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!
Urgently deferred
December 9, 1966Excerpt from a report on an item at a Bridge-Blean rural council planning committee meeting: “Resolved: As a matter of urgency, that consideration…… be deferred.”
Hover barrow
December 9, 1960Ingenious Orpington builder Edward Drewery has invented the “Hover Barrow”. Powered by a 250cc motor-cycle engine, it uses the hovercraft principle to allow the hover barrow to glide over mud and potholes, which would leave a conventional barrow bogged down. The experimental model cost him £25.
Record litter
December 9, 1953A large white sow belonging to Stanley Hooker of Madams Court Frinsted gave birth to a litter of 24 pigs, believed to be a record. It is hoped that 8 will survive. The average litter of pigs is 7-8.
Work suspended on cathedral
December 9, 1939It was decided to stop restoration work on Canterbury Cathedral’s Bell Harry tower owing to the recent declaration of war.
Christmas holiday appeal
December 9, 1938Following an appeal from Miss Cutler, Head of the County School for Girls, Sittingbourne, twelve offers have been made to receive Jewish and no-aryan girls from Austria and Germany over the Christmas holidays. The girls are at school in England during the term – the offers mean that a pleasant Christmas holiday for them is assured.
Blackshirts help casualty
December 9, 1933A Mr Gambrill fell in front of the Herne Bay bus in Sea St, Whitstable following an epileptic fit. The bus driver managed to pull up, and the man was attended to by four Blackshirts and taken to the Fascist Headquarters where his wounds were washed and dressed by the first aid section of the British Union of Fascists.
Rousing reception for VC recipient
December 9, 1915Ex Kings School 2nd-Lieut AJT Fleming-Sandes receives a rousing reception in Canterbury following his recent award of a VC
Speeding
December 9, 1898Henry Black was fined a total of 21s 6d for driving a locomotive at over two miles an hour in London Road, Canterbury on December lst
Brewers go for a few drinks
December 9, 1890The men employed at Tomson and Wotton’s Ramsgate brewery had their annual outing. Two saloon carriages on the S.E.R. provided with plenty of refreshments for the journey to London was thoroughly enjoyed. They wended their way to the Smithfield cattle show and various places of amusement were subsequently patronised; the return journey commenced 11.50pm. On the way home the toast of “The Firm,” by whom the expenses of the day were generously borne, was most enthusiastically drunk.
“The Admiral” fined
December 9, 1889An eccentric man name Rutley was fined 38s at Dover Police Court for being drunk and disorderly. He is locally known as “The Admiral” after he paid a visit to the German fleet last autumn attired in the uniform of British Admiral, and was received as such by the German commander. It was stated that the defendant was in the habit of wearing a sword, and when under the influence of drink he flourished it about in a dangerous manner.