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!
Windmill reopens
June 13, 1999Herne windmill reopens to the public following extensive restoration
Guy did a ‘PJ Proby’
June 13, 1965
DJ and recording star Guy Hamilton did a ‘PJ Proby’ at the Winter Gardens, Margate when his tight black trousers revealed a 4″ split. Responding to shouts from the audience, he went to the wings to repair the tear while his band played an instrumental, and said it was not done on purpose.
Riding the waves
June 13, 1962Students Ron Brooks and Jim Wood, both 20, took a leisurely ride on their tandem – across the Channel. The tandem was fitted with 16ft floats, and the riders propelled a paddlewheel. Leaving Folkestone for Cap Gris Nez, they completed the expected 15 hour journey in under 9 hours.
Hot and wet
June 13, 1961Herne Bay was reported as having the heaviest rainfall in Britain. The previous day, it had topped the charts as the warmest resort in the country.
Coping with the Dean
June 13, 1958
Headmaster of Canterbury Cathedral Choir School, Rev. C. Pare, spoke of the lives of the choristers. He said services were ether a case of “coping with the Dean” or “training the Archbishop.” And of discipline, he said “picking 100 weeds out of the garden is far better than writing 100 lines.” He also observed one of the great privileges of the choristers was to have Bell Harry rung for them if they happen to die.
Ramsgate rubbish
June 13, 1950A resolution urging the Town Council to revert back to the twice weekly collection of house refuse was passed unanimously at the monthly meeting of the Standing Committee of Ramsgate Chamber of Commerce. The members felt that this was a type of economy which Ramsgate, as a health resort, could not afford.
First V1
June 13, 1944
Observers E. Woodland and A. Wright of Dymchurch saw the first V1 flying bomb over the county at 4.07am. However, Mr W. Knott of Home Farm, Hawkhurst claims to have seen two at 2.30am, which police suspected to be new allied jet powered planes. He later saw one at about 4.10am over the Weald of Kent being fired at by Ack-Ack guns.
Folkestone murder
June 13, 1943Caroline Trayler (18) was last seen alive after she left the Mechanics Arms in Folkestone. Her body was found 4 days later in an empty shop in Foord-road. Good forensics and detective work identified Gunner Dennis Leckey as the culprit, who was sentenced to death, but walked free on a technicality at the court of appeal.
New telephones in Folkestone
June 13, 1931At 2pm, 4,000 telephone subscribers in Folkestone, Cheriton, Hythe, Sangate and Lyminge areas were switched to automatic working. An additional 70 Post Office staff had been employed for 8 months to cover major internal, external and subscriber works.
Too bright for inmates
June 13, 1903
Instead of the green cord uniform worn by the men of the workhouse at Sittingbourne, a darkcolour cloth is to be substituted, as it was stated the green could be seen two miles off.