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!
Post bus
February 8, 1957
An SOS phone message was received by Maidstone and District Motor Services asking for an inspector to meet a certain bus on arrival. An elderly lady had posted a letter in the used ticket box, thinking it was a post box. It came to light when she mentioned to relatives how she had been saved a walk to the post office, and how marvellous the bus service is.
Faversham cordon
February 8, 1950
Police cordon off Faversham and search buses leaving after Winifred Nora Dixon (24) is stabbed to death in Abbey Street. Her husband George (26) was caught in Chatham later in the day and charged.
Roman pavement
February 8, 1946
Court Bros., owners of 11 & 12 Butchery Lane, Canterbury where a Roman tesselated pavement has been found, have offered the site for preservation to the Council for £5,150, subject to options on a lease or alternative accommodation. The offer must be accepted or refused by March 16th.
Pictures by air
February 8, 1939
Messrs. Rogers of High Street Ramsgate have proved experts wrong over their 25 mile limit for television signals, for after 6 months experimentation, they have proved satisfactory reception in Thanet, some 70 miles from London. They have proved that television is not merely a scientific toy, but has real entertainment value. It will not be a very far distant date when television sets in the district are almost as common as the better type of ordinary sound receiver.
PC killed
February 8, 1928PC Edwin Longhurst was killed by an East Kent bus after he overtook on the nearside on his bike near Westgate Court Avenue, Canterbury at 7.30pm. Driver W. Austin of Zealand Terrace was exonerated of all blame.
Church consecrated
February 8, 1876Church of St John the Baptist in Swalecliffe was consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury
Gas bill
February 8, 1867DOVER GAS-LIGHT COMPANY. Consumers are respectfully informed that to Save the Discouut on the current quarter’s accounts, they are required to PAID BY FRIDAY NEXT, the 15th inst., either to the Collector, or at the Coal Office, Russell Street.
Irish tramps
February 8, 1851The town and parish of Margate has lately been so overrun by Irish tramps and sturdy beggars that during the month of January no fewer than 21 were committed to Dover gaol by John Boys, our only resident magistrate.