Nonington, Kent

The Pantomime at the Welfare Hall

My mum was called Jill Drake and my dad was Bob Drake and he worked down the pit.  We lived in St Johns Road and I remember that I was about 7 when the Elvington Players was first launched.  The Pantomime was Mother Goose and somewhere I have a photo of it which I will try and find it. It was a great hit and I think most families in Elvington had a part. I remember that Pearl and Alf Tridini were in it and the costumes were great.  All singing, all dancing.

Family History

My family history reveals that the name of Piddock was once known in Knowlton and the family name linked with the Church. Piddocks were also to be found at Nortbourne in the 1500s - do such facts have interest for anyone?

Lamberts Laundry

I called on many customers in Adisham village before the popularity of the automatic washing machine affected the laundry trade. I served all the main traders: Hosking Post Office, Best Bakery, Colmans Farm, and numerous private households. The generosity of the customers in providing tea and cakes added pleasant hours to my journey and I sometimes took the Sunday service at the Baptist Chapel.
My Monday round included Aylesham, Nonington, Elvington, Ash, Wingham, Ickham and Wickanbreaux, Littlebourne and stops in between. Adisham had its own charm [apart from the refreshments mainly offered by Mrs Hoskins at Hazlewood Bungalow], and made I several frends in the village. I left the laundry trade in 1964 to join the legal profession - but have fond memories of the welcoming folk of Adisham. This record will not enhance the village history but the recollection is quite dear to me. I seem to recall a person of my surname resides there still - any connection?

Great grand parents lived in Barhamn "Black" Mill

my ancestoers richard walter and family lived in Barham mill. The mill is also the "location" for the movie Raising a Riot.