Letters.

I'm sure that there's plenty of you out there that have got something to say so why not e-mail us and let us print it out.  If you find something out or know something about Snodland that you find interesting then I'm sure others will also find it interesting!!!

Are you looking for information related to Snodland and think that someone out there may have the answers to your questions??  Drop us a line at info@snodland.com and we'll print your letter......  hopefully we'll get some answers for you!!

The most recent letters are usually placed at the bottom!!

Another e-mail that gets to go at the top of the page, breaking the rules again........  sorry!!!

This e-mail is from Andrew Ashbee.  The cricket photograph mentioned appears further down this letters page.  I'm letting this e-mail jump to the top because of the important information for those of you researching your family tree.

The cricket photograph sent by Mike Wilkins is actually dated 1902. We have a copy in the museum and the date is printed in the bottom margin. The photograph was taken by D'eath and Dunk, Maidstone, but I cannot identify where - it doesn't look like the Snodland pavilion of the time. Currently I can add only two more names: the clergyman second row from front, far left, is Rev. Gerald Jackson, Rector of Snodland. He also appears in another photograph of the All Saints choirboys' cricket team, so seems to be an enthusiast for the game. Horace Pile (mentioned in Mike's text) is the man with the bat, third from left in the front row. We have photos of 1906 and 1912 too, but only the latter has some identified names - see the reproduction in 'Around Snodland' (Tempus Books, 2003,) p.99. Pile is in both.

You kindly give the Snodland Historical Society web-site. I guess many of the queries in your letters section could be answered by reference to it. The quotation from Mr. Perrett's site is a direct quotation from my book 'A Little History of Snodland' - which I gave him permission to use. In fact the bulk of the text of this out-of-print book is now given on the SHS web-site, so is easily available: www.snodlandhistory.org.uk

Those with family history queries should know that SHS has a database of Snodland parishioners post-1800. This is not on the web-site because it is continually being extended and revised. It comprises over 17,000 names and includes all the censuses and registers to 1901, plus a smaller patchwork of later entries to c.1960. Pre-1800 information is available on the web-site. The database can be seen on computers at the Museum and is also available as a CD-ROM (pdf format). Revised lists will be issued in this form from time to time. Queries to me at aa0060962@blueyonder.co.uk will ascertain whether we have anything of interest (and if so this can often be sent via e-mail).

With all good wishes,

Andrew Ashbee [Chairman, Snodland Historical Society; Hon. Curator, Snodland Millennium Museum]

I've received another letter from Trevor, normally the last letter to come in goes at the bottom but I've made an exception this time!!  I found the letter interesting enough to break the rules!!  Is Snodland really as bad as all this??  I only know the facts written in front of me!!  Has anyone more details of these incidents??  I don't get many e-mails about the amount of crime in Snodland, if you've suffered any violence in Snodland please let us all know!!   Any comments??

We moved into Snodland from London in 1990. We moved from London to get away from the run-down and crime ridden area that we lived in.  Snodland looked like a nice place to raise a family and settle down. My brother and I attended Holmesdale and our younger sister went to Aylesford. Mum got work easy and Dad still had his job in London.  A few years on and I'm 19 now, wishing that my parents had never decided to to come to Snodland. London was bad but this is worse. 

Just recently though I have realized how bad it is. I was jumped a few months ago by about 10 teenagers. {white hat gang} I think just because they were bored.  My next door neighbour was very badly assaulted last year at the carnival, he was set upon by a few lads and had to have reconstructive surgery on his face. He wanted to join the army, but because of his injuries was rejected! On Friday my brother was punched in the face. He had seen an old friend, went to shake his hand and the boy smacked him! My brother told police and myself that it was obvious the lad was on drugs! Just last night, the neighbours car was broken into, stereo nicked and documents taken, she's a school teacher. 

I have lived in Snodland for 12 years now and have NEVER EVER seen a policeman walking the beat round
Snodland. 

I recon you get lots of letters like this, but I'm 19, not an old grump. I've got a regular job at Maidstone Hospital and teach basketball to children at SAMAYS.

I know I'm not the only person who has strong feelings about the crime in Snodland. The volume of people at
the town meeting a while ago speaks for its self. 

I'd just like to know what's being done by police and the council to bring crime down in Snodland. 

Lads my age usually save money for a car, I'm saving money to move out.

Thanks for your time

Trevor Kitchen

Here's a follow up letter from Jill Hutchinson just to let you all know that Snodland isn't the crime centre of the south east.

Like Trevor Kitchen, I moved from a very deprived and crime-ridden area of London to Snodland, only my move was 22 years ago. I have a husband and 3 children aged 18, 16 and 15. None of us have been affected by crime. I appreciate that Snodland has its fair share of crime but I would be lying if I said it was worse than the area of London that I originate from. I'm sorry that Trevor has obviously come across more than his fair share but I'm sure the police and council are doing their utmost to resolve this problem. My main concern is that once these criminals are caught the law courts set them free to continue their rampage instead of putting them in jail and throwing away the key. I have to agree with Trevor regarding police on the beat in Snodland. I can't remember the last time I saw one either, only the occasional police car driving by.

If you are reading this Trev, I hope your knee is getting better because I would love you to come back to SAMAYS to teach the kids basketball again.

Jill Hutchinson

Here's another letter commenting on Trevors e-mail. This time from Kim Rowland.

Hello All,

Just wanted to add my comments on Trevors crime experiences.

I have lived here a year and moved from Orpington to get away from the crime and overcrowding that has grown over the past 5 years.

I admit I have been a victim of crime since moving to Snodland if you can believe it I had the petrol stolen from my car, and so have 3 other neighbours, but apart from that I have had no bad experiences myself and find Snodland still a very peaceful, pleasant place to live in.

My neighbours, from the day we moved in, have been good friends to us. Where I used to live I lived there 6 years and never even knew my neighbours names due to them being rather ignorant (the whole street that is).

So on a good note I would like to say that there is a good side to Snodland, I just think the kids need a bit more to do around here, or at least a good blockbusters or something where they can hire computer games, DVD's etc for a good price, and a few activities without it costing them.

Many thanks

Kim Rowland

Here's yet another letter complaining about the police and crime in Snodland.  I try not to put my opinion on this website but I can only agree with the actions of the police in regard to the road tax........  I pay my road tax and don't agree with other people breaking the law and driving without it.  The fact that they stop a few people by mistake can be overlooked for the good that they do!!

As for the vandalism and crime I can only agree with Mr Anonymous,  recently I have suffered with vandalism as has my girlfriend.  Pointless vandalism does seem to be on the increase.......  Here's what Mr Anonymous has to say..............

On Friday, on my way home from work at about 6.15pm, I was followed by a police car from St. Katherines Lane to my house.  I parked  my car (outside my house) and before I could get my foot out of the car was asked to get out of the car by one of the Police Officers.  I was then informed that the reason I had been followed was that they thought I had no tax on my car, I know some people think that they can get away with things like that but I don't. I was asked if I had my documents on me, normally I would carry my driving license on me but as I had only just returned from my holiday it was still with my passport.  I offered to go into the house to get the documents, but was told this was not allowed and that I had 7 days to produce my documents at the Police Station.

Now I appreciate that the P.C. was only doing his job, However I am sure that all of the residents of Snodland would agree that these two officers could have been doing a better job clearing away some of the arrogant, ignorant teenagers that are causing trouble and damage to innocent peoples property.  I am not saying that all teenagers in Snodland are the same as the small minority I am refering to!  I know of a lot that would equally welcome the disposal of these troublemakers.

Lets get some Police on the streets, at night in particular, reduce the crime and make Snodland a better, safer place to be.  I wonder how many people are frightened to go out at night for fear of being mugged or attacked, or indeed burgled while they are out.

A similar letter was sent to the Police Headquarters a couple of months ago, but to no surprise I have never had a reply.

Maybe you could try!!!!

Thank You.

Anonymous Resident of Snodland.

I can only say that I think the next letter is a bit harsh, it makes Snodland seem worse than the back streets of New York at 2am!!  I think that everyone should have their say and you lot can judge it for yourselves!!

Maybe it'll provoke some of you into writing!!

Hello,

I have to agree with Trevor Kitchen. There is a huge problem with the gang situation in Snodland and the Police consistently say they're doing something about, but not a lot seems to have been done.

I know it must be difficult, seeing as there are so many brain dead morons walking the streets in search of their next 'fix'. They steal, beat, mug and pick on just about anyone who looks like a target.

These idiots hang around in gangs of numbers which usually surpass that of any other group of people. They pick on anybody. I've had to learn how to avoid these people to try and live a normal life.

They continually ask people for money, drugs...or anything they can exchange for drugs. They are losers and will never change. The drug problem in Snodland is one that definitely needs addressing and soon.

My younger brother has been knocked out cold by one of these morons, and on our own drive way! What a joke. These people know no limits and prey on anyone, anywhere and at any time of the day.

I'm lucky enough to be at Uni away from Snodland, but when I return to visit my family, I hear about these idiots and what they've been up to and it sickens me.

One time, me and a friend of mine stepped out onto my patio for a cigarette and we heard five or six of the regular high-street faces trying to work out what the time was. It took them around ten minutes to work it out. TEN MINUTES!!!! That just goes to show how unintelligent these people really are. They were off their faces on something, probably been sniffing some substance or other. As if they weren't already stupid enough, they take mind-numbing drugs. I can't begin to understand the mentality of these people, they just seem to have a desire to intimidate and scare people.

It has to stop and soon.

Vavu

A letter from Paul who says that Snodland is not the crime ridden town this page would have you believe!  I'm sure we have no more crime than any other place, You could check it out at this website.... 

Crime Statistics

Here's what Paul has to say........

I am an estate agent in Snodland I moved here 3 years ago from London and have never had one incident of trouble.

Some people I deal with would like to move here until they read what some people have written on this web site and it puts them off.

Clearly some people in a community of 4 thousand houses have had little incidents from time to time but please put this area in real terms, me and my family have made the best move ever from London and would never go back.

Please spend a week in some of the really bad parts of Kent and London, most people would soon rush back. All the negative comments only stop good hard working people wanting to move into the area. I don’t have a vested interest as an estate agent because houses will sell around here anyway but I do when it comes to the area as a whole.  Most people are genuine very nice people, 1% spoil it for the rest but only very marginally.

Paul

I've had the following e-mail from Dave Shepherd which should be of interest to many of you, the pictures that were attached can be found by visiting the history page.

My name is Dave Shepherd from West Sussex. We have found that my late aunt had two post cards of Snodland, 1920's or early 30's I would guess.

One showing Holboro' Road. The other a T junction or maybe a cross road junction with a bakers on one corner and an electrical shop on the other (the name looks like Dennant. I have made copies. If they are of any interest to you let me know and I will post them. My Grandmother came from Gravesend with relatives in the Snodland area, I believe which would account for the postcards.

My grandmother was the daughter of a pub landlord in Gravesend over the turn of the last century (Woodhams family) - there were still relatives in Snodland in 1995, I wrote when my aunt died earlier this year but got no reply so I guess they may have passed on.

regards

Dave Shepherd

The letter below from Brad Hutcheson  answers the question "Where is the Roman Villa?"  It also assists Barry Tills quest for knowledge, further down the page, concerning the Lime Burning Industry.  It also poses some other questions which I'm sure somebody can answer.

The best person I know to ask about Snodland's history is a Mr. A J Warnett an excellent teacher, who I am led to believe still teaches occasionally at the school on Roberts Road. The actual site of the Roman villa, I remember Mr Warnett telling me 30 years ago, when he was my teacher at St Katherines School, was on the site of "The Lead Wool Company" on Bull Fields the other side of the railway line to the main town. Apparently there is a mosaic floor still there.

The gentleman who asked about the lime works may have more luck searching around Halling and Holborough. Up until 25 years ago the old Lime Works still stood at the back of the Blue Circle Cement Works (the Halling side). It may be that the building may be demolished by now, but Blue Circle may still have some archives you could investigate further.

As for the battle of Snodland in the Roman times. There used to be a Pub on the outskirts of Holborough called the Rising Sun. This was almost opposite the Blue Circle Cement Works. I think that the bypass now goes over it, as the pub was demolished 20 odd years ago. There used to be a pair of crossed swords cut into the road to indicate where a battle took place. The place where the crossed swords used to be was at the side of the pub, where a road used to lead up to the old water mill, which I hope still remains.

It's been a long time since I've been to Snodland so I don't know about the new houses at Bull Fields. It's a strong possibility that the mosaic floor went to Maidstone museum like most of the Snodland/Holborough related stuff. Do you know if the old Holborough Manor ruins are still accessible across the old cricket ground at the back of the water mill? I used to play there quite happily as a kid, on school summer holidays. I have often spoken to my wife and kids about the place, and although it sounds quite sad, I would like to take them there to see it. I lived in Snodland at the top of Birling Road (The Groves), for the first fifteen and a half years of my life, and I may well know you, if you are a similar age group as myself. I now live in Colchester, and have done for the last ten years since leaving the Army, I have kept in touch with the area as my in-laws live in Maidstone.  Please feel free to put my mail on the Website I would more than happy if you feel it was of interest to others.

If you want to know anything else, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm a mind of useless information about Snodland, even though I haven't lived there for nearly 25 years.

Regards

Brad Hutcheson

Further to Brads letter I've just received the letter below with more information about the villa!!

Hi 

I have just found your website on Snodland and can shed some light on the Roman Villa. 

Further to Brad Hutcheson's letter, he is almost correct in his location but it is in Church Field not Bull Field. The reason I know this is I was born and bred in Snodland and lived all of my school years in Medway Place, Church Field. When I was a teenager, some forty years ago, there was an archaeological dig on the site of the Roman Villa which I assisted in and I helped unearth the mosaic floor Brad mentions and yes he is correct, at the end of the dig it was covered over and to the best of my knowledge is still there. 

The villa was in the garden of a large house that belonged to the Gas Company which was located between the Lead Wool Company and the Gas Works at the end of Church Field. The original garden wall of the house is still there and now separates the "new" houses from the row of five cottages (Medway Place) that have been there for over 100 years. There were lots of artifacts found during the dig and I believe they are in Maidstone Museum. 

Hope this helps and if I can shed any more light on this or anything else about Snodland please feel free to e-mail me.

Best regards

Graham Woodhams

Here's an e-mail from Oregon, USA.  If anybody has any answers for Linda please send them to me so I can forward them on.  I did know Shirley, Wendy and Mandy Hartnup many years ago and I've e-mailed Linda about this but we need a contact address or telephone number!!  Can you help??

I am living in Oregon (south) USA. I was born in Pembury Hospital near Tunbridge Wells in 1944. My grandparents were Edward and Elizabeth Hartnup. They used to live at 4, Hilda Terrace, Ham Hill. My parents were the youngest Alfred T Hartnup and my mother was Joan. Wendy and Mandy Hartnup are my cousins. Shirley is their mother... if you see her again please try to have her get in touch with me... she looked after me when I was about 15yrs old... She will probably know about my Grandparents.

Does anyone there remember anything about them. I especially would like to know any little tit-bit about my grandparents. i.e.. Who were they? Where they came from? What did they do? etc etc. What churches they may have frequented?. I was told once that Grandma used to be a dame school teacher...what is that? Any relatives still around there? I would like to hear from you.

My best wishes Linda Hartnup-Dobson

I have received a letter from Barry Till in Hampshire, he's looking for information on his family and the Lime Burning Industry.  Here is a selection from his e-mail......... 

Help!!  I've lost Barry's e-mail address and I have some information for him!! Barry, If you're out there please e-mail us so I can forward you some information.

I've also posted an e-mail I've received further down this page which concerns Barry and his research.

I've received another letter concerning information of relatives, this time the letter comes from Canada.  If anybody out there has any information please e-mail us and we will pass it on.

I Have information for the writer of this e-mail but I've lost your e-mail address please contact me.

"Hi my dad comes from Snodland but has been in Canada since he was 16 he's now 84.  Below is a letter I wrote  to the Kent Messenger but had no response.  Maybe you can direct me to where I might try to track down my relatives.

Dear Sir/Madame:

I am trying to locate some lost relatives of mine.  My father Sidney Joseph Brown was born in Kent, England in 1914 and came to Canada when he was 16.  He married my mom Winnifred O’Halloran in the 40’s.   He is still alive and living in a nursing home.  My sister found some old letters when cleaning up his apartment and this has urged us on to try to see if any of our Aunts and Uncles are still living and contact maybe some of our cousins.

Here is the information I have:

My dad spent 2.5 years Rochester Technical School.

He had a brother Harry who was older than him.  Harry was married to a woman named Nellie they had children named Eric and Doreen.  There was an address on the letter 18 Rochester, Chatham.  I believe Harry may have died in Word War II.

He had another brother named Leonard, he was maybe a bit deaf.  His wife’s name was Lil  they had 2 children, a boy named Travis and a girl named Pamela.  There was an address of 30 Heather Drive, Goose Road, Maidstone.

He also had a brother name William his wife’s name I believe was Lil. I’m not sure if they had kids.  A letter had the address at 16 Landsdowne Road, Tonbridge Kent.

My dads sister’s name was Grace she had a boyfriend named Frank, I’m not sure if she ever married him.  I believe her birthday was Feb. 21, 1918??  Grace had lived with a family named Russels in Snodland at one point.  I believe she was a nurse, Queen Mary’s hospital, Carshalton Beaches Surrey is mentioned in a letter.  I have various addresses associated with Grace they are 8 Brook Street, Snodland, as well as 1 Providence Place, Holborough Road, Snodland.

My dad’s parents names were William Jessie Brown and Ada Jane Davey.  I believe his father was a Head Master at a school and taught music.  The address where my dad grew up was 1 Ivy Cottage, Brambley Road, Snodland.

Well that’s about all I could gather up, anything you could do to help me locate some of my relatives would be very appreciated.  I look forward to hearing from you."

Yet another e-mail from somebody looking for information about relatives.  If you have any information of interest please e-mail us and we'll pass it on.

An e-mail about making trouble.............

To whom it may concern,

I am a resident of Snodland and have been for the last 12yrs. I am 19yrs old.  I have noticed that over the last 5-6yrs or so, the crime and violence in Snodland has risen. 

My Ex-next-door neighbor was mugged at knife point, Bramley Rd. At this years carnival my friend was put into hospital by two lads, he had to have facial reconstruction to put right what the yobs did to him. I myself have been threatened several times by young youths. 

This isn't good enough and Id like to know what the council's future plans are for crime deterrents and prevention. 

I would greatly appreciate a reply.

TREVOR KITCHEN 

If the council has a reply I will gladly post it here!!!

If you've made it this far down the page you'll need something to cheer you up so here's a letter from the USA.  It's nice to hear from people on the other side of the world and get an insight into their lives!!!!

Dear Sirs, 

I saw your note requesting an e-mail from some of your web site visitors. 
My name is Jeff Stubbins, and I've been to Snodland once, some time ago. In 1960 (I was 10) my family was on our way back to the States from a stay in Iran to make some Quick Oil Money. My father worked for the NIOC and I went to the KDS company school. We had a very excellent and charming teacher by the name of Miss. Smith. She brought along a list of children's names for the purpose of generating some pen pals. My pen pal was a bright and also charming girl named Wendy Coster. We enjoyed quite a long correspondence and met there in Snodland. I had a great time and got to meet lots of English kids. Eventually we stopped writing as the teenage years encroached on our childhood, turning us into adolescents with different personalities and interests. 

Thanks now to the Internet, anytime a phrase or place of moment pops into mind, I have only to use my favorite search engine and an abundance of information is there at the ready! 

I now live in San Francisco, and work in a hospital in Oakland as a cardiac monitor tech. I watch people's heart rhythms and look for signs of trouble in patients that have had respiratory setbacks (my home unit, SCU) or surgical setbacks on the open heart patients in the other unit (Tele) downstairs. It doesn't pay all that much, but enough to rent a _small_ apartment in the City, and keep gas in my motorcycle. 

So there you have it, a peek at one of your web visitors 

Jeff Stubbins 

After I wrote back to Jeff I got a bit more of an insight into his life..........

Gary, 

You're more than welcome to add my little missive to your web site. One of these days, or years, I'll find my way over to England again and a return visit to Snodland is surely in order. I would really like to look up Wendy again, if she's anywhere around, and spend a little time in a non-tourist-trap area. I live in one of the biggest tourist traps in the world. 
What I really want to do is find an old Laverda twin or Velocette motorcycle and ship it back to the States, but that's probably just a dream. I have nowhere to keep a second/ third bike anyway. My Guzzi stays in it's little nook in the garage, but my Aprilia scooter must live on the street :-( A few nights ago some punks knocked it over for laughs. A neighbor kid called them "Ding Dong Skippers" when she told me about seeing it, and how the kids were climbing over the car tops to set the alarms off. This is a really nice (though not in the least "ritzy") neighborhood, but the MUNI line is at the end of the street, and the beach is only 3 blocks away. 
As for our weather, right now it's very foggy. The temperature is usually very mild. If you would like to see some live views of SF, you should check out one of our local web sites................ www.sfgate.com
It's the web site of the San Francisco Chronicle, and has lots of goofy news (only in SF) as well as some cool live shots of the bridges, downtown, etc. Just follow the links. 

Jeff 

Another little trinket of information from Trish Reeves!!

I grew up and went to school in Snodland, well in Ham Hill. I was there between 1963 and 1985. My Old Teacher at St Katherines Primary School Told us that the name did indeed come from a family that owned the land. They were the Snoads and it was referred to as Snoad's Land. As for Ham Hill that was of course originally Ham Mill and when I was a kid before the Bypass was built there was an old cottage building called Ham Mill Cottage.

Just thought I'd let you know about my recollections of the name.

Trish Reeves

Has anybody got any information on the ferry that used to cross the river to Burham???  I've received a letter from Roland Young which I've printed below, if anyone has any information I will post it on the website!!  Some pictures would be really great, I'm sure some must exist somewhere!!!

Hi Gary

Just thought I'd let you know I found your web site when Google-ing for info about the Halling-Wouldham foot ferry.

Why was I doing that you ask? Well, I was browsing the Maidstone & Medway Towns OS Explorer map and noticed the dead-end paths each side of the river.  I remembered that, when I first learned to read maps (more than 35 years ago), there was still a foot ferry marked on the One-Inch map. In fact, I have a copy of the 1959 edition of the map, which I got out, and there it was (I also have a 1946 edition which shows the Snodland ferry too.)

Looking at the map, and thinking about how much more leisure time people have now than in 1960 or 1963 (whenever it was that Ron Stevens gave it up) and how many more people there are around now, and how the North Downs Way has to loop north to the Medway bridge... I thought there might be some demand now for a foot ferry - a Ferry Society would be a lot less of an enterprise than the average steam railway society. Idle dream probably, but I started wondering how much trace there is now of the ferry.

I imagine that there must have been a landing stage on the Halling side and some kind of hard path down to the low tide line on the Wouldham side. There might have been a chain for the ferry to be wound along (not a rope, since that would float and get in the way of river traffic.) The chain would have been salvaged, but the anchorages might still be evident. I suppose, though, that the ferry might just have been a rowing boat, but that would be tricky to board on the Wouldham side.

I live in Sevenoaks and am out of work at the moment; I may well go and have a look for myself some time, but since you urge people to email you, I thought I'd send you this note anyway. I don't suppose you know of any pictures of either the Halling ferry or the Snodland one?

Cheers

Roland Young

I received this follow up e-mail from Roland.........

Gary

I went to have a look at the ferry sites today. (Well, it was a beautiful afternoon and I had had enough of looking at recruitment web sites for the day; I fairly easily persuaded my wife to come along.)

Halling / Wouldham is ridiculously easy to visit. The path to the riverside is a bit redundant now as there is a row of new houses on the riverside - a sort of quayside development - and the path runs along the verge of the road. There is a set of steps down into the river from the quayside, fairly modern (the quayside itself is very modern), but clearly a successor to the steps that would have been used by ferry passengers.

The tide was in when we were there, but the upper part of a concrete slope was clearly visible on the other bank. I wouldn't have liked to try to row across the ebb tide - it seemed to be going at quite a lick - but given a medium sized boat with an outboard motor, one could easily provide a ferry service tomorrow. It's amazing to look across at another row of modern houses in Wouldham, a few hundred yards back from the other bank, and know that they might as well be five or ten miles away.

The story is a little different in Snodland. There, the footpath marked on the map leads to the door of a cottage on the river bank. One can just about see what looks like part of a ruined structure on the other bank. I tried to see if there was a way past the cottage to the riverside, but that involves walking past the Smurfit entrance barrier - the chap manning the gatehouse
opened his window and gave me a friendly enough 'where do you think you are going?' look. I told him I was trying to see the site of the old ferry. He said the boathouse was still there, but was now part of the cottage. So the Snodland ferry is probably well and truly lost. However, I might go and see what can be seen from the other side some time.

We thought Snodland's reputation of being 'utilitarian rather than picturesque' (to paraphrase your web site) was a bit unfair. There's a lot of character to the High Street, especially the part around the railway station. The station itself is a wonderful historical relic with its original buildings and manual signalbox. The village must have been pretty grim when the cement works were operating, but now it could have a lot going for it.

cheers

Roland

I've now had an e-mail from Frank Smith.  He collects old photographs and cards of Halling etc.  He transfers them to film but has sent one to me of the Halling ferry.  Roland Youngs e-mail address has changed so I couldn't forward it on but I thought that everyone would like to see it.  Click on the thumbnail picture to get a full size version.  Frank says he has several pictures of the ferry and also some of Ron Stevens and his family.

I've received an e-mail from John Halliday, if you have any information please e-mail us!

Hi Gary ,
I am a bit off track here but maybe you can point me in the right direction. I drove my 97 year old father to Wouldham trying to find any history of his aunt Fanny Fanetto Halliday who married a William Thomas Baker at Wells Cathedral. They lived at the White House , All Saints Wouldham in 1901. He was a cement analyst at a local Cement works. I was surfing to try and find out anything about the area and what may have happened to her and your Snodland pages were very interesting to me .I visited the Kent record offices at Maidstone and wrote to Strood with no luck. Dad can't travel much but uses the internet !!!!!!

Any ideas?

John Halliday

Here's a little bit of history and if anybody knows about this race please let us all know!!

Click on the photo for a full size version.

Hi everyone,
My wife has an old photo of three men posing on bicycles, (one of whom is her grandfather) who were the three finishers in a cycle race held in 1902. The caption is: "Halling Athletic Sports 1902", and the results were: "1st Davies, 2nd Hamilton and 3rd Birt in the 1 mile Cycle Race". George Davies was my wife's grandfather.

Does anyone have any knowledge of the origins of this race and which newspaper should I look in for a report? Any info will be most welcome.

Geoff Timberlake

If any one can help with this search for family members please e-mail me with your information.

Hello

My name is Janet Bond, I live in Australia. I migrated here in 1964 with my Adoptive Parents. I am Searching for any Relatives of the late Ernest Edward Morgan from Snodland. Ernest died early this year sometime.  Ernest is my Birth Father, He was married to a Mavis. Mavis isn't my Birth Mother. I believe I have 3 Half sisters and 2 half Brothers. I also have a full brother named David John. He went to school in Snodland and was born in 1957. If anyone can help could you please contact me via this site.

Thank You

Janet Bond

I've received a picture of the Snodland cricket team from Mike Wilkins.  If anyone has any more information on the people in the photo we'd be pleased to hear it!

Click on the photo for a full size version.

Hello Gary

I've now scanned the picture so I hope you get the attachment ok.
My grandfather Percy Reginald Wilkins is 3rd row back 5th from right.

Picture, we reckon, is about 1899.  He was, in 1901, boarding at No 5 Hope Terrace, Snodland with Mary Jefferys and her son Henry.

Percy was 20 in 1901 and an assistant teacher National school.  In 1903 he married Ellen Hunnerkin (previously Hannikin) who lived at Sunnyside Cottage, Birling.  Ellen's elder sister Mary was married to Horace Pile, who I believe was fairly local.

If anyone can add anything to this or recognises any other persons in the picture I will be pleased to hear from them.

Regards

Mike Wilkins

I've had an e-mail all the way from Texas, USA asking about the Snoads of the area.  The Snoads were mentioned earlier on this page by Trish Reeves.

Has anyone got any further information?

Hello,

I am very interested in the history of Snodland. From the information I have read about the town or area, it once belonged to a family named Snoad. I am a Snoad and have been involved in Snoad research for years. Does anyone know the given names of the family or perhaps some of their descendants. I have researched this family for many years and have found a preponderance of Snoads in the Kent region.

Thank you in advance.

Frances Snoad Muckelroy
Texas
USA

Here's an interesting letter from Hong Kong,  any comments would be gratefully received!! 

There was a time when Snodland had it's very own policemen who lived in the Police Station at 110 / 112 Holborough Road opposite the clock tower. They used to regularly "pound the beat" and also bike around town too. I know this 'cos my Dad was one of them - PC Philip Brewin. 

Now you ask yourself, when could this have been? Certainly not recently. You're right, this was when there was still a cement works at the end of Holborough Road, with four great chimneys belching out smoke and dust that used to carpet the town. It was a time when kids could go out all day long and have adventures in the woods or catch tadpoles on the marshes, and not be bothered by thugs and weirdoes. Still guessing? Well I left Snodland at the ripe old age of 8 in 1964 - Dad got moved to the station in West Malling. Seems like things have changed a bit.

Is Brook Street School still there? I fondly remember a teacher called Miss Ashby, who looked like she was a 100 years old, but boy was she a good teacher - anyone remember her? And old school friends that come to mind: David Lang, Betty Joy, Brian Wallace (and family) - any still living there?

Now a history question. Going up Malling Road from the junction with the High Street, there used to be a stream that ran under the road about 50 to 100 yds from the junction. On the left side it was contained by concrete walls. Inset into one wall was what looked like a grave stone. We were told as kids that a German airman had unsuccessfully parachuted from his burning plane during the war and hit the ground with such force that his legs disappeared up into his body. Lovely stuff for young kids to imagine eh? But is there any truth to the story and is grave stone still there?

Thanks for your attention.

Ashley Brewin
Hong Kong

Here's an e-mail with fond memories of Snodland.  I like e-mails like this and only wish there were more!!  Thank you Wendy!

I recently discovered the website and found it fascinating. I remember the glass works at the clock tower very well. In 1952/3 they were busy making bud vases to sell as souvenirs for the coronation; they were shaped like a crown with a glass tube sticking up out of it for holding a flower. Any that were not perfect were thrown out (much to the delight of us scavenging kids) and most homes had a coronation bud vase in some shape or form though I don't remember anyone lucky enough to have a complete one! It was also a print works in the 60's.

Ashley, I have fond memories of Snodland policemen. When I was about seven my friend's cat got stuck up a tree at the end of Covey Hall Road. I think it might have been your father who rode to the rescue on his bike - don't know how he rode the darn thing with a huge great ladder balanced on it but he did. Just as he arrived the wretched cat slithered to the ground and ran off - but not as fast as I did!

Also remember Jeff Stubbins very well and am delighted to hear that he is well. He may like to know that I now live in Staffordshire a few miles from the National Motorbike Museum.

Have promised myself a trip back to Snodland sometime - is The Bull still the only place to stay?

Wendy Wilson (nee Coster)

Here's an e-mail from Jonathan Morgan asking for information on one of our chapels.  If anyone can help please send me an e-mail and I'll forward it on.

I recently attended the funeral of an old friend, Miss Faith Neville, whose family were connected with the closed Strict Baptist Chapel in Snodland and, as I am interested in the history of our Chapels, I am writing to ask whether there is anybody who can give me some information about it.

It appears to have existed before 1884, when a Mr. E. Wood of Ryarsh commenced preaching there three Sundays a month, and some little time before that a Mr. T. Hollands hired a Lecture Hall for preaching. The only pastors seem to have been a Mr. E., perhaps Ebenezer, Beecher at an unknown date before 1917 and Mr. James Goldsmith from 1917 to 1930. This information comes from a book on the Strict Baptist Chapels in Kent, published in the early nineteen fifties, where it is listed under Other Medway Chapels with the implication that it had been closed by then.

I will be able to find out some more information from denominational directories and magazines, but what is most difficult to discover is the atmosphere of a Chapel and what it was like to worship there. I gathered a little from Miss Neville herself and have had some valuable assistance from her family, but can anybody help, please?

Jonathan Morgan

Any help on this one??  Someone out there must have some information on Holborough Cottage!!

Hi, I was born in Strood in 1952 and moved to the North East in 1968. I am desperately trying to find out about Holborough Cottage and the lady who lived there at that time.

  I remember as a child visiting a Ruby Cummins and a lady named Shirley ? I do not remember if she was the housekeeper or daughter. There did not appear to be a husband. Ruby was a thin lady with white hair and glasses and point blank refused to have electricity installed in the cottage even as late as the 1960's.

  The house set back off the road behind an old stone wall had a lot of character and I vividly remember it's gas lamps. I believe Ruby rented this from the Blue Circle Cement works across the road; the whole area was always dusty Can anyone shed some light on this. At the rear of the property within the grounds was the Cricket Club ground. Does the club use this today?

  In 2002 I made a nostalgic trip back to Snodland in search of this cottage. It took some finding nestling amongst overgrown trees and undergrowth. But when I saw it the memories came flooding back. It was just how I had remembered it.

  I have photos of the cottage taken on my visit. But I was dismayed to find it boarded up and was told by the young lad in the nearby petrol station it had been due for demolition, but there was a problem due to it being a listed building?

  I am assuming this Ruby was a relation to my Great grandmother's side of the family. Who was a Mummery. She had 10 children and we think Ruby could have been a grandchild of one. But not entirely sure.

Any info would be great I really have hit a brick wall.

Here's hoping
Gillian Weedy nee Cornwell

Does anyone remember Janet Whitworth??

My name is Janet Brady. I resided in Snodland during my childhood when I was known as Janet Whitworth. My family resided at 38 Lee Road (previously numbered as 26 Lee Road) in a pre-fab estate built by the German prisoners of war.

I had a school friend named Shirley Revell (daughter of the village doctor) whom I lost contact with when our family migrated to Australia in 1958. I resided next door to the Norman family with children, Roy, and Jacky.

I attended a Junior school near the railway line and then the Secondary Modern school. 

I was twelve years of age when we migrated and have not been back to England since then, though maybe in the future.

I remember The Knob, Blue Circle Cement works, Hooks paper Mill, The Saxon & Roman burial grounds, somewhere called “Happy Valley” near Paddlesworth, “Sandhole Farm” and other various landmarks.

I do remember a Photograph of the family appearing in the Kent messenger in late 1957 early 1958 due to the family winning a phone call to Australia.

I would appreciate a more in-depth history of the village/town, and maybe a contact from someone.

Some fond memories of Snodland here.............

I remember Ashley Brewin and his younger brother Quentin. Ashley was at Brook Street School with me and my sister Carole. David Laing and Brian Wallace were in my class along with Christine Cramp, John Hammond and many others. Betty Joy used to live in Bramley Road and her family emigrated to Australia or New Zealand when we were still at primary school. The school was pulled down many years ago to make way for the by-pass. Do you remember the yearly July Jollity's where Miss Piper used to pick someone to be handkerchief girl and where the top class used to dance round the maypole? 

Mrs Ashby was a great teacher, although I remember everyone was scared of her as she seemed so fierce. Once you got to Class 1 you found out she was not that bad after all! Her son Andrew works at the Snodland Museum and is a source of information about the history of Snodland. Mr Ellis was headmaster and I remember him smacking me one day for showing someone how to write on the wall with charcoal. I daren't tell my Mum or she would have smacked me too! At the end of every term we had a talk from the policeman about not going up Blue or Green Water during the holidays, as they were very dangerous and we would drown!

The gravestone you mention was in the stream that ran under the road opposite the old Co-Op that used to be in Malling Road. When I was in the Guides we spent a day clearing the stream of rubbish and spent ages cleaning the stone. It was there in memory of a policeman who was killed close by. When they made Rocfort Road the stone was taken up to the cemetery I believe. I do remember the story of the German though.

Snodland in the sixties was a safe place from what I remember. We used to walk to and from school alone from a very early age and never worried about being attacked. We were always out somewhere, down the Brook looking for sticklebacks, riding our bikes or just playing football and cricket in the Recreation Ground. We used to go on long walks up Happy Valley on our own. I still walk there when I get the chance and it's funny, you only seem to bump into people you knew years ago because no-one else knows it's there. 

My parents still live in Snodland and won't go out at night. They don't feel safe anymore and it makes me angry to think that they have to stay home because of the mindless people that are bent on terrifying others. They are lucky that they live in a relatively quiet part of the town, but they should still be able to go where and when they want without fear.

Barbara White (nee Hall)

Anybody know of Fiona Damms???  I'll be the matchmaker here, if Fiona contacts us I'll give her Robs e-mail address.

Hi.

My name is Rob Jones.I am looking for an old friend of mine called Fiona Damms. I know she comes from Snodland but maybe living in the Maidstone area. We lost contact about 10 years ago. Fiona did try to contact me a few years back but the person who took the call lost her number so I could not return her call.

Here's an e-mail from Andy Clarke but I have a confession to make........  I've lost Barry Tills e-mail address. So Barry, if you're out there drop us a line!!

I can't believe my luck, I just happened to be browsing your website and I saw the entry from Barry Till. I am researching the very same family, Minnie Christina TANNER is my Great Auntie, in fact I have just received a copy of her Birth Certificate today.

I have recently been trying to locate living relatives from this side of the family, as Barry says, Christina married Stanley TILL and I know one of their children was called Vera who was born in 1917. Vera married someone called CROWHURST and they had a son called Tony who resided in Chatham.

I am grandson of Alan TANNER, who was Christina's younger brother. I could go on and on about the information I have, obviously being in contact with Barry will be a great step forward for our research, if you could arrange
this for me.

Regards

Andy Clarke

Here's another person in search of family history.............

I have information for you Ann but you've changed your e-mail address!!!

Hi ,

I am trying to trace the family name of Forrest .. Thomas Forrest ( widower ).  My Grandfather moved from Yorkshire and married Minnie May Knott who lived in Snodland in 1921.  Her Father was James Knott, a turner by trade.  Witnesses at the marriage included George R Knott and H Knott.... anyone have any other details ??

With Thanks Ann Clark ( nee Forrest )

Yet another letter complaining about the crime in Snodland and the lack of police.  Has anyone got any comments on this letter.  I'm sure it should provoke a reaction in some of you.

The crime in Snodland is disgusting, there is not a single safe place to go. I have no idea why people want to live here anymore. I used to love Snodland, Family and friends close by, Maidstone and shops an easy distance away. Safe to walk about at night.

Now no-one will venture outside alone, I've lived in Snodland my entire life, I had no problem going out after dark before. But the last couple of years mean I carry Mace with me where ever I go, and I'm seriously considering upgrading that into something bigger. Break-ins and theft occur on a daily basis (we're a small village). I have never seen a policeman walking round Snodland at night, actually I don't think I've ever seen a policeman in Snodland. Surely they know about the "Rec" at night, the Gangs meet up and decide what they are going to do, be this rape, theft or arson they are still crimes, and the police are doing nothing about it. It isn't long before there is a massive Vigilante movement in Snodland, which would probably solve the problem quicker and more effectively but if we can stop this non-violently then we should. But if a vigilante movement did start to take charge then at least it would be safer for us law abiding folk who shouldn't be afraid but are.

I'm only 17 year old and I'm moving out of Snodland as soon as I can. No one is bothering to do anything about the problems here, why not use a percentage of Taxes to crack down on crime. If we hired more policemen and even station a few around the more crime ridden areas then guess what.... Snodland might actually become habitable. I'd prefer they do this over the angry mob attacks on Rapists, true they deserve it but why go to these extremes

For anyone that reads this, if this is even posted on the website because lets face it, they are just covering up the problems as opposed to solving them.

I give it a few years before this dump burns itself to the ground!

Is anyone out there interested in radio controlled aircraft?  Let me know and I'll forward your details on to the necessary people.  If you click on the small pictures you'll get a larger version.

Hello,
 I just wondered if there are any other r/c aircraft enthusiasts out there in Snodland?  I know of a few, if there are, please contact me as we're thinking of forming a club. The nearest one at the moment is at Headcorn.  Are there any kind farmers/landowners out there who could lend us a corner of their field to fly from?  It  must be on the outskirts of Snodland... Please Help!

Something to show what you can do with a small model here are a few pictures we took flying over Nevill Park. Anyone interested contact me and I'll forward a few more of your street, if I managed to get it.

Ashley Brewin has been back in town.

Preserve the past in photos.

My brother Quentin and I recently came to visit Snodland after an absence of 40 years and were pleasantly surprised at what we saw. Okay, we were only there a brief time, so didn't experience the nasty things others have written about in this website. However, the streets were clean, flowers were hanging down from many buildings and people seemed to be happy.

One thing does concern me: with the building of the new cement works much of what's left in the Holborough area may well disappear, in particular the woods behind the old Holborough water mill. I'm sure all of us have been there at one time or another in our lives: remember the games you used to play jumping over the stream, falling in the ponds, making tree camps, building bonfires and cooking dough on the end of a stick over the flames? It was a magical place that hasn't lost its charm - we went there with my 6 year old daughter and thoroughly enjoyed being kids again for a brief moment in time. If you haven't been for a while, go there and travel back in time, it's really worth it while the place exists.

Now onto my reason for writing and the title of my article: "Preserve the past in photos" If the woods are to be engulfed by the cement works (God forbid), please, please can someone good at taking pictures go there and record the place for posterity - I didn't have my camera with me when I visited and now really regret it. 

So come on all you professional, as well as budding, photographers, do your bit for the generations to come and make a record of all the magical places that still exist in and around the town, particularly the Holborough woods. 

Thank you in anticipation of seeing the results of your labour of love on this website.

Best regards to all Snodlanders, wherever you may be.

Ashley Brewin

More memories of an old Snodland!

Hi my name is Roy Hagger, I have just found your website and found the letters.  I now reside in Canada. during the war years I lived with my parents first at Grove Farm (Filmer) then later at Holborough Road Farm. The Two Police officers at that time Resided at the Groves . Constable Herring and Sgt Tring. I left the Village in 1955 and moved to London, emigrated with My wife and Two Children in 1967.

I read the letter from Roland Young.  I remember the Ferry, a path on the Snodland side ran down beside All Saints Church to the Ferryman's cottage.  I remember taking a trip across the river by the rowboat.  The Ferryman used ONE oar standing at the rear of the boat doing what I believe was called 'Sculling' I don't remember a rope on the boat but from the opposite side we had to ring a bell to attract the ferryman's attention for the return trip. I believe the Ferry stopped when a 'Bailey Bridge was erected across the Medway.

Roy Hagger 
Ex Snodland ite

I've had another e-mail from Australia.  If anyone wishes to contact Tracy Hare nee Rigby they can do so via the website.

Hi ,

My name is Tracy Hare {maiden name RIGBY}. We moved to Australia in 1972 and left behind really good friends Derek and Jenny Edwards and their three children Tony, Heather and Derek. I kept in touch with Heather for a while but as I was only Ten years old when we left I got lazy and stopped writing. I was looking at your website and was wondering if anyone knows them and could let them know that I think of them often and if they wish to get in touch to contact me through you.

Thanks.

Kind regards Tracy.

If anyone has some information on the following please let me know and I'll pass it on.........

Dear Sirs,

I have been reading your web site on Snodland and wondered if anyone one could give any information about my family. My family name is Wright, my grandfather John Henry and grandmother Emily Frances, moved from the Medway Towns and lived at 2 Churchfields, Snodland. I have always been told that John Henry owned for a time the row of terraced houses in Holborough Road, in fact, my mother and father lived in one for a time, my brother John was born there. My father was A.C. Wright, he worked at the Snodland Paper Mills and played for Snodland Cricket Team, and was Kent's fast bowler from 1924 to 1934/5. My parents lived opposite the cricket ground until Dad retired, they moved to The Fruiterers Arms, at Rodmersham, Sittingbourne, where grandad died. Dad then went out to Egypt to coach cricket just before the war broke out, I was born in 1939, and didn't meet him until 1945 when he came home. By then he was working for Imperial Airways as marine coxswain in charge of flying boats.

Dad's grandfather was Joseph Skilton, master baker, he started the Frindsbury Cricket Team, where I think dad, perhaps learnt his trade. I have also been told he opened the Cement Works, can someone help with this or any other information on the family.

Jill Sayer (Mrs.)

Anyone remember a band from Snodland called "The Floors" ??   Here's a guy who'd like to know.

Hi, 

I wonder if any of your readers could help me on this one. 

Back in the mid to late 1980’s I met a group of lads from Snodland whilst stranded in Paris after a Jam gig. They played in a local Snodland based band called “The Floors”. 

Their names were Colin and Richard Duce, and Richard Austin. I recall they had nicknames which included “RTA” and “Chippy” (could have been “Woody”!). I still play some of their songs from time to time and would like to find out what they are all up to these days. 

If anyone has any info, please e-mail

Many thanks.

David Roan

Anyone got any information on the West family tree??  Let me know and I'll pass it on!

Hi

My family came from Snodland and I'm trying to find any info on them.

Frederick West & Emily (nee Bachelor) married in Tonbridge, Kent 25/12/1875.

1881 census has them at 3 Mack Farm Road he was a gardener and they had Frederick 3yrs old & George B 2 yrs old.

1891 Census has them "next to Cambridge Villas" children are Frederick J 14yrs, George B 12yrs, Alfred 7yrs, Adelaide M 3yrs, Kate 1yr and Lily aged6 days.

By the 1901 census Emily is a widow, a "seamstress with own accounts" Alfred is 17yrs employed as a "paper worker", Adelaide is 13 yrs, Kate 11 yrs & Lily 10yrs. The address is 115 Brook Street.

Frederick (the son) is 24yrs, single & an engineer at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne in 1901 census. George is 22yrs married a painter & decorator listed as a boarder at 64 High Street, Elham, the home of Charles & Cecilia Ford & their daughter Emily.

We know Kate remained a spinster & was a school teacher. Adelaide married Sid (don't know his surname) & they lived in Hastings 60's/70's. Lily we had never heard of but think she may have died in Leicester 1916 age 25 yrs, maybe she was a nurse???

I really want to find more about them can anyone help please?

Brenda Cooper

Does anyone remember Gordon Byast, a right little tearaway in his time..........

Hi

I just found your website and it brings back so many memories.

my name is Gordon Byast, I lived at 58 May Street for several years before moving uptown to 201 Holboro Rd. I remember well Miss Ashby at Brook Street school. My father was a rigger with Townsend Hook until we left the UK to go to Australia in 1967 on the TV Fairsky.

One of your contributors mentioned a Betty Joy, she came to Australia after I did and is married with four children in Geelong, Victoria.

Reading your letters on the subject of crime in Snodland, let me tell your readers that Snodland is no different from any small town in Australia or anywhere else in the world.  Well, the Snodland for me in 1967 was safe to walk the streets, play on Saturday & Sunday from dawn to dusk. Stealing apples, raiding vegetable allotments (kids today would not look at a carrot let alone steal one and eat it), jumping from the bridge at the back of the cement works on to a pile of clinker, at the time it seemed like 100 feet... closer to 10 feet if the truth was known.

I seem to remember a printing operation being undertaken at the clock tower on Holboro Rd.

The village had two bakeries, one near the Tudor house on the left looking toward the rail line the other on the corner diagonally across from The Bull, the bottom one would sell yesterdays cakes for a penny each. Yum! But on one trip up town myself and several friends tried the top bakery, wow! For a penny we bought a whole bag of cakes and made ourselves sick.

Saturday morning was bath time and since we lived in houses without bathrooms I would go to the public baths where for threepence I had a bath. Strange when I tell this to my children now.

We would travel to Maidstone for swimming and the cinema during school holidays after which we would go to the museum every time. Train was our preferred mode of travel.

In winter the brook would freeze, heroes were born at this time. We would walk on this frozen water like explorers some times we made it sometimes we didn't.

From the brook was a short walk to the dairy where if you were careful you could get (steal) a bottle milk, it doesn't taste the same now.  I also remember stealing, or trying to steal, a locomotive that had been left in steam while the driver had lunch, it would not move but we tried. This was at the back of my house on Holboro Road at the cement works. I also remember fishing a cat out of the slurry mixer at the same location and driving a powered lawn mower over the cement works bowls green.

None off the above were the reason for my departure from the UK!

With regard to friends, Bobby Taylor lived next to me in Holboro Rd as did Allen Bell, he had a sister Sandra. Jimmy Palmer moved away to Slough when I was still there.  Carole McKenzie, she was my first love, I may never see her again but I will never forget her! I would love to hear from any of them.

Teachers I most remember.... Ms Ashbee, Mr Cowell, Mr Pierce, Mr Lister, Ms Munn, Mr Lewis, Mr Bam. I feel sure with teachers such as these we would not have the types of assaults etc that we have today both in Snodland and here in Coonabarabran, a total disrespect of elders and authority (my soap box bit).

As you can see by my exploits I was no angel however when caught I would own up. Nothing else for it!

Anyway back to my Snodland, at the Rising Sun Hotel at the back past the mill in woods, there used to be a spring (we thought). It was probably a broken water pipe but to us it was a spring.

In about mid 1966 a new manager moved in to the cement works he had a couple of children their surnames were Allen as I recall

I would love to hear from any of these people!

Gordon Byast.

Gordon gets corrected in this letter.  More memories of Snodland....

Hi to all my old school friends and people from Snodland.

My cousin Jerome Perkins was reading your letters and contacted my mum telling her someone was asking about me. So he sent me the web address. Reading the letters I got mixed emotions. Reading about the village and how it was brought back many many happy memories of playing in the recreation ground with Carole and Barbara Hall, Stephen Cribbins, Clive Green and I must not forget my close friend Lyn Benger too many more to list. On hearing about the crime rate made me feel sad but Australia is not much different. 

I remember many happy days I had walking up the hills on our own and we would have only been 9 or 10, When I was 12 when we emigrated to Australia. In one of your letters someone mentioned the Rising Sun Pub I have an oil painting of the pub and the water wheel that was painted by Lyn Benger's grandfather Mr Holeman who did two paintings of Snodland for my Mum when we left. 

If anyone is in contact with Lyn Benger would you ask her to contact me I have lost her address. 

Yes Ashley Brewin I remember you and Mrs Ashbee, she was very frightening at school but she was a completely different person after school. I remember delivering her paper and sometimes going shopping for her. She must have been at Snodland CE for many years because she also taught my father. I often thought she had been there from the start. I also remember Miss Piper and how she use to make you eat all your dinner even if it made you sick. I have fond memories of my time at that school.

Barbara White, I often came to your house when you lived off the rec, and went to Brownies and Guides with Carole. I also remember being the hanky girl during the July Jollities. I have photos of the maypole dances and photos from the old CE primary school, and of old Snodland. I had forgotten about the sticklebacks at the brook but it soon came back when I read your reply to Ashley. When I came over in 1983 I had a drink with your Mum at the Monks Head.

Now to correct the entry from Gordon Byast. No I'm not married and I have one son called Rhett who is 10 and a mad soccer player (football). He is goal keeper for two squads and right wing for another so my week and weekend are taken up with training and taking him to Melbourne to play at 9.00am and then back to Geelong to play at 11.00am. Gordons family and mine have stayed in touch and I often see his sister Annette.

It would be great to receive an email from you Ashley and Barbara and your sister Carole as I went to see her when I was home but she was out in fact it would be great to communicate with anyone that remembers me.

Snodland will always be in my heart and thoughts because I had a fantastic time growing up there until 1968 when we came to Australia.

Look forward to hearing from anyone.

BETTY JOY

A letter from John Wright chasing some family tree information, can anyone help?

Hi,

I'm tracing my family tree and don't know if any residents or ex-residents of Snodland can help me trace one of my long lost relatives, HELENA MAY SOULSBY, Born 15.05.1918, born in Peckham South. London and was 
Adopted by Doctor who lived in Snodland 1918.

I do not know the doctors name or anything about his family. Helena's mother died and herself and her sibling were all adopted by different families, As it was before adoption agencies I think the church my have arranged adoption.

Hope somebody can help me with my quest....

Regards JOHN WRIGHT

A letter from Davina Tanday chasing some family tree information, can anyone help?

Hello my name is Davina Tanday my maiden name is Longhurst.

I am tracing my family tree and I know many of my family lived in Snodland.

My Nan Ada Longhurst, Maiden name Goldsmith, lived on the Malling Road number 48 with my Grandad Ernest Longhurst.  Ada's mum also Ada Goldsmith lived in Snodland at 8 Hilda Terrace, she came down here from London in about the 1920's.  She married Thomas Goldsmith and that house was his family home. My grandad Ernest Longhurst, mum, lived in Snodland also on the Malling Road but I don't know what door number that was. Her Name was Ada Digby who was married to a Albert Longhurst.

I was wondering if anyone remembers anything about them or recognise these surnames then I would love to hear from you as I am not having much luck in tracing them.

Hope someone out there could help me.

Davina

More memories of Snodland.

I also stumbled on this site and it bought back happy memories of my youth. I remember Ashley and Quentin Brewin and was surprised to see mention of my brother Brian Wallace and family. I also remember Mrs Ashby a well loved teacher of Brook street school, I brought her son Andrew's book 'Around Snodland'. 

And then Davina Tandy looking for information on our family. Ada Digby was my Nan's auntie, her father's sister. 

I am sad to read that Snodland is having problems with violence and theft. I remember the policeman in the village, he knew everyone's name, your parents would be told if you stepped out of line, so you would get into trouble with them as well.

I was sorry to see the school farm is now houses. I suppose farming is not what it was.

In answer to Ashley Brewin's question, none of the Wallace family still live in Snodland, but have not moved far.

Now I have found this site, I am sure to look at it often.

Avelyn (nee) Wallace

An e-mail full of memories from Brian Wallace.....

Hi,

yes I  remember Ashley and his brother Quentin, as well as his fathers Police bike, with it's constant bleep, bleep, presumably to let him know the Radio was still working O.K.? Do you remember trying to make some toast with a magnifying glass in the sun in your back garden?

I remember the printers in the clock tower opposite "Tuohys" if I remember correctly, owned by (or at least run by) a Mr Furlonger.  My Gran used to go to school there (the clocktower that is) when she was a schoolgirl.  I also remember Brook Street school, and Mrs Ashbee, I also remember her chasing a girl (Pam somebody, can't remember the surname) round and round that large table that always stood "front and centre" of the class, sorry Ashley, that was after your time, but Barbara may recall?

Yes I remember Barbara as well, how are you nowadays? She had more brothers and sisters than I did :-) And David Lang, John Hammond, whose Dad (Jack) and Uncle Ron were local Milkmen, Christine Cramp, Brian 
Whibley, Brian Morgan, inevitably Richard Still :-) Frankie McDonald (I bumped into him a few years ago, he was quite well) Sandra Law, Christine Maxwell, who I believe worked for Snodland town Council for a few years, many more I can recall, oh, and Ashleys "replacement" Bob Keeper, whose father replaced Ashleys' as the village "Bobby"

Anyone remember trying to catch Tiddlers in the stream down the Allotments between Malling Road and Brook Street? I gather it's all piped underground now.

Fond memories of Happy valley too.

Sad to hear how things are in Snodland now.

Best regards to all

Brian Wallace

Does anyone out there have any information for Sharon?

Dear all in Snodland.

I have traced my ancestors to Snodland. I have found the family on the 1871.1881 and 1891 census.

The family are Isaac Heather, Esther Heather and their sons Amos, Alfred and Albert.

Could some kind person look at the census details and see if you can make out the places where they lived.  It looks like Mudford Cottage 1871, Back Row 1881 and I cannot make out 1891.

Are these houses still in the village? Any help would be appreciated.

Sharon Francis

Another e-mail from Gillian Weedy following on from her previous one printed above somewhere.

Hello there, 
I contacted you some time ago with regards to Holborough cottage and a visit in 2002 to try and find out more. Well I have just been back to Snodland in August 07and have found out a bit more and was wondering if any of your readers could help me further.
The cottage or old house lies behind the gate house in Holborough Rd, and is now occupied by a Tony Groves and his wife, It is still owned by Blue Circle Cement now Lafarge. When I visited there was a cricket match on and I got talking to, I think, the local groundsmen who asked me if I had seen the chapel! 
I had no idea what he was talking about but kindly took me to see it. It actually stands next to the house hidden amongst the trees and I had no idea it existed. although previous photos from 2002 do reveal the other end of it amongst the trees but I had no idea it was a chapel. I was lucky enough to look inside and it was quite small. The house, gate house and chapel are all listed buildings.
I am assuming it must be connected to the house and my questions are: Does anyone know anything about it and the lady who lived there and that I visited as a child in 50'sand 60's? Her name was Ruby Cummins, I do believe she did not marry and lived there with Isabel (her mother maybe) but there was a girl Shirley who Ruby adopted as her daughter. Ruby died in 1978 and I assume she was still living in the house. Any info would be gratefully received. Was Shirley a local girl? Why was she adopted? I have reason to believe Shirley had a daughter Carol (Cole) married name possibly. I am really desperate to find out more about Ruby and the house. 

I did visit the archives at Strood and found 2 books by Mr Ashbee with pictures etc in and found a photo of the old house as it is called and states it was once home to several managers of the cement works from the early 19th century. I am also trying to find out about this house and its history. Perhaps someone out there can give me any clues as to how I can find out about this house from Blue Circle /Lafarge, they must keep records if it is still in their ownership.

Here is hoping someone out there can help me

Gillian Weedy nee Cornwell

Anyone got some info for  Steve?

Hi

I have been trying to track down an old friend of mine called Rick (Richard) Kirby. He last lived in Snodland and we last spoke about 6 or 7 years ago. I'm having difficulty finding a number for him. We are old friends from Brighton over 30 years ago (ouch!).
If you could help I'd really appreciate it. His wife is Karen and they had at least two children. One was a daughter called Chelsea.

Kind regards

Steve Moore, Brighton

Marion needs help in New Zealand.....

My husbands family originate from Snodland and we are pensioners and unable to join all the various family history societies to find information.  We now live in New Zealand, if there are any descendents to these families or anyone who could find information for us it would be appreciated. Edwin Foster born 1869 his wife Emma Matilda Efford about1871.  Edwins father we believe was one George Foster, anything at all that can be passed on to us we would be thankful for.

Marion Foster

Any information for Bronwyn??

Hi,

I'm from Melbourne Australia, trying to trace my family tree. My great grandmother Ethel Bird came from Snodland. she migrated to Australia in 1919. Her parents names were John and Mary Ann Bird (nee Wood). She never saw any of her family after she migrated, so my info is patchy. The last letter l have is from her nieces Alma and Emily Sharp. If any one has any information please contact me via email.

Kind Regards 

Bronwyn Birt

Anyone know Brian Hawkins?

I attended Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School in Rochester in the early 1960's. My best friend at "The Math" was Brian Hawkins and he lived in Snodland. He would be around 60 at this time (2007) We shared an interest in motorcycles and I remember he rode a BSA Bantam to school everyday. His father was a Baker in Snodland for many years.

I moved to Scotland soon after leaving school and then moved to the USA with my wife and children in 1981. Since the advent of the internet I have tried to track him down online and see how he is getting on after all these years but without success so far. As his family had a connection with Snodland for many years, I thought I would see if someone there knew Brian Hawkins and what happened to him after he left "The Math" School.

Many thanks,

Ian Donald

An interesting letter.  Some good information about the Snodland Scouts paper collection.

Hi

I have just discovered your website and would like to say that I am quite impressed. Who would have thought it - Snodland with it's own web site! However, the reason I write is to add to your recycling information. 

You may or may not be aware that Snodland Scout Group collect waste paper for recycling on two occasions in each month to raise much needed funding for their new headquarters. Details of the collection areas can be found in the Kent Messenger Village News section. They collect on the second and fourth Saturday of the month. For the more observant among you, you may have noticed the new recycling bank at the Community Centre. As part of the recycling initiative within the Borough, all the paper recycled at this bank will also help the Scout Group with it's funding as well.  So I would recommend to all that you use these two methods of supporting local young people.

On another point, I was disappointed that there was such a negative message regarding the 'yob' culture that appears to be in Snodland. Every community has it's problem children, all over the world judging from the mail you have published, but the answer is not to give in to them. Once the yobs have you on the run, you will never get the respect that you need to deal with them again. If your answer is to run away from the problem, to move out, all you will be doing is moving to another area with the same problems that you won't be able to deal with, again. Far better to deal with the problem in a sensible way and start supporting these young people who have nothing better to do because we are all wrapped up in how important our lives are. Well, they deserve better as well. They do not need to be abused all the time because they're hanging out with their friends in the town centre or being forced out to the estates because of other problems.  They need something to do that isn't 'school' or similar and that doesn't cost the earth.

I lived in Snodland for my first 17 years, served my country for a further 22 years and am now thinking of coming back to Snodland to live. I don't see the 'yob' problem as a deterrent. Where I currently live we worked on a set of 'acceptable behaviors' from the young people in the streets where we lived and would not accept anything else. As a result, we now speak to each other rather than hurl abuse. Much more pleasant, I'm sure you agree. 

Don't expect the police to do your community work for you. They have enough problems dealing with traffic violators and other villains. Seeing them occasionally works to keep the 'yobs' at low profile but the community is ours and we should keep it.

Thank you for listening, I'm sure you will be hearing from me again. Keep up the good work

Pete Byrne

Now this is a great e-mail, so many memories.  I just love this one!  If anyone wants to get in touch drop me a line and I'll pass it on.

Hi, 

I was born in Snodland in 1953, in the back bedroom of 12 Portland Place to be precise. My mum was Yvonne (maiden name Gash) and my dad was Derek Barton who worked at Blue Circle as an accountant. When I was four it was safe to play outside the front door – I remember the road was smooth with tarmac and many happy hours were spent outside on roller skates and scooters or just sitting on the doorstep with your toys. There was always someone to play with and the summer evenings seemed to go on for ever. My friend (Heather?) White (I think she had a sister Carol?) lived down the bottom of our road and we used to go and play in her dads shed which stunk of onions. In about 1957 I thought we were dead posh because we got rid of the toilet at the end of the garden and had a bathroom built next to the kitchen – you still had to go outside to get to it though, and it was freezing in the winter, still it meant no more tin baths in front of the fire on Saturday night while you were watching Dixon of Dock Green!! You could get to the back of the cinema from our back garden, and we used to go to the Saturday matinee for 3d – we used to sit upstairs and flick peanuts over the balcony onto peoples heads, when we came out we went to the chip shop and got a huge back of crackling – what a treat that was! I remember my Mum was always in the back garden talking over the wall to Mrs Allard (I think she had a son called Paul) she always had one of those scarves on that’s all smooth at the back and ties in a big knot over your forehead, I don’t think I ever got to see her hair. We never used to lock the doors, it was safe everywhere in those days – Edwin the baker used to come on his bike with the big basket on the front and leave the loaf on our kitchen table – other times I was sent to the shop to fetch it, but it never had a crust on it by the time I got home!!! Yum! 

Portland Place was a dead-end in those days as the allotments were at the end – I used to walk through the allotments to my ‘nana and pop-pop’s’ shop (Joseph and Florence Dunn) which was at the bottom of Rookery Hill where my other nan lived. I remember helping pop-pop in the shop – everything was sold loose in those days, even Oxo cubes which he got out of a tin. People used to come in to have their paraffin cans filled and I used to help fill them up from a big tank out the back – and I used to get a huge bag of yellow sherbet for my day’s ‘work’. 

My other Nan and Granddad (Vic and Anne Gash (nee Chapman)) lived up Rookery Hill, I can't remember what the number was but it was two doors up from the (Schoolings?) who used to keep smelly pigs in their garden, they also had a field down the end of the road with cows in it that were really scary. My Nan had a dug-out in her front garden and I was too scared to go down there because it was soooo dark and half full of water. You used to be able to get through to the Rec from my Nan's back garden and we used to go and play on the swings down the bottom for hours and hours till someone came to get us – it was sooooo safe in those days! I remember now – Mrs Allard’s son WAS Paul – because he and I took a little picnic down the Rec when we were about four – he had jam sandwiches and hadn’t noticed that there was a wasp on them, well of course he got well and truly stung, his tongue swelled up and he nearly died by all accounts. A few doors up from my Nan's was my Mum’s best friend Megan Monk, and her kids, one of her sons was called Chris. I remember if you laid very still on a hot summers day in the Rec you could hear the squeaking of the little buckets in the chalk quarry going across the Downs – anyone else remember that? Or going for walks up Pilgrims Way with your Nan or Mum to collect bluebells and buttercups? Oh and blackberries – my Nan's apple and blackberry pie was something to die for, as was the home-made ginger cake and everything else that was home-made, and the huge slices of bread we used to stick on a toasting fork and warm over the fire and eat with real butter. Oh those coal fires – we never had heating in those days, but the fires were always so cosy and warm. No carpets either – lino everywhere with just a few rugs which Nan used to hang out on the washing line once a week and allow me to thrash with the carpet beater, (that’s after I’d finished putting all the sheets and towels through the mangle!)

My first boyfriend was Roger Clackett who lived up Constitution Hill – I remember going up there and playing ‘house’ in a little clump of trees where people used to dump old gas stoves and the like. 

Don’t remember my mum taking me to school very often – it was safe to walk there on your own in those days. I remember having to walk past the KCC grounds (I think it was something to do with Mid Kent Water and I think they played cricket there), and there was a short wall that run down the road with a slanting edge and we used to see how far we could run without falling off. Brook Street school was nice, and yes, I too remember Mrs Ashbee – she was really scary – I remember her fur coat and lots of red lipstick and being told off a lot – funny how things stick in your mind, I mean I can't have been much older than five in those days and I remember her showing me how to do cross stitch. I remember Mr Ellis – I was scared of him as well. Everyone was so strict in those days – I remember getting a slap for swinging my legs and making a noise with my feet during assembly, and then of course if you got in trouble at school in those days you could guarantee you’d get it when you got home as well!!! Funny – had my fair share of smacks and slaps in those days – even remember dad boxing me round the ears a few times- don’t think it did any of us any harm though. What else about school? Oh yes, blackboard and chalk, little sea shells for counting with, experiments with potassium permanganate, chanting the times table every single day – think we knew them off by heart by the time we were six. Our classroom had a huge great big shutter dividing it from the next room, there was one of those old black coal fires in the corner with a flue sticking out of it. PE was fun, although the navy blue knickers with the rather thick seams weren't!! We had skipping, beanbags, long oval rush mats, and yellow markings on the walls, at playtime we played skipping and hopscotch and ‘Farmer Wants a Wife’. In the summer we had the maypole. Christmas was lovely, with the service always being held in the church near the station, I just remember the pure excitement and the glitter and the tinsel and the carol service, it was magic! 

Gordon Byast – I saw your letter – your name SOOO rings a bell, but I can't place you! I remember (David?) Bartholomew (remember him cause he had a rather personal accident in class one day – or was it you Gordon?!) sorry, but it's funny the things that stick in your mind!! Susan Smith, Lorna Harris, Roger Clackett, Louisa Body (lived in a caravan near the library), Anne somebody or other who used to live in a pre-fab up Holborough Road. My best friend, although she didn’t go to Brook Street, was Judith Burtenshaw, her dad had a bike shop near the pictures which smelled of rubber, and we used to go upstairs and play with the Scalextric sets, they had a big house up Birling Road somewhere I think – I used to think it was really posh, we used to get over her back fence and go and steal apples from the field, but soon gave that up after the farmer chased us one day. 

Does anyone remember the school milk in the tiny bottles? And we HAD to drink it. In the winter, because the winters were truly cold in those days, the milk monitor used to bring it round and it was almost frozen – I remember it being a dark yellow colour with all these frozen lumps in – eurgggghhhh - and the smelly old cloth the teacher used to wipe up the drips – I still CANNOT drink milk to this day! Oh and the nit nurse who used to sit behind those screens with her kidney dish full of Dettol – happy days. 

At weekends my Nan used to take me on the steam train to Maidstone to buy bird seed at the market, then we’d go on Rochester castle to feed the pigeons. What a joy it was when the train went through the tunnel and you got a lung full of that lovely smoke. 

I’ve been away from Snodland for over 40 years now, and after moving around a lot have settled in Broadstairs. I’ve got three grown up kids all over 28 and two grandchildren, but it still feels like home. Went back for a visit 3 years ago – so sad, everything has changed, there’s a bypass at the bottom of the street where the school used to be, and modern houses where the allotments were. Got in touch with Judith Burtenshaw a while back – stumbled across here name on Friends Reunited and we kept in touch for a while, until I moved. If you’re reading this Judith, I would love to hear from you again. 

It’d be great to hear from anyone who knows of any of the names I’ve mentioned, or indeed who lived in Snodland in the 50’s / 60’s. 

Be nice to hear from someone.

Take care. 

Wendy McCoist (nee Barton)

Let me know if you have any information that can help here......

It was most fortuitous that I contacted you regarding my Tanner ancestors and Snodland in 2000. Initially I did not think so because it was November 2004 before my telephone rang and I found myself talking to a Tanner cousin, Andy Clarke, who had seen my entry on your website. Since then we have exchanged a considerable amount of Family History and met on two occasions. A clear indication of the value of your website.

My return to your website letter's section is in the hope that someone can help me identify why my Great Great Great Grandfather William Tanner, of Snodland Street in 1851 and Willow Walk in 1871, was not there in 1861 for the Census, neither was his son John who was born in 1836. They were both in the Portsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, Convict Establishment as Convicts in Custody according to the 1861 Census and their details confirm them as my missing relatives. 

Was there an incident in the Snodland area, possibly involving Lime Burners, around 1860 which put these two men behind bars? In which town's Quarter Sessions would their misdemeanor be recorded? Identifying this would help me narrow down the area of research if I have to go to the Public Record Office to find the details of their crime and sentence.

Thanks for your time, I have gained a great deal of information about Snodland and also the Lime Burning and Cement Industry from the website and look forward to adding to my knowledge.

Yours sincerely,

Barry Till