Offham, Kent

Birling School.

The Headmistress of Birling School was Miss Bragger who lived in the schoolhouse a few steps from the porched door of the school.  Miss Bragger taught the 7-11 year mixed classes. Mrs Dyke had charge of the 5-7 year olds, she had the most deadly aim with small pieces of chalk which came your way if you misbehaved. Each year we... [more]

Clare Park

I lived in Larkfield but have very fond memories of Clare Park Secondary School. I only went there up to 4th year as in July 1980 we emigrated to Australia. I can remember the cross country run in the middle of winter and trying to not slip on the ice. I can remember Mr Derfell as a teacher, and... [more]

The Coronation

In 1953 very few households had television. I remember going along to the Fourways cafe on Coronation Day with my parents so that we could watch the Coronation on the television. My sister was only 3 and I was 5. The cafe was run by Mr and Mrs King. My now step mother worked there as a cook. Years later the... [more]

Childhood

My name is Gail Godden, formally Morris, my father was Tony (Anthony Morris), my mother Eugene (Jean Morris). My father and I were both born at No. 6 Church Row, West Peckham, we moved to No. 2 Church Row. West Peckham has a strong pull in my heart as my father named Morris was in fact a Glover, I have no... [more]

Trips to Wrotham

I was born in London in 1940. Our flat was demolished by the first flying bomb so my parents moved to West Kingsdown when I was three months old. From an early age I remember being taken quite regularly by my mother along the A20 hitching a ride to Wrotham. When arriving in Wrotham and after walking along... [more]

Jim Iles

My husband Jime Iles was at Holmesdale School from 1956 to 1960. He won many awards for his metalwork and wood work with Mr Dodds. He lived in Tomlins Cottages in Snodland which have now been demolished. He worked at Holborough Cement works for a few years as his father Jim Iles (snr) who is 90 this year. We all now... [more]

Memory of Snodland

I remember the Brick and Terry. Ted worked with my dad in the paper mill. I remember Mr Dodd as well. He was my woodwork teacher and a very nice man, unlike a lot of the other teachers at that establishment. I was in the Bull pub a few months ago, on one of my rare visits to the UK. I... [more]

The Bricklayers Arms

The Brick was my home from 1954-1972. My parents Ted and Doris Simmonds were the publicans and maybe there are people out there who still remember them. My Aunt Ethel used to entertain everyone on the piano which she loved to play and was a big attraction. Dad used to make such enormous fires throughout the winter, which were so hot... [more]