight' programme on Friday, the eve of the National Cat Show. Mrs Ross talked about her cats and cats in general. She breeds only cream Persians and blue cream Persians.  Hathaway Anthony Roly has distinguished ancestors.  His grandfather was the famous champion 'Mischief of Bredon' world famous at the perfect example of a Persian Cat.  Mrs Ross has been breeding cats for 5 years and had considerable success in crossing blue with blue-creams.  'Breeding Persian Cats is a job that takes up a lot of time,' she commented.... One can believe it.  Such long beautiful hair needs plenty of attention for a start!"

28 Dec 1956 Dartford Chronicle

Fare Please

Day returns to London from Longfield (Fawkham) Station 6s 6d.