Another Piece Of Dartford History

A Memory of Dartford.

Although born in Surrey, my parents moved to Swaisland Road when I was a baby, before buying a house in James Road in 1939 - just before the outbreak of WW2.
I attended the West Hill School during my junior days. Our instructions were to run on to school if the air-raid siren sounded if we were more than half way or go back home if we were not. Needless to say, most of us went back home even if we were outside the school gates. I later went on to The West Secondary School before going on to technical college in London for my City and Guilds certificate in cabinet making.
I belonged to the Lifeboys before joining the Boys Brigade (17th West Kent) connected to the Baptist Church and based at the YMCA on West Hill, Dartford. Those I remember, mostly part of the band, as I was the solo drummer, were "Ginger" Ransley - bass drum, Barry Simmons, Bill Smith, Terry Clark (bugles). "Puddeny'' Carter - drum major and of course Len Taylor's sons Tony and Jeff who also played the drums along with Ray Styles and myself. I still keep in contact with Norman Jarvis who informed me only a short time ago that Maurice Chittenden, our bandmaster, had passed away.
Like many others of our age I was called up for National Service and chose to join the RAF as a regular as a wireless operator and after completion of my service, migrated to Melbourne, Australia, where I now still live.
I have found it very interesting to recently find this website and look forward to, hopefully, with those still around of my era, making contact.
Fond memories, Michael Scotter


Added 19 April 2012

#236069

Comments & Feedback

Add your comment

You must be signed-in to your Frith account to post a comment.

Sign-in or Register to post a Comment.

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?