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!
Five killed in rail crash
October 15, 1994
Five people were killed and 13 injured in a head-on rail collision on a single line, at Cowden in Kent after a driver ran a red signal
The Great Storm
October 15, 1987
The great storm strikes Cornwall, Essex and Kent with winds gusts in excess of 115 MPH causing widespread structural damage to buildings and downing over 15 million trees including six of the seven famous oak trees in Sevenoaks, Kent.
Computer maniacs
October 15, 1982
Invicta Grammmer School head Glenda Blackburn warned parents to beware of letting their children become ‘computer maniacs’. She suggested parents who allow their children to play on the computer should make sure they go to the library as well.
Jim fixes it for KCC
October 15, 1976
Kent County Council have recruited Jimmy Saville to record a telephone road safety message for youngsters. Mr Leo Roberts, chairman of the KCC Consumer Protection Committee, responsible for road safety, said “Jim has a real gift in communicating with young people. They really take in what he has to say.”
The price of pedantry
October 15, 1965Cllr Edwin Shersby rose at a Canterbury council meeting last week to complain that a television announcer had referred to “Kent University” instead of giving the full title of “University of Kent at Canterbury.” He suggested a letter asking them to use the correct name. No one mentioned that the council minute on which he was speaking also contained reference to the “Kenty County Council.”
Meetings redefined
October 15, 1951
Retiring as Maidstone Borough Surveyor after 47 years, Mr J. H. Hughes redefined a committee, based on experience. It was “A body of persons who keep minutes and waste hours; who individually can do nothing and collectively decide that nothing can be done.” In the last 12 years, Mr Hughes has attended 1,936 committee meetings.
Service for Home Guard
October 15, 1944A service is held in Canterbury Cathedral following the standing down of the Home Guard. Mayors, dignitaries and MPs from all over Kent attended.
Junkers 88 shot down
October 15, 1943Junkers 88 crew killed as it is shot down at Great Brooks End Farm, Birchington
Tribute to horse casualties
October 15, 1922
Lord Harris dedicates a drinking trough to horse casualties of the war. It was originally sited at the Cattle Market near St Georges Terrace in Canterbury, but was moved to the paved area outside Nasons in the 1960s
Harbour opened
October 15, 1909The Prince of Wales (later King George V) opened the newly completed naval harbour at Dover