On this day in Kent

What has happened on this day in Kent over the years, with the occasional smile.

Covering major international events to the tiniest bit of trivia, it is amazing how many aspects of life have changed over the years, and equally amazing, how many things have remained the same.

This is an ongoing project which I hope to expand. Still a lot of work going on behind the scenes!

New British Restaurant

October 17, 1941
New British Restaurant

The new British Restaurant at St. Mary Bredin’s School, Canterbury, was opened. At the inaugural luncheon the Mayor (Alderman C. Lefevre) presided over a large attendance. He hoped that the restaurant would be supported to its fullest extent by the people of Canterbury.

BEM for exchange supervisor

October 17, 1941

Miss W. M. Scanlan, supervisor in charge of the post office telephone exchange at Dover, has been awarded the British Empire Medal. Miss Scanlan, who has served 33 years in the post office, has by her courage and devotion to duty during air raids set a fine example to her staff.

Talkies in church

October 17, 1937
Talkies in church

Rev. J. Roundhill of the Holy Trinity Church, Sittingbourne has introduced “talkies” into his services to encourage congregations. The first film was “Biblical Palestine” which filled the church well above average. It is proposed to hold a film service once a month.

Mill destroyed

October 17, 1933
Mill destroyed

Abbots (Dennes) Mill in Canterbury, built in 1792 and one of the largest in Kent, was destroyed by a fire lasting 3 days. There had been a mill on the site since the 1100s once owned by the Abbot of St. Augustine, hence its name.

Reformatory for George Osborne

October 17, 1878

George Osborne received 1 month hard labour and 5 years at reformatory school at the Kent Quarter Sessions after obtaining 6s by false pretences

Archbishop dies

October 17, 0739

Death of Nothelm, Archbishop of Canterbury